Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool great, has been writing about the arrival of Andoni Iraola and what it says about the club's powers that be

Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool great, has been writing about the arrival of Andoni Iraola and what it says about the club's powers that be

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach having sacked Arne Slot after two years in charge

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their new head coach having sacked Arne Slot after two years in charge

Andoni Iraola‘s appointment as Liverpool head coach has only increased links with Bournemouth players, with the Spaniard reportedly a “huge fan” of Rayan.

Brazilian winger Rayan only joined Bournemouth in a £24.7 million deal in January, but the impact he has made since arriving from Vasco da Gama has sparked wider interest.

That includes Liverpool, who were linked prior to the sacking of Arne Slot but are now expected to “firm up” their interest after Iraola replaced the Dutchman.

The i Paper‘s Mark Douglas, who is considered a reliable source for Bournemouth, claims Iraola is a “huge fan” of the 19-year-old.

He adds that Liverpool’s interest is “likely to be firmed up” despite Rayan’s release clause currently pricing him at £130 million.

Clearly that is far too high a valuation at this stage in his career but it is explained that the fee required will drop with every passing transfer window – similarly to the terms of Antoine Semenyo’s contract prior to his exit.

Rayan is an explosive, direct right winger who is capable of driving at full-backs at speed with the ball at his feet.

He scored five goals and laid on two assists in his 15 appearances after joining Bournemouth, making the step up to the Premier League look seamless.

That outstanding form earned Rayan a place in the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will only increase the competition for his signature when he eventually leaves the south coast.

Liverpool more likely to sign Yan Diomande

As it stands it seems unlikely that Liverpool will look to sign the youngster this summer, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande a more realistic arrival.

But it could be that, particularly with Iraola in the dugout and Richard Hughes as sporting director, he remains a long-term target with scouts tracking his progress.

Liverpool are also credited with an interest in Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi but he, like midfielder Alex Scott, is more likely to stay this summer.

Douglas claims that “the luxury of European football next term” will convince the likes of Kroupi, Scott and Tyler Adams that their future still lies at Dean Court.

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Tottenham has confirmed the signing of Andy Robertson, with the former Liverpool left-back set to complete his move to north London following his involvement at the World Cup

13:57, 05 Jun 2026

Tottenham has confirmed the signing of Andy Robertson(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson has spoken for the first time after his transfer to Tottenham was confirmed, having brought his long association with Liverpool to an end this summer.

Robertson’s departure from Anfield was confirmed earlier this year, with the left-back bringing the curtain down on his nine-year spell with the Reds after playing his final game against Brentford last month.

The Scotland international will now join Tottenham, with the north London club confirming his signing on Friday. It comes after Robertson came close to joining Spurs back in January, with the move having not gone through amid Liverpool’s injury problems in defense.

Robertson will complete his move when his contract at Anfield expires on July 1, and following his involvement at this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking in his first video message to Tottenham fans, Robertson said: “Hi Tottenham fans, it’s me Andy Robertson here. As you can see, I’m not in Glasgow, I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup.

“But I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys, I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you, and I’m already looking forward to next season. All the best, and I’ll see you soon.”

Andy Robertson came close to joining Tottenham back in January(Image: Getty Images)

Robertson leaves Liverpool this summer having played 378 games for the club, winning every available major honor along the way, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League.

Speaking about the signing, Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi said: "Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

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"I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

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Liverpool.com says: Best of luck to Robertson at Spurs. It will be strange seeing him playing against Liverpool next season, but he will be guaranteed a great reception when he returns to Anfield.

Tottenham will be getting the model professional in the Scot, something which it seems like it needs given the last couple of years. Under De Zerbi, you’d certainly expect a far better showing from it next season.

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Reports on social media are claiming that Liverpool could be prepared to sell Dominik Szoboszlai if talks over a new contract don't progress.

The claims, which Caught Offside are carrying, are that Liverpool is in discussions with the midfielder as they look to avoid a similar situation to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate.

It's suggested the Reds are taking a more proactive approach this time, and with two years remaining on Szoboszlai's contract, they're not willing to let it run down, and could be prepared to sell him this summer.

That prospect seems highly unlikely during a window when a new midfielder is likely to be a priority, and after a season when Szoboszlai has been voted as the club's player of the year.

(Image: Getty)

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Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Liverpool legend Andy Robertson on a free transfer

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Liverpool legend Andy Robertson on a free transfer

Andy Robertson‘s free transfer to Tottenham has now been confirmed, with the long-serving Liverpool left-back signing a reported two-year contract.

Robertson will face Liverpool as an opposition player next season, with the Scotland captain agreeing to join Tottenham.

It comes on the expiry of his contract at Anfield, having decided not to enter talks over an extension after losing his place as first-choice left-back to Milos Kerkez.

He can be expected to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side as a regular starter, with the Tottenham head coach hailing him as a “proven winner.”

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“Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team,” De Zerbi said.

“He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

“I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.”

Robertson will first captain his country at this summer’s World Cup before joining his new team-mates midway through pre-season.

The 32-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Anfield on the final day of last season before taking a short holiday with his family and arranging his move to north London.

He was subject of late interest from Juventus but maintained his commitment to Tottenham, having already come close to joining in the winter window.

Liverpool will now be required to appoint a new vice-captain, with Alisson among the leading contenders as deputy to captain Virgil van Dijk.

Kostas Tsimikas is expected to fill Robertson’s role as backup left-back with Kerkez now reunited with his former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull in a bargain £10 million deal in 2017, with midfielder Kevin Stewart heading the other way for a similar fee.

He went on to win nine trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, making 378 appearances in all competitions and breaking the assist record for a defender in the English top flight.

Liverpool will learn when they will face Tottenham in next season’s Premier League when the fixtures are released on June 19.

All the best, Robbo!

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Florian Wirtz didn’t live up to the hype in his first season at Liverpool, but there was enough promise to show that he should be written off at your peril.

The German’s £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen understandably caused great excitement, given his reputation as one of Europe’s most gifted players.

In fact, Jurgen Klopp even described him as a “once-in-a-century” footballer.

What unfolded in his first year as a Liverpool player was disappointing, but how much can really be blamed on him?

Started40

As Sub9

Unused0

Goals7

Assists8

Total Apps49

Liverpool were Premier League champions heading into the new season, so to see Wirtz and Alexander Isak arriving for record-breaking fees only added to the feeling that the Reds would retain the title.

Wirtz joined off the back of two Player of the Year-winning seasons in the Bundesliga, with his touch, intelligence and end product all widely seen as world-class.

Liverpool fans had watched from afar as he won the title with Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, going unbeaten in the process, and to beat Bayern Munich to his signature felt significant.

But as is the case with so many foreign players coming to England, Wirtz immediately found it tough to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.

His lean 5’9″ frame was bullied in the opening weeks, and while moments of class were produced, too many performances were forgettable.

It took until October for Wirtz to register his first Liverpool assist, against Eintracht Frankfurt, barring one in the Community Shield which remains a glorified friendly.

As the winter months arrived, though, the 23-year-old started to turn heads, as Liverpool’s magician hit his stride.

Florian Wirtz finds his feet before injury strikes

All season, it was clear to see that Wirtz possessed unique talent – his spatial awareness and decision-making stood out – but he only truly shone for a couple of months.

That came in and around the Christmas period, when his influence grew immeasurably and a promising partnership with Hugo Ekitike emerged.

In the space of 11 matches, between Tottenham away on December 20 and Newcastle at home on January 31, Wirtz registered at least one goal contribution in seven of them.

Overall in that period, he bagged six goals and three assists, including emphatic finishes against Barnsley, Burnley and Newcastle.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard made it clear how much he admired Wirtz, telling TNT Sports that he would have loved to play alongside him.

“Game by game he’s evolving, he’s improving. After a tough start, big price tag, a lot of pressure, big move for him,” Gerrard said.

“In terms of this kid’s technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch.

“In tight little areas his first touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb, he’s always looking to create goals, he’s always trying to get on the scoresheet as well.

“For me, I always watch players and think to myself: ‘Would I like to play with him?’. I would have loved to play with this kid.”

Cruelly, just as Wirtz came close to the level many expected of him, he suffered a back injury and his season never clicked into gear again.

Can Florian Wirtz ‘do a Roberto Firmino’ at Liverpool?

Wirtz returned in March after nearly a month out, at a time when the unrest with Arne Slot was only growing amid increasingly glum performances.

The rhythm that the Germany international had previously found deserted him, and it is hard to think of a performance of note between then and the final day of the season.

He scored just once after his return, against Crystal Palace, and even his most ardent fan would admit that his body language wasn’t brimming with fight.

But how much can we really criticise Wirtz, considering Liverpool’s woes and Slot’s use of him?

There are definite comparisons to Brendan Rodgers’ use of Roberto Firmino, with the Brazilian often played out of position and looking ineffective early on.

It took Jurgen Klopp to get the best out of him and his legendary status was sealed by the time he left.

Slot doesn’t seem to be able to unleash Wirtz, and that is one of many reasons why a change in the dugout would have been preferable this summer.

Despite not fully firing, though, Wirtz (32) still created the fourth-most chances in the Champions League, behind only Arda Guler (35), Michael Olise (33) and Julian Alvarez (33).

If he is capable of that while struggling to be close to his best, that can only bode well for Liverpool.

Wirtz cost £116m and is considered a generational talent for a reason. There should be total faith in him coming good if deployed in his best role, roaming in and around the No. 10 and left-sided area.

Physically, he has already improved and a good pre-season behind him, with new speedy attacking signings aiding his creativity, will ensure he is primed to fire in 2026/27 under Andoni Iraola.

While the new coach likes to press high and create chances quickly after turnovers, when Bournemouth did build from the back, they relied on their attacking midfielder for creativity.

47 – Florian Wirtz has created 47 open play chances this season in the Premier League, the most by a player in their debut season for Liverpool since Mohamed Salah in 2017-18 (53). Heir. pic.twitter.com/bBk6KRK3bN

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 2, 2026

Like Firmino, you have to have pace in and around Wirtz to see him at his best; a couple of flying wingers and an improved Isak will immediately help.

It wasn’t the season we all hoped it would be for him, but he is a footballer with the world at his feet and is younger than many realise.

Just watch Wirtz excel for Germany as one of the best attacking players at the 2026 World Cup!

Best moment: His first Liverpool goal against Wolves.

Worst moment: An open-goal miss in the 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray.

Role next season: Key starter and someone around whom the team should be built.

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Liverpool quickly identified Andoni Iraola as its preferred choice to replace Arne Slot but Jamie Carragher has questioned whether he will be able to convince established top players to buy into his methods

12:11, 05 Jun 2026

Jamie Carragher expressed his concerns over Liverpool's Andoni Iraola appointment(Image: Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Andoni Iraola will be able to get Liverpool's superstars to play in the way that made his Bournemouth team so exciting to watch.

Iraola was confirmed as Liverpool 's new head coach on Thursday, just five days on from Arne Slot 's dismissal.

Liverpool quickly identified Iraola as its preferred choice to replace Slot due to the intense, front-foot style he implements, but Carragher has questioned whether he will be able to convince established top players to buy into his methods.

"What the tactical patterns cannot show is how the dynamics will be between a coach and players of a significantly different profile and personality traits than those at Bournemouth," Carragher said in a Telegraph column.

"Can Iraola turn Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike into a £310m pressing machine? Are they really that type of player? Iraola uses 4-4-2 more than the 4-3-3 of Slot and Klopp.

"Getting a tune out of £100m signings who expect to play is different from managing up-and-coming youngsters who treat Bournemouth as a stepping stone toward a bigger, higher-salaried club.

"Iraola may prove to be one of the great coaches of his era in Europe, whom Liverpool are recruiting at the perfect time, but he is a work in progress.

"This is rather like headhunting Klopp direct from Mainz, bypassing all the invaluable experience he gained at Borussia Dortmund, which meant by the time he landed in Liverpool in 2015 he was the finished product, and his presence was felt in the first press conference.

"We should not over-romanticise Klopp’s coaching journey, suggesting he never faced tough, problem-solving periods, especially when figuring out how to overcome low-block defences.

Liverpool is hoping to revert to a style of play similar to Jurgen Klopp's with the appointment of Iraola(Image: 2024 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)

"When Iraola was strongly linked with Chelsea, my impression was it was too soon and he would benefit from joining a club who were playing in European competition, adjusting to the demands of three games a week in readiness for the next step. Instead, he will encounter challenges at Liverpool which he has never faced."

The tone of Carragher's piece suggests he would have favored Liverpool sticking with Arne Slot, and he signed off by likening the Iraola appointment to the one Liverpool made in 2012, when Brendan Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish.

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Rodgers was an exciting young manager when he arrived at Liverpool off the back of a promising spell at Swansea 14 years ago, but he was ultimately unproven at the highest level.

"In choosing a successor with everything to prove, Liverpool have moved on from a manager who delivered the Premier League title," Carragher added.

"Fenway Sports Group is searching for the next Klopp. Iraola is reminiscent of the 2012 appointment of Brendan Rodgers from Swansea City

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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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One year on: EOTK's tribute to Alex South – the former LFC defender who played with Liddell & Paisley

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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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