Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Isak and Guehi latest as Elliott 'agrees personal terms'

Opinion: Eze's move to Arsenal raises uncomfortable conversation

It has gone somewhat under the radar just how much Arsenal has spent this summer, and unlike Liverpool, the large spend has not been offset by significant sales.

Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos are the only players who have left Arsenal for a transfer fee, and neither commanded a significant one.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has brought in hundreds of millions of dollars from the sales of the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah, while there could yet be another big fee on the way for Harvey Elliott.

That is promising for Liverpool from a financial perspective, but it remains to be seen how such a big overhaul will affect the team on the pitch.

Liverpool's starting line-up against Bournemouth last Friday featured four new starters, and the teething problems from pre-season and the Community Shield followed the Reds into that game, as they conceded two more goals and required a late goal to win.

As for Arsenal, while its net spend for the summer is going to end up being significantly higher than Liverpool's, logic dictates that the Gunners should be more settled on the pitch than the defending champions.

Read the full piece here

On this day in 2023

Two years ago, Darwin Nunez did this at St. James' Park...

An iconic Darwin double at St. James' Park in 2023 #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/qQyMHOS1WK

Here's hoping Hugo Ekitike can produce a similar performance when the Reds travel to Newcastle on Monday night.

Newcastle new signing appears at training

Newcastle may have seen a host of forwards reject it this summer, but the Magpies did welcome one new player this week in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.

Ramsey has signed a five-year deal at Newcastle after Villa accepted an initial $52 million offer for Ramsey, and that fee could rise to $58 million with add-ons. Ramsey trained at Newcastle's Darsley Park training ground for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of a possible debut against Liverpool next Monday.

First training session with the lads for JJ pic.twitter.com/ujuJNTNRj2

Slot press conference today

Arne Slot will address reporters at a press conference at the AXA Training Center later today, with the presser scheduled to get under way at 2.30pm BST (6.30am PT/9.30am ET).

He will no doubt be asked about the club's remaining priorities in the transfer market as the Reds continue to work on a number of possible signings as well as sales in the closing days of the window.

Arsenal wins Eberechi Eze transfer race

Arsenal is set to beat Spurs to the signing of Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace winger, according to various reports. The deal will be worth around $91 million (£68 million) including add-ons.

That seems like a lot to pay for a 27-year-old with limited output in attack. Should Liverpool be looking at Eze as a game-changer for its title rival? I'm not so sure.

Kostas Tsimikas suitor

Kostas Tsimikas has emerged as a transfer target for Marseille this summer, according to Santi Aouna. The Greek could move on because his minutes will be limited this season.

Milos Kerkez has arrived and Andy Robertson has stayed, so Tsimikas is third choice as things stand. As a result, an exit would make sense.

Why Ben Gannon Doak chose Bournemouth

Former Liverpool winger Ben Gannon Doak, as he now wants to be known, picked Bournemouth over Crystal Palace and Everton this summer because he wanted to work with Andoni Iraola.

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Gannon Doak views Bournemouth as the ideal place to continue to progress. The likes of Dango Ouatarra have done well there (but also been allowed to move on) in recent times.

Lewis Koumas interest

Nineteen-year-old Liverpool striker Lewis Koumas has interest from Wrexham and Birmingham City this summer, according to the ECHO.

Kaide Gordon, meanwhile, also has interest from the Championship, including from his former club, Derby County. Both players should move on (either on loan or permanently) with limited chances likely to come their way at Anfield.

Harvey Elliott latest

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott is the top target for RB Leipzig to replace Xavi Simons this summer, according to Sky Germany. The player is said to have already agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga outfit.

Simons is expected to move to the Premier League to sign for Chelsea. A fee would still need to be agreed between Liverpool and Leipzig for Elliott's services.

Man City rules out Rodrygo move

Manchester City has ruled out a summer move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Sacha Tovalieri. The player has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola's side could have moved for Rodrygo had Savinho left, with the former Girona winger linked with Spurs. But that doesn't appear to have gone anywhere, so there isn't a spot in the team.

Fixtures changes

Three Liverpool games in October have been moved for television:

• Chelsea (A) - Sat, Oct 4 (5.30pm UK // 12.30pm ET)
• Man Utd (H) - Sun, Oct 19 (4.30pm UK // 11.30am ET)
  
• Brentford (A) - Sat, Oct 25 (12.30pm UK // 7.30am ET)
  

Alexander Isak pictured at Newcastle training ground

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been pictured arriving at the club's training ground today after dropping that bombshell statement on social media yesterday.

He has been training alone for a while, separated from his teammates as he is on strike. It remains to be seen what Isak and Newcastle's next move is, with Liverpool watching on.

Alexander Isak is now at the training ground. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/EGhyV6PyGe

Yoane Wissa bid rejected

Liverpool will continue to watch developments closely at Newcastle despite the North East side insisting that Alexander Isak is not for sale.

According to The Athletic, Brentford has rejected the Magpies' offer (worth $54 million/£40 million including add-ons) for Yoane Wissa. He is the most likely striker that Eddie Howe can bring in.

Rodrygo latest

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo didn't feature for his side in the opening game of the season against Osasuna yesterday, but Xabi Alonso says he definitely still has a role to play.

"These are match decisions," he said, explaining why Rodrygo was left on the bench. "The way the match was going, we needed another profile. There have been no decisions for the future.

"Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was. Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind."

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for Rodrygo. He wouldn't be the worst signing for the Reds if Alexander Isak proves impossible to snap up.

Glasner's update on Guehi

Oliver Glasner said Marc Guehi will play for Palace in its Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad tonight.

Oliver Glasner on Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze: "Most of you will be surprised that they will start again tomorrow because of all the rumours. But they are committed here and they will play a crucial part."

Shearer urges Isak to sack agent

Alan Shearer has urged Alexander Isak to sack his agent over his botched Newcastle United exit plan.

The striker is desperate to move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes on September 1, but it now appears highly unlikely that the transfer will materialize, leaving Isak facing the prospect of either returning for the Magpies with his tail between his legs or sitting out until January at the earliest.

Shearer said: "I mean, oh my God, what a f------ mess his agent has made of this, honestly," Shearer told Betfair. "If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six‑year deal and there’s no get‑out clause.

"I mean, it’s ridiculous. And to take anyone’s word in football… it’s nonsensical to say that someone said, 'Oh, I’ll be able to get out at the end of the season.' Really? I mean, come on."

FIFA rule could help Isak force exit through

If Alexander Isak doesn't end up leaving Newcastle before the tranfer window closes, he could invoke Article 17 of FIFA's Regulations on the Transfer and Status of Players, if next summer comes around and he still wants to leave.

Article 17 was first implemented 20 years ago and it was introduced as a result of pressure from the European Commission, which felt that the previous transfer system restricted players from moving to new clubs in the way that everyday people are allowed to switch jobs, as and when they please, with few obstacles.

While Article 17 rule was implemented in 2005, it was initially still quite restrictive, so not many players successfully invoked it, but some of the obstacles have been removed in the two decades since, making it easier — theoretically, at least — for players to take advantage of it.

Simply, any player who invokes the article is considered to have unilaterally breached their contract with their current club, immediately releasing them from their contract and making them a free agent.

Read more about Article 17 here

Arsenal suffers potentially major injury blow

Arsenal are facing an anxious wait to discover the extent of a knee injury suffered by Kai Havertz, with the Gunners considering signing a new player as cover.

Havertz came on as a second-half substitute against Manchester United on Sunday, but he has since sustained a knee problem and did not take part in an open training session on Wednesday.

The Athletic reports that assessments are at an early stage, with the anticipated lay-off time still unclear.

Why Isak hasn't handed in transfer request

While Alexander Isak clearly wants to leave Liverpool, he is yet to officially submit a formal transfer request.

One of the reasons for that is likely to be that handing in an official transfer request can lead to significant financial penalties for a player, the BBC reports.

The BBC says...

"It constitutes a breach of a player's contract, meaning that a player could be no longer entitled to contractual bonuses - including signing-on fees and loyalty bonuses.

"If at any point Newcastle find Isak to have breached the obligations of his contract or a relevant code of conduct, the Magpies may have grounds to fine the Swedish striker."

Salah posts about PFA award

Mohamed Salah shared the following post after he was voted the PFA Players' Player of the Year for last season — the third time he has claimed the gong, after also winning it in 2017-18 and 2021-22.

This very special award hits different when we have an important trophy to go along with it. Being champions is what matters and we will fight to do it again this season. I am incredible grateful to the players who voted for me. pic.twitter.com/L9nkm4ltMr

Salah says Arsenal is title favorite

Mohamed Salah said that he thinks Arsenal is the favorite to win the Premier League this season. Answering a question about the Gunners' title chances at the PFA Awards night on Tuesday, he said:

"I think you (Arsenal) have a great team this season as you did last season. So, you have really good chance. I think you are the favorite now because you players who have been together for five years. I can’t say I’ll wish you luck – hopefully we do it again!"

Newcastle's Alexander Isak transfer stance after statement bombshell

Newcastle United would have allowed Alexander Isak to leave had it found a replacement for the Swedish striker, but has now decided against it because of his bombshell statement.

That is according to the Daily Mail, which claims that Eddie Howe's side would have reluctantly conceded defeat on Isak before the window closed had he not tried to force the issue. Instead, it will supposedly double down.

Alexander Isak breaks silence

Well, well, well... this is big.

You can read the full statement from Alexander Isak here.

PFA Team of the Year

Liverpool has four players (and Milos Kerkez) in the PFA Team of the Year.

The PFA Premier League Team of the Year - voted for by the players. #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/j85lXebf9d

Shearer and Lineker on Isak transfer

Speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has expressed his frustrations at the Alexander Isak transfer stand-off.

"I wish I knew," he said. "It's such a s--- situation for everyone. I heard Eddie Howe saying the situation is no different to what it was three or four weeks ago, which is a nightmare.

"It’s horrible for Newcastle because they need two center-forwards [to come] in for them to even contemplate letting him go. If they do let him go, how much?"

His co-host, Gary Lineker, slammed Isak for his actions after enjoying an "amazing season" last year.

He added: "It’s a really messy situation. I know players want to move sometimes. Clubs can be difficult when they want you out, so it’s often a two-way thing. But if I were a teammate, I’d be very grumpy with him.

"If you’ve got three years left on your contract, you’ve signed that contract. You’ve just won a trophy for the first time (in 56 years), amazing season.

"I understand if Liverpool come in and you want to win Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues. I totally understand that. But downing tools to make it happen? You just think ‘Really?’"

Hugo Ekitike praised

Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has named just one Liverpool player in his Team of the Week after the first round of fixtures of the new season concluded: Hugo Ekitike.

"Ekitike was impressive on his home debut," Redknapp told Bet Victor. "Obviously, he scored one, and his overall play was excellent.

"He’s such a big lad, but he’s got lovely feet and showed some very nice touches. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him."

Supercomputer predicts Premier League title

Liverpool has been predicted to win the Premier League title this season after a supercomputer crunched the numbers and the data — surprisingly suggesting that the Reds could come top without breaking 80 points.

The Ace Odds algorithm has predicted that Liverpool will end up on 78.2 points, ahead of Arsenal in second on 76.6. Manchester City is predicted to come third on 73.9.

Andy Carroll on Alexander Isak

Andy Carroll has become the latest pundit to weigh in on Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool, with Newcastle United still searching for replacements as things stand.

"Being from Newcastle, I didn't really want to leave. Didn't want to go. I wanted to stay. And it was tough when I did go," Carroll told Sky Sports.

"But Isak's not from Newcastle so he can act like he’s acting now and think it’s acceptable. It's a big move for him.

"The way he's playing his cards at the minute, the Newcastle fans are not going to back him, he’s not going to help himself and it’s a shame because he’s such a good player and every Newcastle fan wants him to stay, the manager wants him to stay.

"It's not really the same as me because it's not his club. The Geordies took him in and made him one of their own but when he wants to go, that’s his mind changed."

Luis Diaz impressing

Luis Diaz has done well for Bayern Munich so far and scored the winner as the German side won the Supercup at the weekend. Harry Kane has been impressed by his new teammate.

"He gets into that six-yard box, he makes those runs and he has got a great finish," the England captain told Sky Sports.

"I think it is important, especially in this modern football, for the wingers to be scoring hopefully 15 to 20 goals a season. The goal was a great run, a great finish.

"He had a couple of others that he was unlucky with in the game. For him, it will be great confidence. Scoring in your first competitive game for a new club is great and for it to be the winning goal is a perfect start for him."

Kostas Tsimikas latest

Kostas Tsimikas could move back to Olympiacos this summer, according to Sportime. The Greek left-back is expected to move on with Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson ahead of him in the pecking order.

It has been reported by The Athletic that Tsimikas is likelier to move abroad than remain in the Premier League, though Nottingham Forest did consider him earlier this summer.