Darwin Nunez could make a sensational return to Liverpool just one year after leaving for Al-Hilal, with reports suggesting the striker wants to come back to Anfield following his nightmare spell in Saudi Arabia

Darwin Nunez could make a sensational return to Liverpool just one year after leaving for Al-Hilal, with reports suggesting the striker wants to come back to Anfield following his nightmare spell in Saudi Arabia

The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as a host of players continue to be linked with the Reds following the arrival of Andoni Iraola

The latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as a host of players continue to be linked with the Reds following the arrival of Andoni Iraola

Michael Olise has been turning heads ahead of the World Cup, but despite repeated links to Liverpool he is unlikely to be moving to Anfield

Michael Olise has been turning heads ahead of the World Cup, but despite repeated links to Liverpool he is unlikely to be moving to Anfield

Liverpool are in “pole position” to sign Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn – and could complete a deal this week due to the teenager’s release clause.

Eichhorn is set to leave German second-tier side Hertha this summer and Liverpool are among the clubs leading the race.

Sky Germany report that the Reds remain in “pole position” despite wider interest in the 16-year-old including from Man City and Bayern Munich.

Who is Liverpool target Kennet Eichhorn?

Full Name: Kennet EichhornAge: 16 (July 27, 2009)Height: 6’1″ (186cm)Birthplace: Bernau bei Berlin, Germany

Club: Hertha BerlinPosition: Defensive MidfielderFoot: RightRelease Clause: €9m (£7.8m)

Bayern have however now ruled themselves out of contention, with Bundesliga sides Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund and RB Leipzig considered Liverpool’s competitors at this stage.

A deal is likely to be arranged within the next seven days as Eichhorn’s release clause expires on June 15.

The clause means the deep-lying midfielder is available for around €9 million (£7.8m), though it has been claimed elsewhere that his camp are seeking a further €10 million (£8.6m) as a signing-on fee.

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Liverpool appear comfortable with the parameters of any deal and as it stands they seem most likely to convince Eichhorn to sign.

The Germany U17 international will, however, be unable to officially sign for Liverpool until he turns 18 next summer.

Instead, the expectation is that a deal will be brokered ahead of time with Eichhorn then sent on loan from Hertha to a side in the Bundesliga for the 2026/27 campaign.

Why Leverkusen could emerge for Kennet Eichhorn loan

It is therefore interesting that Sky Germany name Leverkusen as a possible destination in that regard despite their own interest in landing a permanent transfer.

Leverkusen, now managed by Carles Martinez Novell (pictured above), hold a strong relationship with Liverpool – and if the Reds are successful in signing Eichhorn, the German club could present him with an ideal temporary home.

That comes with U19s coach Konstantinos Kotsifakis, who worked closely with the midfielder at Hertha, making the move to Leverkusen’s staff this summer.

?? Leverkusen and Leipzig are not giving up on Kennet Eichhorn either. Both clubs have pushed hard again in recent hours and held concrete talks with the player’s camp.

Leverkusen are trying to sign him on a permanent deal. Acting as a loan destination for a Premier League… pic.twitter.com/DlWjhR1XmI

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 8, 2026

While Kotsifakis will hold a role in Leverkusen’s academy and Eichhorn would be considered a first-team player, the 29-year-old’s presence could be vital as he is described as the youngster’s “trusted confidant.”

If they decide to action a move, Liverpool’s pursuit is likely to develop rapidly over the coming days amid ongoing talks.

Eichhorn – who only turns 17 later this month but has already played 19 times for Hertha’s first team – could then look to gain valuable experience in the Bundesliga before arriving as part of Andoni Iraola‘s squad in a year’s time.

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Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as the Netherlands beat Uzbekistan in a World Cup warm-up match in New York on Monday

Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as the Netherlands beat Uzbekistan in a World Cup warm-up match in New York on Monday

John Barnes has urged those questioning Rio Ngumoha‘s absence from England’s World Cup squad to “leave him alone,” with key advice from the Liverpool legend.

Barnes is one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, and certainly among the best of all time for his position on the left wing.

That makes him uniquely placed when it comes to his opinions on Ngumoha, the 17-year-old who is enjoying a rapid rise in his old position for club and, after debuting against New Zealand on Saturday night, country.

But amid criticism of Thomas Tuchel for leaving Ngumoha out of the squad for this summer’s World Cup, Barnes has called for patience.

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“Leave him alone, let him develop,” Barnes told talkSPORT.

“First of all, he’s not even playing for Liverpool, he’s a sub for Liverpool.

“So until he gets in Liverpool’s team consistently and plays well, don’t put the pressure on him.

“That’s why I’m glad he never played a lot last year in a Liverpool team that may not have been doing well.

“Because if they’re not doing well and he suffers because of confidence and not playing, it could affect him.

“Let him develop slowly, and I’m hoping for Arsenal to do the same with Max Dowman.

“Just let them develop and leave them alone.

“If you’re not playing for Arsenal and Liverpool regularly, why are you going to be playing for England?”

What are Liverpool’s plans for Rio Ngumoha?

Ngumoha is expected to play an increasingly prominent role for Liverpool next season after interest from Bayern Munich was dismissed out of hand.

The teenager should return for pre-season buoyed by his experience with England, despite not being eligible for a call-up to the World Cup squad even in the event of injury.

He was named Man of the Match for his second-half display against New Zealand, earning plaudits for his performance on the right wing.

Liverpool are likely to seek talks over a new contract for their No. 78 in the coming weeks to reward his progress, having only signed his first professional contract in September.

Ngumoha could only agree a three-year deal due to rules over scholars turning pro, but will be able to put pen to paper on significantly longer terms when he turns 18.

The club are looking to add at least one new winger to Andoni Iraola‘s squad this summer but there is no indication that this will impact plans for the former Chelsea youngster.

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Rio Ngumoha made quite the impression on his unexpected England debut against New Zealand ahead of the World Cup

Rio Ngumoha made quite the impression on his unexpected England debut against New Zealand ahead of the World Cup

Cody Gakpo scored both goals as the Netherlands beat Uzbekistan 2-1 before the World Cup, but Jeremie Frimpong still misses out despite a new right-back injury.

Gakpo was among those to misfire in the Netherlands’ final pre-tournament friendly on home soil last week, but Ronald Koeman kept the Liverpool winger in his starting XI.

Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch also started again as the Dutch took on Uzbekistan in New York, with a 2-1 victory sending them into the World Cup with new momentum.

Though far from the most convincing win, the Netherlands were in control throughout and took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Crysencio Summerville was brought down in the box.

Up stepped Gakpo to convert the penalty, but his side struggled to convert their chances otherwise, with Van Dijk, Summerville and most notably striker Donyell Malen failing to fire.

Guus Til was then sent off late on and Uzbekistan took advantage of their extra man, with Igor Sergeev equalising in stoppage time.

But there was still a chance for Gakpo to seal the win, doing so again from the spot after Jan Paul van Hecke was bundled over in a corner routine – Liverpool’s No. 18 dispatched his second penalty in the sixth minute added on.

Having been voted the second-worst player in the 1-0 loss to Algeria last week, the Dutch media this time praised Gakpo as the standout performer.

Dutch media: Gakpo given top rating vs. Uzbekistan

Algemeen Dagblad‘s Johan Inan rated Gakpo a 7.5 out of 10, writing: “[He] dispelled the concerns caused by his form at Liverpool and mediocre performance against Algeria.

“Now that his team-mates continue to struggle in front of goal, the hope for results for Oranje rests once again largely on the winger.”

Martijn Krabbendam of Voetbal International gave the winger a team-high 7 out of 10, while he also rated highest in terms of statistics with FotMob scoring him 9.2 out of 10.

Jeremie Frimpong still out of World Cup despite Jurrien Timber exit

The Netherlands were forced to contend with a late withdrawal from their squad for the World Cup after Arsenal right-back Jurrien Timber failed to recover from injury.

But despite Frimpong’s availability and experience as right-back for the national team, Koeman saw fit to keep him out, instead calling up Lutsharel Geertruida.

Geertruida was already on standby for the tournament and will join the squad ahead of their Group F clashes with Japan (June 14), Sweden (June 20) and Tunisia (June 26).

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Manchester United flop Antony has made a bombshell Liverpool transfer claim

Manchester United flop Antony has made a bombshell Liverpool transfer claim

Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football on Monday afternoon - even though he is just 31

Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football on Monday afternoon - even though he is just 31

Mohamed Salah has yet to find another club after confirming his Liverpool exit and has three demands for teams to consider while he is at the World Cup with Egypt

Mohamed Salah has yet to find another club after confirming his Liverpool exit and has three demands for teams to consider while he is at the World Cup with Egypt

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