The Nation Newspaper

Tag: liverpool

  • Bournemouth agree £25m deal for Liverpool’s Doak

    Bournemouth agree £25m deal for Liverpool’s Doak

    Bournemouth have agreed a deal for Liverpool winger Ben Doak for an initial £20m with a further £5m in add-ons.

    The 19-year-old is expected to complete his transfer to the south coast in the next 24 hours in a move that remains subject to paperwork and passing a medical.

    Doak was left out of Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday night, amid ongoing talks between the two Premier League clubs.

    But Bournemouth have since secured a deal for the forward, who has six caps for Scotland, and spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring three times and recording seven assists in 24 matches.

    They are understood to have beaten interest from other Premier League clubs, including Leeds, as well as Portuguese club Porto.

    Doak’s move will give him a better chance of playing first team football having played just 10 times for Liverpool since joining from Celtic in 2022.

    Bournemouth have had a busy summer having sold Dango Ouattara to Brentford for £42.5m last week.

    They already lost defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez for a combined total of about £150m to Paris St-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool respectively.

    Read Also: Chiesa, Salah late goals stun Bournemouth in six-goal thriller

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said his side are “not where they want to be” before defeat at Anfield and added “important movements” will be made before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

    Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, left-back Adrien Truffert and centre-back Bafode Diakite have joined the club this summer, with January signing Eli Junior Kroupi also coming into the squad after finishing last season on loan at Lorient.

    Sources say the Cherries are in the market for a further central defender and a striker to compete with Evanilson, with alternative option Enes Unal expected to be out with a major knee injury until November or December.

    BBC

  • Liverpool host Bournemouth in EPL opener

    Liverpool host Bournemouth in EPL opener

    Champions Liverpool kick off their Premier League season tonight, when they face Bournemouth at Anfield.

    The Reds’ season got underway last weekend when they were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace, in the Community Shield, at Wembley, but they showed, in patches, the kind of form that will stand them in good stead again this season.

    Arne Slot’s side finished 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in May as they secured their 20th league title.

    They have spent big this summer bringing in five new players and spending well over £200m, but they have received more than £180m in the sale of seven players.

    With Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz both being sold and the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the Reds still seem light in attack, particularly through the middle, so it’s no surprise that the speculation around bringing in Alexander Isak continues.

    Read Also: We are yet to receive $100,000 FG promised – Ajibade

    When it comes to the Premier League winner odds it’s not a surprise that Liverpool are the favourites for the title at 19/10, ahead of Arsenal at 13/5 and Manchester City at 7/2.

    Bournemouth, are 750/1 and they will face a difficult task to improve on their ninth-placed finish last season, although you can find a price of Premier League top four odds.

    That impressive season, which saw them win 15 of their 38 games and keep nine clean sheets, resulted in bids for three defenders that they just couldn’t turn down.

    Dean Huijsen joined Real Madrid for £50m while Milos Kerkez moved to Liverpool for £40m, back in June, and Illia Zabarnyi has this week joined Paris St Germain for £57m, so it will be interesting to see how they adapt after losing such quality.

    This is not the type of game they would hope for to kick off the season, especially as they have lost 11 of their last 12 league matches against Liverpool. Their only win came in 2023 when Philip Billing scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win at the Vitality Stadium.

    Liverpool have kept clean sheets in their last three meetings, but they will need to defend better than they did last weekend, when captain Virgil Van Dijk was to blame for both of Palace’s goals in the 2-2 draw.

    The Reds haven’t lost their opening match of the season in their last 12 campaigns, winning nine and drawing three since they were beaten 3-0 by West Brom back at the start of the 2012-13 season.

  • WEMBLEY CALLING

    WEMBLEY CALLING

    New season begins as Crystal Palace battle Liverpool for Community Shield

    Liverpool coach Arne Slot said on Friday his side is relishing the challenge of facing Crystal Palace in the FA Community Shield, as the Premier League champions aim to begin the new season with silverware and prepare for their title defence.

    Liverpool, who won the Premier League last season to secure a record-equalling 20th English title, face FA Cup winners Palace at Wembley tomorrow.

    Liverpool are eyeing a 17th  Community Shield title, with their latest coming in 2022.

    “It’s nice if you can start the season by winning something. We have a chance at the beginning of the season. We face a difficult Crystal Palace side. They have shown how hard it is to win a one-off game with them,” Slot told reporters.

    “Counter-attacks, set-pieces, long-balls to (Palace striker Jean-Philippe) Mateta and individual quality of their forwards. (Athletic) Bilbao, AC Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition (in pre-season).

    “Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season.”

    Liverpool’s last trip to Wembley ended in a surprise 2-1 League Cup final loss against Newcastle United in March, but Slot was not dwelling on that.

    “Not looking back because it’s a different system Newcastle played,” the Dutchman said.

    “But the way they played might be similar to how Palace play. They used every free kick to get the ball in our box. Palace are a threat at set-pieces. There are maybe a few overlaps between the two sides.

    “On Sunday, one goal will be worth a lot.”

    Read Also: Eberechi Eze: Crystal palace talisman tipped to solve Arsenal’s left-wing problem

    Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, among others, in the transfer window so far, while Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.

    Slot was asked about Nunez’s future and if Liverpool will pursue Newcastle striker Alexander Isak as the 26-year-old’s replacement.

    British media reported that Liverpool were interested in signing the Isak, who has three years left on his Newcastle contract.

    Isak bagged 23 Premier League goals last campaign, only behind Liverpool talisman and Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah (29).

    “You never talk about players that are not yours so I can talk to you about Hugo, who we have signed recently and has done really well until now,” Slot said.

    “We are very happy with the squad we are having and there is every reason to be happy because we won the league last season. Ok, players left but we have brought players in as well and the youngsters doing well.

    “At this moment in time, Darwin might leave but things are not signed yet so we need to wait a few days until that maybe is completely done but there is a chance he could leave.”

  • Liverpool won’t bid for Isak again after £110m offer rejected

    Liverpool won’t bid for Isak again after £110m offer rejected

    Newcastle confident of keeping player after offer falls far below valuation. Plus, data that shows how champions can afford to keep spending

    Liverpool do not plan to make a second bid for Alexander Isak after having a first offer worth in the region of £110m rejected out of hand by Newcastle United.

    Read Also: WAFCON 2024: MTN hosts Super Falcons, gifts team N150m

    Telegraph Sport understands that Newcastle are optimistic they can now keep Isak and are hopeful a compromise can be reached with the striker, who has made it clear he would like to move to Anfield.

  • Wirtz makes first start as Liverpool lose to Milan

    Wirtz makes first start as Liverpool lose to Milan

    Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz made his first start for his new club as Arne Slot’s side were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.

    However, there was no place for Darwin Nunez or Luis Diaz in the Reds squad amid speculation they could leave following the arrival of Hugo Ekitike and the pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

    Slot said after the game that Nunez missed the match because of injury but Colombia forward Diaz was left out as a result of “speculation on his future”.

    Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath of flowers before kick-off and the players had ‘Diogo J 20’ on their shirts in tribute to their former team-mate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident as he and his brother Andre Silva drove through the Spanish province of Zamora earlier this month.

    The Premier League champions dominated the opening 10 minutes but it was the Italian side who opened the scoring when a counter-attack ended with Rafael Leao smashing past Alisson Becker.

    Dominik Szoboszlai equalised with a fine curling strike into the top corner of Mike Maignan’s goal from the edge of the box.

    Read Also: Alonso, Wirtz lead Leverkusen’s summer exodus

    England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek restored Milan’s lead early in the second half as the Reds were again caught short at the back and Noah Okafor made it 3-1 with a brilliant finish beyond Liverpool’s new Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

    Cody Gakpo pulled one back in added time with a header from Ibrahima Konate’s pinpoint ball into the box but an awful mix-up between Mamardashvili and Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to net his second.

    Liverpool now travel to Japan and will play Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday.

    BBC

  • Liverpool plan Jota memorial sculpture at Anfield

    Liverpool plan Jota memorial sculpture at Anfield

    Liverpool have announced plans for a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

    A “Forever 20” emblem will also be printed on players’ shirts next season.

    Portugal and Liverpool forward Jota and Silva, who played for Portuguese second division club Penafiel, died in a car crash on 3 July in the Spanish province of Zamora.

    Liverpool retired his number 20 shirt in tribute.

    The planned sculpture will be made by recycling items left outside Anfield since his death by fans paying their respects.

    Liverpool are planning a fan mosaic and a minute’s silence at the opening Premier League home game against Bournemouth on 15 August.

    Read Also: Liverpool to retire number 20 in honour of Jota

    Fans can also pay tribute at the pre-season game against Atletico Bilbao on 4 August at Anfield, while players’ shirts will have a “‘Diogo J 20” patch for their two pre-season games in Asia.

    In addition, the club have said if supporters want to honour Jota by having “Diogo J 20” on the back of their shirts, then the profits of the purchases will go to the LFC Foundation, the club’s charity.

    The LFC Foundation has also committed to creating a grassroots football programme in the Jota’s name.

    Meanwhile, the Football Association will hold talks with Liverpool before planning a tribute to Jota at the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August.

  • Liverpool agree £69m fee for striker Ekitike

    Liverpool agree £69m fee for striker Ekitike

    Liverpool have agreed an initial £69m fee to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

    The 23-year-old Frenchman is expected to arrive in the UK on Tuesday before having a medical.

    Frankfurt accepted a deal worth £79m, with £69m guaranteed and £10m in add-ons.

    Ekitike is expected to sign a six-year contract and will fly out to join Liverpool’s Asia tour later this week.

    Newcastle had a £70m bid for Ekitike rejected this month, while Liverpool have shown an interest in Magpies striker Alexander Isak.

    Ekitike scored 15 goals in 31 starts as Frankfurt finished third in the Bundesliga last season.

    Read Also: Newcastle turn to Wissa after ending Ekitike pursuit

    His arrival will push Liverpool’s spending past £250m this summer.

    They signed Florian Wirtz for a potential British record £116m, while defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have arrived for a combined £70m.

    Only five players bettered Ekitike’s scoring record in the Bundesliga last season, and he provided eight assists.

    He had 117 shots on goal, more than any other player.

  • Liverpool close in on Ekitike in £70m-plus deal

    Liverpool close in on Ekitike in £70m-plus deal

    Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth more than £70m.

    Multiple sources have indicated that Liverpool aim to have the transfer wrapped up by this weekend.

    Newcastle have had a £70m offer for Ekitike rejected by Frankfurt, with Liverpool’s offer expected to surpass it.

    Ekitike is open to joining the Premier League champions, who want to sign a central striker.

    Read Also: Oyebanji, Fayemi not for ADC, says aide

    Liverpool have also shown a major interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, but the Magpies are adamant the Swede is not for sale at any price.

    Liverpool have signed midfielder Florian Wirtz in a potential British record £116m deal this summer and paid £40m and £30m respectively for full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

    Newcastle are expected to accelerate their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa within the next 24 hours after their own attempts to land Ekitike slowed.

    BBC

  • Liverpool to retire number 20 in honour of Jota

    Liverpool to retire number 20 in honour of Jota

    Liverpool are to retire the number 20 shirt in honour of forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash along with his brother Andre Silva.

    The Reds took the decision after consulting with Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and his family which means the Portugal international “will forever be Liverpool’s number 20”. 

    A Liverpool statement, external said the number “will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels”, including the women’s team and throughout the academy.

    They added: “The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his team-mates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them.”

    Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club.

    He also helped them win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022 – also winning the latter in 2024 – and the Premier League title last season.

    It was Liverpool’s 20th top-flight crown and the Reds posted a video on social media, external with the message ‘forever our number 20’ at 20:20 BST on Friday. 

    “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” said Fenway Sports Group chief executive of football Michael Edwards.

    “It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.

    “I believe this is the first time in Liverpool’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.

    “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”

    Jota and his brother died after their car, a Lamborghini, left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle at about 00:30 local time on Thursday, 3 July. 

    Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season and, as doctors had advised him against flying because he had undergone minor surgery, he was making the trip by car and ferry.

    The funeral of the brothers took place in their hometown of Gondomar last Saturday when a large Liverpool delegation were in attendance.

  • Jota was on his way to take a ferry, return to Liverpool when he died

    Jota was on his way to take a ferry, return to Liverpool when he died

    Diogo Jota was on his way to take a ferry and return to Liverpool for pre-season training when he died in a car accident, BBC Sport has been told.

    The Portugal forward, who was 28, had undergone minor surgery so doctors had advised him against flying.

    As a result, he was planning to return to Liverpool for the start of pre-season, due to begin on Monday, by boat.

    This is understood to mean he was travelling by car from Porto to take a ferry from Santander in northern Spain.

    There are ferry routes from Santander to Plymouth and Portsmouth in the south of England.

    Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, crashed in the Spanish province of Zamora and died.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies at 28

    The Guardia Civil has told BBC Sport that both men died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday following a tyre blowout that occurred while overtaking another vehicle.

    Zamora, close to the Portuguese border, is about 190 miles from Porto, and a similar distance from the port.

    It is understood Jota had also travelled by road and sea to get to Porto for his wedding 11 days ago to his long-term partner, Rute.

    The couple had three children together.