Julian Ward is Liverpool's new sporting director
Julian Ward is back at Liverpool, this time as sporting director. He takes over from Richard Hughes, who has left the role (3) (6). Ward, 45, previously succeeded Michael Edwards in the same job in 2022 (6).
That is the headline change at the top of your club. The rest is now his to sort out.
Ward's to-do list is bigger than transfers
Ward has more than the transfer window on his desk. He has a number of important items on Liverpool's agenda already (2).
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Transfers are the easy bit to talk about. Everything else is the job.
Michael Olise interest, and Tchouameni on the radar
Michael Olise is still doing the rounds of Liverpool transfer talk. So are Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid and Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni (1).
Liverpool sit sixth after five games, on 9 points with a +3 goal difference. Their form is D W W D W. They have drawn twice at home, against Nottingham Forest 2–2 on August 29 and Fulham 0–0 on September 12, and won away at Ipswich 2–0 on September 4 and Bournemouth 1–0 on September 20, plus a 2–1 home win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on September 9.
Reds weigh a £47m deal for a Klopp favourite
Liverpool are considering a £47m deal for a player described as a Jürgen Klopp favourite (4). The Reds are starting to make long-term plans (4).
Klopp backs Wirtz: "can be himself"
Jürgen Klopp has defended Florian Wirtz over his Liverpool form. Germany's head coach wants Wirtz to "can be himself" with the national team (5).
That is the most public backing Wirtz has had while it has not clicked at Anfield.
January bid lined up for Aranda
Liverpool are preparing a January offer for Tomás Aranda, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder at Boca Juniors (8) (9). Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested (8). Andoni Iraola's name is in the mix too (7) (8).
Galatasaray linked with van Dijk
Galatasaray are reportedly plotting a move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (7). No done deal, no fee. Just a link.
Fan-reaktioner
Anfield trips are on the menu: one fan of over 40 years is heading to the Villarreal Champions League match in October and asking the sub for food tips (thread). Others are looking ahead to a new season, with a bit of side-eye at City's trophy cabinet along the way (thread).
