The transfer window opens this Monday, and Liverpool could have a busy summer in store after already getting some important business sorted

The transfer window opens this Monday, and Liverpool could have a busy summer in store after already getting some important business sorted

Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande further captioned the adulation of Liverpool fans on social media with a dazzling opening performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

02:26, 15 Jun 2026

Yan Diomande announced himself to an international audience on Sunday at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)

While he may not have nabbed the winner, Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande was the shining star for his nation in a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Sunday.

The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande was a terror for Ecuadorian left-back Piero Hincapie throughout the World Cup opener, consistently winning his one-on-one battles. On the day, he completed four dribbles and logged 25 carries (11 progressive ones). made over 40 passes (and five key passes), and combined for over 0.5 xG+xA.

Diomande is a familiar name to Liverpool fans: the bipedal winger is a constant name listed as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing this summer. Leipzig may demand €100 million ($116 million) for his services.

Liverpool fan accounts on X also sang a similar tune about Diomande throughout the match. Sign Yan Diomande, LFC," wrote popular account Samuel LFC.

Anfield Sector said, "Yan Diomande is a joky to watch. " My god the chances Diomande is creating for that average forward [Ivory Coast's Elyi] Wahi, put Isak in there. Would be a goal fest," wrote Moby.

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie had trouble with Yan Diomande all evening(Image: Getty Images)

Moby, with over 200,000 followers, followed up: "Yan Diomande will cost €150M+ next summer. That's a guarantee. This is the last summer to get him on anything less, even tho it’s still very high. That’s just how the market is today, unfortunately, so we have to play the game."

Non-Liverpool accounts were in agreement. "You don’t see many players do to Hincapie, what Diomande has done in that first 45 minutes," wrote Sky Sports host Joe Thomlinson.

Roc Nation client Yan Diomande shakes hands with Roc Nation owner and rapper Jay-Z prematch(Image: Getty Images)

"Diomande is playing like young Ryan Giggs. Electric on the outside and pristine link play when he either passes or moves inside," popular Premier League analyst Raj Chohan posted.

Diomande was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year in 2025/26, scoring 12 goals while providing eight assists in under 2,500 minutes.

He led the league in dribbles completed per 90 minutes by a wide margin. If the system is built around him, defenders simply cannot get the ball off Diomande.

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Leipzig purchased the Ivorian winger from Leganes last summer for a bargain fee. Just a few years before that, he was applying his trade as a high school soccer player in the United States.

At 19, he could provide the long-term answer for Liverpool on the right wing for almost a decade...much like Salah did before him.

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Stefan Bajcetic was back training over the weekend as he aims to catch the eye of Andoni Iraola this pre-season at Liverpool

Stefan Bajcetic was back training over the weekend as he aims to catch the eye of Andoni Iraola this pre-season at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp is often box office when he has a microphone in his hand, but the Liverpool icon accidentally caused a storm with a comment during Germany's World Cup campaign

Jurgen Klopp is often box office when he has a microphone in his hand, but the Liverpool icon accidentally caused a storm with a comment during Germany's World Cup campaign

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As Liverpool begin a new chapter under Andoni Iraola, one player whose future deserves careful consideration is Curtis Jones.

The former academy graduate enters the summer with just one year remaining on his current contract and, after a frustrating campaign under Arne Slot, uncertainty surrounds what comes next.

For much of the season, Jones appeared to fall out of favour with the Dutchman. Opportunities became increasingly limited, his role within the squad seemed unclear, and speculation linking him with a move away from Anfield only intensified as the months passed.

Inter Milan were heavily linked during the winter transfer window, with reports suggesting a move came close to materialising before ultimately failing to reach completion.

Now the season is over.

Liverpool have changed manager.

And Jones finds himself at a crossroads.

Sitting at home while the world’s best players compete on the international stage, reflection will undoubtedly be taking place. At 25 years old, he is entering the years that should represent the peak of his career. The next contract he signs could define the remainder of his time at the highest level.

That is precisely why Liverpool should be proactive.

Rather than allowing the situation to drift toward the final twelve months of his deal, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards should be looking to secure Jones on a new long-term contract.

The arrival of Iraola could transform his prospects.

The Spaniard demands energy, pressing, aggression, and technical quality in midfield. Those are all attributes that Jones naturally possesses when utilised correctly. His ability to carry possession, protect the ball under pressure, and drive through central areas could become extremely valuable within a more intense and dynamic system.

Under Slot, Jones often looked like a player searching for clarity.

Under Iraola, he may finally rediscover purpose.

https://twitter.com/anfieldwatch/status/2064287495362105617?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ

Liverpool’s Midfield Rebuild Needs Stability

Liverpool’s midfield could undergo significant change over the coming months.

Wataru Endo’s future appears uncertain following injury concerns and growing speculation regarding a departure. Alexis Mac Allister continues to be linked with Real Madrid, while the recruitment department is exploring additions capable of bringing greater athleticism and physical presence to the squad.

Names such as Lamine Camara and Mateus Fernandes have already emerged as potential targets.

Both players would add the bite, aggression, and defensive intensity that Liverpool lacked throughout much of last season.

However, strengthening the midfield should not automatically mean discarding players already at the club.

Jones remains a valuable asset.

In many ways, he offers similar qualities to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, another player frequently linked with a move to Merseyside. Both are technically gifted, capable of progressing possession, and comfortable operating in multiple midfield roles.

If Liverpool ultimately prioritise more forceful profiles such as Camara or Fernández, retaining Jones becomes even more important.

Squads require balance.

Not every midfielder needs to be a destroyer.

Not every player needs to be an athlete first and footballer second.

Jones provides technical control, composure, and versatility. More importantly, he understands Liverpool. He understands the expectations, the pressure, and the culture of the club.

Those qualities should not be overlooked during a summer of change.

Liverpool’s academy has produced a player capable of contributing to the first team for many years to come. Allowing him to leave because of one difficult season under a departing manager would feel unnecessarily short-sighted.

The club are rebuilding.

The squad is evolving.

And a fresh start under Iraola could prove beneficial for many players.

Curtis Jones should be one of them.

Before Liverpool spend another £80 million searching for answers elsewhere, they should remember that one of the solutions may already be sitting in their dressing room.

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Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

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The post Arne Slot directly responds to rumours of Salah and Van Dijk’s new contracts being signed appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

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