Latest from Anfield: Transfers, Friendlies & Player Futures

⚽ Pre‑Season Action: Athletic Club Double-Header at Anfield

Liverpool are hosting Athletic Bilbao in two friendly matches on Monday, August 4, kicking off at 5 pm and 8 pm UK time. Coverage begins at 4 pm on LFCTV and via Liverpool’s All Red Video streaming service .
The Reds have already played strong friendlies in pre-season, beating Preston, Stoke, and Yokohama F. Marinos—only losing to AC Milan. Manager Arne Slot says the squad is largely fit, aside from Alisson’s absence due to personal reasons, while Chiesa and Gomez remain under medical assessment. Luis Díaz’s £65.5 million move to Bayern also reshaped the squad  .

🔁 Transfer Moves: Díaz, Chelsea Pursuit of Isak & Darwin’s Uncertainty

• Luis Díaz departed to Bayern Munich for £65.5 m; Bayern’s CEO praised his signing as strategic, highlighting Díaz as among the Premier League’s top wingers.

• Liverpool’s initial £110 m offer for Alexander Isak from Newcastle was rejected, with Newcastle valuing the striker at £150 m and refusing to negotiate further. Despite Isak expressing interest in the move, Liverpool have reportedly decided against increasing their offer—though rumors of a second bid persist once Newcastle secure a replacement .

• The future of Darwin Núñez remains hazy. Al Hilal are reportedly pursuing a £61 m move, but Núñez—eager to stay in Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup—has turned down previous offers. AC Milan also appear interested, potentially complicating a summer exit .

🛡 Defensive Reinforcements & Contract Talks

Liverpool are working to strengthen their defense further. With Jarell Quansah moved to Bayer Leverkusen and concerns over Virgil van Dijk's age profile, the Reds are negotiating a potential extension for Ibrahima Konaté and keeping close tabs on Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, whose contract is expiring soon .

🚪 Academy Departures: Morton Seals Move to Lyon

Midfielder Tyler Morton, an England U‑21 European champion, has moved to Lyon for approximately £15 million, including add‑ons and a 20% sell‑on clause. A graduate of Liverpool’s academy, Morton sought more playing time and will continue his development in Ligue 1. The funds help offset Liverpool’s hefty summer outlay (~£300 m, including Wirtz and Ekitiké) .

🏛 Off-Field: Honouring Diogo Jota

Liverpool have officially retired Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all men’s, women’s, and academy teams in tribute to the late forward, who passed away in early July. James Milner, who played extensively with Jota, will wear the shirt at Brighton as a mark of respect—highlighting the profound impact Jota had on the club and teammates.

🌟 What It Means for Liverpool

Liverpool enter the new season in transformation: record-breaking signings like Florian Wirtz, outgoing stars, and high-profile targets showing interest. Arne Slot faces a balancing act—optimizing a star-studded squad, integrating new talent, and navigating next-level transfer speculation. With Community Shield and the Premier League opener on the horizon, the summer window remains a pivotal chapter for Liverpool’s ambitions.