Former Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison has been talking Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak and the implications of signing the Newcastle United striker

Former Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison has been talking Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak and the implications of signing the Newcastle United striker

In the latest Blood Red column, Ian Doyle assesses the imminent departure of Darwin Nunez and the Uruguayan's impact at Liverpool

In the latest Blood Red column, Ian Doyle assesses the imminent departure of Darwin Nunez and the Uruguayan's impact at Liverpool

The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip including updates on Bradley Barcola, Giovanni Lioni and Harvey Elliott

The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip including updates on Bradley Barcola, Giovanni Lioni and Harvey Elliott

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions his team should be regarded Premier League title favourites due to their summer spending

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has dismissed suggestions his team should be regarded Premier League title favourites due to their summer spending

Liverpool FC Women has announced Gareth Taylor as its new head coach, concluding a six-month search for Matt Beard's permanent replacement.

Taylor joins the Reds after recently parting ways with Manchester City Women in March. The 52-year-old boasts a five-year tenure at City, where he clinched the Women's FA Cup and League Cup, narrowly missing out on the Women's Super League title on goal difference in 2024.

Amber Whiteley, who stepped up as interim head coach following Beard's exit in February, will continue with Liverpool as assistant coach.

Additionally, Chad Gribble, Taylor's former deputy at City, will join the revamped coaching team.

"I am delighted to have been appointed as Liverpool's new head coach," Taylor expressed.

"Everyone in football knows about the history, size and potential of this club, and I am really looking forward to the task ahead.

"Our aim is to create a team that supporters can be proud of, which plays good football and which will hopefully bring success along the way."

Taylor's coaching credentials are well-established, having spent several years at City's men's Academy before taking the reins of the women's team in 2020. His career also includes an 18-year stint as a player, during which he earned 15 caps for Wales.

The new gaffer for Liverpool FC Women will take the helm for the first time in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath training ground on Saturday, as the Reds gear up for their WSL season opener against Everton at Anfield on September 7.

Liverpool's women's team has a new coach

Liverpool FC Women's managing director Andy O'Boyle expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Gareth to the club.

"This has been a very detailed process and it was clear that Gareth was the outstanding candidate. He has a proven track record of building successful, identity-driven teams and his ability to develop players and help them reach the next level is second to none.

"We have a very clear vision of how we will return LFC Women to the upper echelons of the game and this is a crucial step on that journey.

"We want our team playing with a clear identity as a Liverpool team, playing Liverpool football in front of passionate Liverpool fans.

"Gareth shares that vision and we believe he has the qualities and experience to deliver it."

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Chelsea is inching closer to securing the services of Alejandro Garnacho.

It's understood that the Blues have agreed personal terms with the Manchester United winger, although a transfer fee is yet to be settled upon. Garnacho has fallen out of favor at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim bolstering his attacking options with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo after a fallout with his No. 17.

The Argentine was left behind while the Red Devils jetted off to the United States for pre-season, fuelling speculation that he will depart before the transfer window slams shut. It comes as Paul Scholes was forced to give Liverpool praise.

Garnacho is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, having earmarked Chelsea as his preferred destination this summer, and the 21-year-old has agreed to personal terms. However, without an agreement on the transfer fee, these developments may prove fruitless.

United's hefty £50M ($67M) price tag seems to be a sticking point for the Blues currently. There were whispers that the Red Devils might consider a part-exchange deal involving Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson, but their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko appears to have quashed those discussions.

The asking price is less than it was in January when both Chelsea and Napoli expressed interest in Garnacho. However, since then, the winger's value has dipped as it became evident that Amorim doesn't view him as a regular starter.

Marcus Rashford has also left Manchester United, joining Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)

"I think with Garnacho, you can understand and you can see that he's talented, he's a really talented boy," Amorim said earlier in the summer. "But sometimes things don't work out and you cannot explain specifically what it is.

"But I have the feeling – and I think it's clear - that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership and I can understand that. So I don't think it's a problem. Sometimes you adapt to one guy and you have the connection. Other times you want a new challenge."

United has already shipped out another member of their so-called 'bomb squad', with Marcus Rashford heading to Barcelona on a season-long loan.

The England international could secure a permanent switch to Camp Nou if he delivers during the campaign, with Barca holding an option.

The club remains eager to move on Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia after the trio concluded last season away on loan.

Real Betis continues to show interest in retaining Antony in Seville following his impressive displays there last term, while Sancho has drawn attention from Serie A despite Chelsea deciding against a permanent move after a year on loan at Stamford Bridge.

United will contest their final pre-season friendly at home to Fiorentina on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Arsenal. Chelsea won't have Garnacho available for their friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan this weekend, but he could arrive in time for their league opener against Crystal Palace.

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken again about Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken again about Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak

Newcastle United attempted to renegotiate a new contract with Alexander Isak earlier this week, but the player rejected the approach and made it clear that he wants to join Liverpool this summer.

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claimed during a recent video that Isak has no intention of signing a new deal with Newcastle. Liverpool submitted a formal offer worth $148 million in an attempt to sign Isak earlier this window, but the bid was rejected.

Due to uncertainty surrounding his future, Isak has been forced to train away from the rest of the Newcastle squad. Isak is under contract at Newcastle until June 2028, but head coach Eddie Howe confirmed that he will continue to train in isolation unless his attitude changes.

Liverpool is reportedly ready to submit an improved offer for Isak, but is waiting for Newcastle to allow negotiations. Newcastle has attempted to sign a new striker, and a potential replacement for Isak, but has suffered a disastrous summer transfer window.

An attempted contract renegotiation and substantial pay rise for Isak failed, and the player is pushing to join Liverpool. "I'm told that he's saying in a very clear way to Newcastle this week, that he's not willing to sign a new contract at the club," Romano said in a recent update.

"Newcastle tried again earlier this week, but Isak has no intention to sign and wants Liverpool." Howe also provided an update on Isak's situation on Friday.

Alexander Isak is doing all he can to force a move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

"We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment we can’t have him involved with the group," Howe told reporters. "I don’t know how long that will be for.

"It’s clear I can’t involve him with the team at the moment. He is training later than the rest of the squad. There have been discussions since the tour. I don’t think disciplinary action has happened.

"He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our perspective, we would love to have him back with the team, but the situation has to be right for that to happen."

Eddie Howe won't allow Isak to train with the rest of the Newcastle squad (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle has made several attempts to sign a new striker this summer and was interested in Ipswich forward Liam Delap. Chelsea ended up signing the England striker, and Newcastle began to focus on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool then agreed a deal worth $106 million to sign Ekitike, beating Newcastle to the signing. Then, Liverpool began pursuing a record deal for Isak, but Newcastle has yet to enter negotiations.

Newcastle then attempted to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, and finally had a bid accepted. However, Manchester United hijacked the deal after Sesko admitted that he'd prefer to join the Europa League finalists.

It's still believed that Newcastle would only allow Isak to leave if a suitable replacement could be signed. However, with Isak unwilling to sign a new deal and his stock high, Newcastle may be forced to sell the striker.

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Liverpool’s Adidas Kit Sales Shatter Records Ahead of 2025-26 Season In a week that will go down in club retail history, Liverpool’s new era with Adidas has begun with a thunderous statement. The release of the 2025-26 home and away kits has already smashed previous sales records, showing just how powerful this partnership is turning […]

The post Revealed: The Numbers Behind Liverpool’s Record-Breaking Adidas Kit Sales appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Ben Doak’s Liverpool Future in Doubt Amid Premier League Interest Ben Doak has long been considered one of Liverpool’s brightest young prospects, but his Anfield future looks increasingly uncertain as the summer transfer window edges closer to its conclusion. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele gave a telling insight into Doak’s […]

The post Journalist: Premier League Clubs ‘Keen’ on Signing £25m Liverpool Star appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s Transfer Window: Business Far From Done Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Arne Slot has been methodical, ambitious and quietly ruthless. Fresh from lifting the Premier League trophy in his debut season, Slot’s second campaign in charge looks set to feature a squad reshaped for another title push. The recent insights from Anfield Index, where Lewis […]

The post Journalist: Three Liverpool Stars Could Still Leave This Summer appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Arne Slot has been methodical, ambitious and quietly ruthless. Fresh from lifting the Premier League trophy in his debut season, Slot’s second campaign in charge looks set to feature a squad reshaped for another title push.

The recent insights from Anfield Index, where Lewis Steele spoke to Dave Davis, paint a picture of a club operating with surgical precision in the market, underpinned by a significant windfall from player sales. While the rumour mill spins, Liverpool’s strategy appears well-defined.

Pushing Hard for Isak and Guehi

Top of the agenda is Alexander Isak. The Newcastle United forward has emerged as Liverpool’s primary target to bolster their attacking options. Isak, with his pace, link-up play and clinical finishing, fits Slot’s system perfectly. Although prising him away from St James’ Park will not be cheap, the club seems determined.

At the back, Marc Guehi remains the standout centre-back target. With just one year left on his Crystal Palace contract, there is a growing sense that a deal could be done if Liverpool decide to act decisively. His composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back are likely key attributes that have caught the attention of Liverpool’s recruitment team.

Steele confirmed as much, stating, “I think they will definitely sign a forward and then they will do their best to sign a centre-back before the end of the window.”

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£200m Raised in Sales Fuelling Moves

There is understandable curiosity about how Liverpool are financing these bold moves. Steele addressed this directly: “A lot of people will be saying how can Liverpool afford all of this? But in terms of outgoings, Liverpool have brought in close to £200m in player sales.”

That figure is telling. It reflects a wider strategy that is not simply about splashing cash but balancing ambition with sustainability. These funds have largely come from high-profile exits, with a handful of further departures expected.

Who Could Still Leave?

Several familiar faces could be nearing the exit door. “We’ve already seen Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Tyler Morton, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah,” said Steele, in reference to potential or confirmed exits. He added, “Then you look at the likes of Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak and Kostas Tsimikas who could all still leave.”

Each name represents either an opportunity for reinvestment or the clearing of space in a tightly managed wage structure. Liverpool are clearly not clinging to sentiment, instead prioritising what is required for success in the Slot era.

Focused and Forward-Thinking Approach

The key takeaway from Steele’s conversation with Anfield Index is that Liverpool are not operating in panic mode. There is a clear plan, executed with pragmatism and confidence. The club understands the pressures of maintaining momentum after a title-winning campaign, and the moves being made suggest that complacency will not be tolerated.

Slot, now fully settled into life at Anfield, is building a team that can not only defend the title but also evolve stylistically. Adding Isak and Guehi would enhance both ends of the pitch, while trimming the squad allows for focus, cohesion and opportunity for others.

With weeks still remaining in the window, expect movement. Liverpool have already done plenty, but they are not done yet.

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Latest Liverpool transfer news as Newcastle United make a major call regarding striker Alexander Isak

Latest Liverpool transfer news as Newcastle United make a major call regarding striker Alexander Isak

Every transfer window a player’s head is turned, but the tactics used to navigate their desires differ dramatically. Here, Mo Stewart speaks to those who have experienced it first-hand.

Not for sale.

A phrase heard often during the madness of the transfer window. Those three little words are supposed to signal the end of discussions, but more often than not it’s the opposite, as clubs try to decide what to do about a prized asset that wants to leave.

It’s a scenario that’s played out across the Premier League this summer, with the likes of Yoane Wissa and Morgan Gibbs-White expressing desires to move on, much to the despair of their parent clubs.

For all of Liverpool’s remarkable efficiency in the current window, they’ve been wrapped up in a number of similar sagas.

The club slapped ‘not for sale’ signs on both of their senior left wingers – Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz – and were given the same answer when enquiring about Newcastle‘s star striker, Alexander Isak.

The fact that it appears that only one of that trio will not be sold shows the messy and complicated nature of these negotiations. And that’s before we mention the protracted departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Conventional wisdom suggests that once a player has had their head turned, it’s only a matter of time before they move on, for the good of all parties. But is that really the case?

Is it impossible for a wantaway player to be welcomed back into the fold? What effect do these transfer sagas have on their teammates, and what level of influence do they have on each other’s decisions?

In order to try and answer these questions, I spoke to a range of former players, current coaches and journalists who have been in the middle of such situations.

To protect relationships, all sources shall remain anonymous.

No hard and fast rule

The dressing room is a delicate ecosystem. Players with different personalities, from different backgrounds, with different priorities are all required to come together for a common cause.

Someone deciding that they no longer want to be a part of that group – particularly when it’s the star player like Isak – can bring up a myriad of emotions.

One player who had been through that scenario told me: “It was difficult for the squad. You’ve got to get your head around the fact that you’re losing a top player. It affects the culture of the club, that team spirit, that togetherness.

“You want the best for your pal, but also you can understand both perspectives. It’s not an easy situation.”

Another source agreed: “No matter how professional players want to be, it is very uncomfortable for a dressing room. They will know their team-mate is under strain, they will wonder what it’ll mean for the club if he’s sold, they will also wonder what it means for their own careers.”

Often, these situations can be brewing for some time before they become public.

Even amongst team-mates who are close, the desire to leave can remain a guarded secret: “Some personalities, regardless of how well they get on with the dressing room, prefer not to divulge any details about their transfer intentions as to not put any team-mate in an uncomfortable situation.

“I’ve received messages from players before asking what the truth is with one of their team-mates or even the manager.”

The rumours of Manchester City’s agreement with Diaz were dismissed last summer, but The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed in March that there was indeed concrete interest, which seemed to be confirmed after the eventual departure of Diaz to Bayern Munich.

There have been no suggestions that his Liverpool team-mates played a part in persuading him to stay, but reports have intimated that some senior Newcastle players have tried to influence Isak’s decision.

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As with many elements of this situation, my research has found that there’s no hard and fast rule: “Some players stay neutral because they feel the pressure, stress and coverage is already too intense. Some believe it is not their business.

“Those who feel extra responsibility for the team often do try to sway a decision – Steven Gerrard with Luis Suarez and Arsenal being a case in point. It depends on the bonds and the personalities involved.“

It can also depend on your place in the pecking order. For those trying to break into the first XI, losing a big player can be a positive: “From a personal point of view, I really wanted him to go, because you begin to chart your pathway and you think, well, if he moves, that’s me one step closer. You’re totally selfish from a player perspective.”

A clear dichotomy

Herein lies the contradictions of team sports. The cliche ‘we win as a team, we lose as a team’ is only true up to a point.

That team is constantly changing, and players, managers and fans invoke this collective spirit – or ignore it – where they see fit.

Isak is being accused by Newcastle fans of a lack of loyalty to a team who broke their transfer record to sign him from Real Sociedad at a time when many clubs were unsure, and to a manager who helped turn him into a world-class player.

Based on my conversations, it’s likely that those within the dressing room see things differently: “One massively important thing fans can often forget or not realise is that the players are not fans of the club they play. They are professional players trying to do what’s best for them, not the club.

“They might love being at a club, but no way will that stop them moving on somewhere else if it suits them for family or money.

“I often hear fans say, ‘Why would he want to leave?’, but they aren’t loyal to the club like fans are.”

Another source reminded me that there are two sides to this theme: “Players know how ruthless it can be when the tables are turned and a club is trying to push you out the door.

“I remember a player once saying to me, ‘If a club wants you gone, they will do everything in their power to move you on. Why should we not do the same if we want to go?’.”

Everything in their power can include refusing to go on tour, training at the facilities of your former club or, in the case of Wissa, threatening to never play for the club again.

Everyone of a Liverpool persuasion remembers Philippe Coutinho’s phantom back injury, or the Luis Suarez interview with a national newspaper where he was pleading to be allowed to join Arsenal.

But the tactics that we don’t see are often even more extreme: “I remember joining a club where one player was desperate to leave. The first time I got picked up…team bus, away game. This player was scribbling our team name off the headrest and writing another team’s name! He didn’t care. It was that blatant.”

These antics can stick in the craw of most observers, but again, there’s more understanding from their peers: “There will be players that applaud if you remain committed, but there are those who will realise that you need to force your way out.

“I’ll use the Coutinho situation as an example – even Jurgen Klopp was hurt by how emotionally taxed the Brazilian was and he would have sanctioned the sale to Barcelona in the summer.”

That level of understanding is important on the occasions that players come back from the brink.

Coutinho, like Suarez before him, had his best period in a red shirt after returning from exile. Neither Diaz nor Joe Gomez showed any lingering ill feeling from prospective moves that didn’t happen.

Newcastle will hope that Isak can be reintegrated like Anthony Gordon was 12 months ago. Gibbs-White perhaps went further than all of the others mentioned, but will still be wearing the captain’s armband at Nottingham Forest this coming season.

One player admitted that while it’s not easy to return with your tail between your legs, it’s not impossible: “I can imagine it’s difficult. If it’s a player who’s not been performing or has got ideas above their station, then, you hold it against them.

“I would personally, if a player got a bit too big for their boots. You’ve upset the culture of the team. And it’s something that you work on. But I think when you’ve performed well, the players are very quick to forgive.”

Another source added: “They all know deep down it could be them next that gets a big offer.”

No point of no return

Setting a precedent for future situations is a reason regularly cited for the actions of clubs and fans.

Many Liverpool fans who booed Alexander-Arnold were hoping to send a message to any other players thinking of running down their contract to run to Madrid, such as Ibrahima Konate.

Newcastle have been warned on countless TV debates and phone-ins that blocking Isak’s path to a bigger club could cause them even more problems in recruiting new players.

However, it might not be the players that are reluctant to do business: “Players are wise enough to know each individual scenario is different, but their representatives definitely take notes – not just on how clubs deal with players that want to leave, but how they sign wantaway players from elsewhere too.

“I will never forget one agent telling me that Liverpool were having it easy with Coutinho and he’d have his clients kicking up way more of a fuss.”

It remains to be seen if Isak is willing to kick up more of a fuss, such as handing in an official transfer request – a move that usually will come at a financial cost to a player.

You can never say never in football, but ultimately to those who have been there, Isak’s departure appears inevitable: “If he’s going to go, he’s going to go.

“It’s unfair to stop the progress of his career. The best scenario for everybody is he goes and trains on his own while Liverpool and Newcastle come to the conclusion.

“Newcastle have got a prized asset there, so it’s a little game of cat and mouse. Liverpool are trying to keep it to a reasonable fee, and I think a reasonable fee would be probably £130, £140 million.”

What all of this tells us is that football very rarely deals in definitives. Every rule can be broken, every stance softened. There is no point of no return.

As one source reminded me: “You’d be amazed how quickly things change in football.”

Even when searching for his replacement, Newcastle have maintained that Isak is not for sale.

Let’s wait and see, shall we?

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