Klopp is ready for Germany
He said it himself. Jurgen Klopp has confirmed talks with the German FA about taking over the national team. "Ich bin bereit", I am ready (6). "Estou mais do que revigorado. Estou pronto" (3). Multiple outlets across four languages carried the same message Friday: Klopp wants the job, and he wants it now (3) (4) (5) (6) (13). Julian Nagelsmann's successor is all but named. For Liverpool fans, it is a strange sight, your greatest modern manager preparing to lead another team. But the door was always going to open eventually. He told one outlet the process "moved fast" (13). Some reports already frame it as a done deal toward the 2030 World Cup (9).
Van Dijk could be sold
This one stings. Liverpool are open to offers for Virgil van Dijk, your captain (2) (12). The club has not stood in the way, and the BBC gossip roundup carried it plain (12). It follows a summer of upheaval, Arne Slot out, Andoni Iraola in, and now the possibility that the bedrock of your defense leaves before the season starts. Van Dijk himself has not spoken publicly. But the signals from the club are clear.
Diomande chooses PSG, Konate already gone
Two centre-back stories, neither good. Yan Diomande, long linked with Liverpool, now looks set for PSG (1). The RB Leipzig winger was a target, but the deal never materialised. And Ibrahima Konate? He has already left for Real Madrid (1). The backline that once felt unbreakable has been dismantled in one window. A £60m signing in Jérémy Jacquet helps, but the rebuild is real.
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Salah's Egypt through on penalties
Mohamed Salah did what Mohamed Salah does. Egypt beat Australia 1–1 (4–2 on penalties) to reach the World Cup Round of 16, and Salah scored a Panenka in the shootout (7) (11). He cried after the final whistle. "I don't know if this is my last World Cup or not, but I had to do it," he said (7). He also laughed about the Panenka: "If anyone was going to do that in the game, it would be me" (7). Maty Ryan was the goalkeeper he chipped. Cold.
Wharton pursuit cools
Crystal Palace are growing confident they keep Adam Wharton (8). Liverpool's interest has faded, and Tottenham, Manchester City, and Manchester United were also in the picture at various points. Iraola reportedly holds some admiration for the midfielder, but the trail has gone cold (8). Not the midfield reinforcement some fans were hoping for.
Liverpool tracking Mexican talent Gilberto Mora
A new name. Liverpool are among the clubs in the race for Gilberto Mora, the young Mexican prospect (14). No bid yet, and the report is light on detail. One to watch rather than one to bank on.
Gemma Evans leaves Liverpool FC Women
A done deal. Liverpool FC Women defender Gemma Evans has completed a move to Newcastle United Women (10). A quiet exit, but official.
Fan reactions
Fans are keeping it light this weekend, with a quiz making the rounds on the subreddit, match each Liverpool player to their nation. Give it a go here. A small distraction from the Van Dijk news and the Klopp headlines.
