Stephenson: I jumped at the chance to leave
Luca Stephenson has spoken about his permanent exit from Liverpool and he did not hold back. "I jumped at the opportunity to leave Liverpool. They couldn't give me what I wanted," the former Red said (2). It is a blunt exit interview from a player who clearly felt he had no path forward at Anfield.
PSG want $173m for Barcola as Liverpool circle
The Bradley Barcola chase is getting expensive. PSG are demanding a fee in the region of $173 million for the forward, with Liverpool and the Paris club reportedly confident of reaching an agreement (1). The Reds have also been quoted a new fee for Barcola, though the exact figure is not yet public (4). Complicating matters: PSG are dealing with an injury to Hugo Ekitike and are already lining up a replacement, which could make them more reluctant to sell (1).
Owen: Gakpo has been 'consistently poor'
Michael Owen has not pulled any punches on Cody Gakpo. The former Liverpool striker called the Dutchman "consistently poor" and suggested the club should consider moving him on (3). Gakpo has been linked with a switch to Tottenham (3). The timing is awkward: you are in a summer of transition and your squad already looks thin.
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Salah to Trabzonspor, Carragher unimpressed
Mohamed Salah left on a free at the end of June after nine years at Anfield, signing for Trabzonspor until 2028 (5). Jamie Carragher did not hide his feelings: "Turkey feels a level too low for me" (5). Your all-time Premier League goalscorer is now in the Süper Lig.
No Spence deal happening
Liverpool are not working on a deal for Tottenham right-back Djed Spence. Ben Jacobs reported it plainly on Thursday: "Liverpool are not currently working on Djed Spence. Spence is open to a move away from Spurs and has been offered to several clubs, but LFC are focused on other targets as it stands" (10). The BBC and other outlets confirmed the same stance (12) (13). Your defense is depleted by injuries, but Spence is not the answer the club are chasing.
Mac Allister loves Romero, Atletico in talks
Alexis Mac Allister has made his feelings on Cristian Romero crystal clear. "He's a player I love. For me, he's been the best centre-back in the world for several years," the Liverpool midfielder said (11). Atletico Madrid are in club-to-club talks with Tottenham for the Argentine, and Liverpool are in the mix (11). Fabrizio Romano confirmed the discussions (11).
City eyeing a Liverpool midfielder if Rodri leaves
Manchester City have reportedly made contact with the camp of a Liverpool midfielder as they prepare for the possibility of Rodri leaving this summer (7). The name is not yet public, but losing a central piece to a direct rival would sting.
Fan reactions
The Barcola links are dominating the discussion. The mood is split: some fans see the PSG forward as exactly the statement signing this transitional summer needs, while others are wary of the price tag and would rather see the money spread across multiple positions. Read the full thread here.
