Liverpool

The sixth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on the letter F - and there are quite a few players to choose from.

The team talk Joe Fagan, David Fairclough and Roberto Firmino in the latest episode, as well as the "Toxteth terror" Robbie Fowler.

Fowler made 369 appearances across two spells for the Reds - from 1993 to 2007 - and lifted five trophies, including an FA Cup and a Uefa Cup.

"In terms of natural ability as a goalscorer, I think Robbie Fowler has to be right up there, doesn't he?" BBC Radio Merseyside's Paul Salt asked fellow presenter Ian Kennedy.

"Definitely right up there," Kennedy said. "Ian Rush's goalscoring record is phenomenal so he definitely has that record, but Robbie was an amazing finisher. He had such a calmness about him when through on goal, he wasn't going to miss.

"He knew exactly what he was doing. He had all of the deft touches that strikers need when you don't want to be panicking in a situation. Very, very cool in front of goal, and I think it was just a natural thing for him. He knew how to score goals."

Fowler scored 183 goals for Liverpool but the one that stands out for Kennedy is an outside-the-box strike against Brian Little's Aston Villa in 1996, when the 20-year-old used his skill to get around defender Steve Staunton.

"There are so many to remember," Kennedy added. "But my favourite one was a goal he scored against Aston Villa at Anfield.

"He did this incredible turn and shot past Mark Bosnich – he's had many great goals but that was one I remember just because of the turn.

"He was very skilful, and it's one thing to be a goalscorer and be able to put the ball in the back of the net, but he had a lot of skill about him as well."

Listen to the full discussion by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, at least one more attacking signing is expected at Anfield this summer. Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and the pursuit of Yan Diomande is heating up.

Talented teenager Rio Ngumoha is also set to play a more prominent role, while Florian Wirtz played off the left for Liverpool at times last season and is featuring there for Germany in the World Cup.

How Andoni Iraola views Wirtz's best position might well determine the future for Cody Gakpo in the new head coach's blueprint.

Added competition could allow Gakpo to thrive, as it did when Luis Diaz was at Liverpool.

However, for the first time since joining Liverpool in December 2022, there is the possibility of a move away, with a number of clubs including Tottenham monitoring his situation.

Any transfer would be likely to cost upwards of £60m - a big profit considering the Reds paid an initial £35m when signing him from PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup in 2022.

His goals against Sweden at the weekend offered a timely reminder of his quality, particularly in a game where club team-mate Alexander Isak failed to score.

Continuing to impress at the World Cup may well enhance Liverpool's desire to retain Gakpo for at least another season.

One need only consider the relative struggles of Isak and Wirtz in their debut campaigns at Anfield to be reminded of just how challenging it can be for new signings.

But as Iraola and Liverpool's recruitment team reshape an attack that laboured last season, the Gakpo conundrum is one to keep an eye on this summer.

Read more about Gakpo's future here

Liverpool's latest bid of £100m for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, has been rejected by RB Leipzig. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Image source, Getty Images

In Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot in 2024-25, Gakpo scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 games.

It led to him signing a long-term deal at Anfield last summer, which by all accounts he was extremely happy to do.

Last season, however, despite playing three more matches, his numbers fell to nine goals and six assists.

During a difficult campaign, he was far from the only Reds player to be below par, but he will know those numbers will have to improve.

Gakpo prefers to play down the left but 2025-26 showed his link-up play with Milos Kerkez needs work, particularly in exploiting the full-back's overlapping runs.

Their understanding improved as the season progressed and with Kerkez now reunited with former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, the left-back will be expected to accelerate his development next season.

That could be good news for Gakpo.

With 50 goals in 180 appearances, Gakpo is only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach a half-century for Liverpool and has usually been first choice when fit.

Liverpool still view him as a proven attacker in the Premier League who can function in different ways, and given Hugo Ekitike could be missing until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles, his versatility in being able to play centrally offers options for Iraola.

Read more about Gakpo's future here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Theo: Ayyoub Bouaddi was the best player on a pitch full of superstars in Morocco vs Brazil, 18-years-old, no brainer. Ibrahim Maza is one for the future, but he has looked brilliant for Algeria. And Crysencio Summerville - a winger with two goals in two games coming off the bench both times, playing for a West Ham team who just got relegated. Seems like the perfect Mohamed Salah replacement, especially as I'm not convinced by Yan Diomande.

Jack: I definitely want Yan Diomande, he is a bright talent for future. But if we need a goalkeeper, Cape Verde's Vozinha's always there...

Derrick: Get Micky van de Ven now!

Ian: Loving the style and performance of Nathan Ngoy at the back for Belgium, ignore his sending off! Assured, confident, brave with the ball. Just a shame his one slip-up got him a red card.

John: France's Dayot Upamecano - so strong and experienced - Liverpool need this to play with and cover for Virgil van Dijk.

Aadam Patel
Football reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

Image source, Getty Images

It's no secret that Liverpool are admirers of Yan Diomande and the 19-year-old winger made a brilliant start to the World Cup with a player-of-the-match display for Ivory Coast in their 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Diomande, who plays club football in Germany for RB Leipzig, started for his country and spent time on each flank during the 90 minutes, constantly asking questions of the Ecuador defence.

In a 2-1 defeat against Germany at the weekend, Diomande, who is valued at about £100m, played a key role in his team's goal as part of another impressive display. He is next due in action on Thursday when Ivory Coast take on Curacao.

Another attacking name linked to Liverpool is Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola, who started his World Cup with a goal for France against Senegal.

Just moments after coming on, the 23-year-old finished in style and he was subsequently rewarded with a start against Iraq on Monday, where he was relentless down the left wing.

Arsenal are also keen on Barcola, who may leave PSG this summer having become a back-up to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Luis Enrique's side.

Barcola could get his next World Cup action on Friday, when France play Norway.

Newcastle United are showing interest in Cologne and Germany Under-21 winger Said El Mala, 19, and in contact over Lille and Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 21. But Liverpool are also waiting in the wings if they fail to land RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, or Paris St-Germain and France forward Bradley Barcola, 23. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

In the latest episode of A to Z, BBC Radio Merseyside have reached the letter E.

Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Chris Coughlin discuss former Liverpool player, physio, coach and manager, Roy Evans, and current Reds' midfielder, Harvey Elliott

Curtis Jones should view working under new boss Andoni Iraola as an opportunity to establish himself at Liverpool, believes podcaster and fan Ben Kent.

BBC Radio Merseyside discussed Jones' uncertain situation after the club rejected a £21.7m bid from Inter Milan for the midfielder.

"I just think it's really sad for him and the club," Kent said. "He's not established himself as a first choice player in the XI yet but he's within that core of about 15 or 16 players.

"It's just the fact that he's a Scouser – he grew up supporting the club and I just think it's really sad that the club aren't wanting to keep him because of that. It just doesn't make sense to me at all.

"He's not a youngster anymore, he's not coming through the ranks as an 18 or 19-year-old, he's 25, he should be establishing himself as a first-team player. He played for England a couple of times last year and scored that brilliant goal against Greece. So he's probably got aspirations to have been in the World Cup squad so you can understand him wanting to play.

"But we've got a new manager coming in and he might give him a chance. If I was Curtis, I'd be looking at it as a massive opportunity now."

Hear the full discussion by clicking play above or listen on BBC Sounds here

Arsenal are yet to agree a deal to sign Kolkheti and Georgia Under-21 midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with Liverpool and Paris FC are also working on a move for the 17-year-old. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Curtis Jones' current Liverpool deal expires next summer and though he has been in talks over a new contract for several months, an extension is yet to be agreed.

If you asked Jones last summer, he would have expected to become an integral part of the Liverpool side and would certainly have had genuine ambitions of going to the World Cup.

Instead, he went to Los Angeles on vacation before the tournament began and was at the Monaco Grand Prix last week.

Under former boss Arne Slot, Jones struggled to become a regular starter in the heart of midfield - which is what he wants to be - and finished the campaign primarily as an emergency right-back for Liverpool.

By the end of Slot's tenure, Jones was posting a clapping emoji under Mohamed Salah's social media post which called for Liverpool to change their style of play.

Crucial to Jones' next steps will be those initial discussions with new boss Andoni Iraola and figuring out where he stands under the Spaniard.

For Liverpool, they certainly do not want to lose the only Scouser in the first-team but if Jones wants out and a suitable offer in the range of £35m is made, the understanding is that they will not stand in his way.

Put simply, they can sell now and generate a profit on a home-grown asset.

The question is whether such a fee will be paid when Jones would be available for a free next summer.

It would be another failure on Liverpool's part, after losing Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson on a free, if they were to let an academy graduate who has made more than 200 senior appearances leave in the same manner.

Read more of Aadam's piece here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether you'd like Curtis Jones to stay or go, and what price you would let him go for.

Here are some of your opinions:

Graeme: Curtis is definitely one to keep, a local lad who can play intelligent football when played in his natural position. He's a passionate player and can contribute more when he's given the chance. He gives more energy to the team than Alexis Mac Allister.

Ian: Sell. He has not kicked on at all in the last few years. Hardly any goals or assists and takes risks where he should not. Time to cash in.

Nick: If the price is met, I'm happy to see him go. I don't know what type of midfielder Jones is. More concerning is that I don't think he does either. He's 25, so needs to start. That's not going to happen at Liverpool, so it's best for him to seek it elsewhere - same for Harvey Elliott.

KT: He should stay, £35m is a steal for a player like him. I do think he'll be sold and do hope it's somewhere abroad instead of helping one of our Premier League competitors. He was definitely hindered under Slot, but it was also due to competition in the midfield.

Chuck: I like Curtis, he's a good squad player. He doesn't always seem to be focused and motivated but he has talent and great vision. It will depend on how much the new boss wants to use him next season. I think £35m seems a bit low for someone the club sees a future for, so perhaps that tells us what we need to know.

Kieran: Every player has a price, but one thing Liverpool are - and will be lacking in the coming seasons - is someone who understands the club and city. He's a good player, far better than people seem to think, and I don't think anything less than £40m is worth looking at.

David: Like Elliott, I want to see him stay and develop his place in a Liverpool team under Andoni Iraola. Of course, that depends on if the new manager feels their style of play suits his tactics, but Arne Slot clearly wanted a less dynamic approach than these two players offer.

Rob: Jones has always flattered to deceive, take the money on offer now and move on.

Image source, Getty Images

It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Image source, Getty Images

With Curtis Jones' future uncertain at Liverpool, we want to know your thoughts on whether you would sell the midfielder or keep him for his influence in the dressing room.

Speaking to club media in 2024, Jones explained: "I've played 150 games - it's a lot of games.

"I'm not a kid anymore, I'm experienced and I think if I want to take the next step again now I have to start scoring more goals and becoming a big part of the team. That comes down to goals and assists."

Midfielder Jones - now 25 - spent spells at right-back under Arne Slot last term. Has he taken the "next step" as he mentioned? Or has his progression been hindered? Do you think Jones has proved he can still play for Liverpool?

The Reds have rejected an offer of 25m euros (£21.6m) for the 25-year-old, and have set a value of £35m if they are to let him leave.

Do you think he is a player worth selling? Should the Reds cash in, and if so, what is the right price?

Tell us if you want Jones to stay or if there is a sensible price at which to sell

Netherlands have all but guaranteed their place in the last 32 of the World Cup after a dominant display against Sweden on Saturday.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo scored a double in the 5-1 win, including the above that was the 100th goal of the tournament, and you can catch all of the best action in the highlights below.

The fourth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on the letter D, specifically legendary forward and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Dalglish made 515 appearances across 13 years for the Reds, scoring 172 goals and winning a host of trophies; including six league titles and three European Cups as both player and manager.

The team at Radio Merseyside dived into the Scotsman's career and highlighted a couple of his most memorable strikes.

"The goal I remember is in the derby at Goodison Park in 1985-86 when he scored in the first minute," Paul Salt said.

"Fortunately, it was televised for overseas audiences so there is a record of it. And at that point he wasn't playing as much but that was just a great goal wasn't it?"

Carl Woodward added: "Yes, he's one of those players like your Steven Gerrards of this world, your Mo Salahs you'd say who score important, massive goals. It doesn't matter if they're not playing as much or getting older - they still score those massively, important goals.

"I know we're fast-forwarding but that goal against Chelsea [in 1986], he wasn't playing much then but he got in the side because Paul Walsh got injured and then he goes and wins the title at Stamford Bridge."

After his distinguished playing career, Dalglish held the player-manager role at Liverpool for five years from 1985-1990, when he dropped the player title and continued as manager until the following February when he made his shock resignation.

His career became iconic at Anfield, with that crucial strike at Chelsea in 1986 replayed time and again when the club and fans look back at history.

"I still think about that goal because it doesn't feel real," Salt said. "You can't script it. You couldn't script the player-manager [scoring the winning goal] and there'd never been a player-manager who had won the league and scoring the goal that wins the title."

Click play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Liverpool's 2026-27 fixtures and how many points you expect from the first 10 games.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: It's a decent first two months, but October is rough. If I were to be predicting it with Arne Slot in charge, I'd be fretting about every game, let alone Arsenal and Manchester City. But with Andoni Iraola in charge, I'm more hopeful. If we can get at least 20 points from the first 10 games, and play good football in the games we drop points in, I'd call that a success. Iraola still has a transfer window to make improvements and I see him making the right transfers and right sales.

Leigh: These fixtures are a good start for the season. 12 points are highly possible from first five matches. Newcastle away being the first match that is the the hit or miss one. If they recruit well, it will be hard. If they don't, it is still only a possible win.

Ben: A few wins should be expected in the first few games as we aren't playing any of the top teams until October. However, we still need to strengthen the defence before the season starts if we are to avoid a poor season like the last one. It will be a test of Iraola's credentials if we struggle in August and September.

Anthony: I would expect a minimum of 21 points from the opening 10 games.

Aminu: Last season was an experience to forget. I have firm trust in Iraola and I believe we will be tittle contenders next term. In the first 10 games? Well... why not 27 points?

Ian: It doesn't matter who and when we play as we have to play everyone twice anyway. We've just got to win as many games as possible, hopefully not lose too many, and see where we end up next May. Fingers crossed it could be title number 21!

Now you have seen the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures, what kind of start do you think Liverpool will have under new boss Andoni Iraola?

How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

Unfortunately for Newcastle and Eddie Howe, they are winless in their past 19 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L14), with the Reds having not lost a league trip to St James' Park since 2015-16 - but will be starting out under new boss Andoni Iraola.

The Magpies haven't lost their opening league game in any of the past four seasons, though, since losing 4-2 to West Ham in 2021-22.

Liverpool are unbeaten in their first Premier League match in the past 13 seasons (W10 D3) since losing 3-0 to West Brom in 2012-13. It's the longest current ongoing run, and the longest since Chelsea went 18 seasons without losing the opener between 1999-00 and 2016-17.

• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Liverpool will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign under new boss Andoni Iraola with a trip to Newcastle United.

The match will take place on Sunday, 23 August at 16:30 BST, with the Reds' first home fixture coming against Nottingham Forest on the weekend of 29-30 August.

Iraola's side face Hull City (A), Aston Villa (A), Coventry City (H) and Sunderland (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season against Bournemouth at Anfield on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See Liverpool's Premier League fixtures in full here

Now you have seen the fixtures, what kind of start do you the Reds will have under Iraola? How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?

Send us your thoughts here

Image source, Getty Images

With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. And you delivered.

Here are some of your replies:

Roger: August 1971 when Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Anfield on the opening day of the season. It was Kevin Keegan's debut and he scored in front of the Kop. The rest is history, of course, but he was probably the great Bill Shankly's best signing. What a player and a great schoolboy hero of mine and many others.

Lee: My best memory has to be Middlesbrough away in 1996. We drew 3-3 with them, but Stig Inge Bjornebye scored his first Liverpool goal and the goal of the 1996-97 season after three minutes. Then it was over to the Fabrizio Ravanelli show, as he bagged a hat-trick for Middlesbrough on his debut.

Tom: The worst I can remember was 2012-13. During the summer before, there was a big behind the scenes documentary released showing Brendan Rodgers and his tactics. It was eye-catching possession football and all of that. But then we went and lost 3-0 on the opening day to West Brom.

Ian: My best opening day memory was the 6-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in 1994. Jan Molby gave us all a masterclass in passing. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman were unmarkable, while Ian Rush scored a classic. This was the exciting Roy Evans-led Liverpool, emerging from the Graeme Souness era, becoming contenders once again.

Richard: One match that stays in the memory is August 1971 at Anfield. Kevin Keegan made his first appearance, scored soon after the start, then won a penalty and went on to transform the side from good to great.

Antz: Without doubt the 4-3 win over Arsenal at the start of the 2016-17 season when Sadio Mane scored that brilliant goal on his debut and then celebrated by jumping on Jurgen Klopp. Loved that!

Image source, Getty Images

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Reds' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.