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Tag: Anfield

Reports: Bournemouth Close in on Liverpool’s Ben Doak for £25m

Liverpool winger Ben Doak is reportedly on the verge of leaving Anfield this summer, with Bournemouth leading the race for the 19-year-old.

Doak, who joined the Reds from Celtic in 2022 for around £600,000 in training compensation, has attracted interest from several Premier League and European clubs throughout the summer, including West Ham, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Brentford, PSV Eindhoven, and Porto.

Liverpool previously rejected offers worth £15 million and £16 million in the January transfer window, valuing their No. 50 closer to £30 million. With multiple clubs monitoring Doak, the Reds are in a strong position to recoup their valuation if a bidding war develops.

Reports: Bournemouth Close in on Liverpool’s Ben Doak for £25m

Doak spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, making an impact before being sidelined with a thigh injury. He played four times in Liverpool’s pre-season, totalling 220 minutes and scoring against Athletic Bilbao, but his inclusion in Slot’s second-string side suggested he is on the periphery of first-team plans.

According to Paul Joyce and Paul Gorst, Doak has been withdrawn from Liverpool’s squad for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth as the Cherries look to finalise a deal worth around £25 million.

Arne Slot has previously indicated the need for at least one more attacker this summer, and Doak’s potential exit would reduce Liverpool’s forward options further after the departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

The Scotland international is seeking regular first-team football, and a move to Bournemouth would provide the opportunity to establish himself while allowing Liverpool to make a significant profit on a youth signing.

August 15, 2025
Liverpool vs Bournemouth: Premier League 2025–26 Season Opener Preview
Premier League football returns on Friday night as champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield to kick off the 2025-26 season.

Arne Slot’s side head into the season opener determined to bounce back from last weekend’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, while the visitors look to build on their best-ever top-flight points tally from last season.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Preview

The Reds had a strong pre-season, winning five of their six friendlies. Victories over Preston, Stoke, AC Milan, and Athletic Bilbao showcased their attacking depth, with only AC Milan managing to beat them. However, their momentum was checked last weekend when Palace edged them on penalties in the Community Shield, despite goals from Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool haven’t lost an opening-day fixture since 2012 and will be confident of maintaining that record, especially with several high-profile summer signings ready to make their league debuts.

Andoni Iraola’s side enjoyed a mixed summer. They started well with wins over Hibernian, Bristol City, and Everton, but failed to win any of their final four matches. Heavy defeats to Manchester United (4-1) and West Ham (2-0) were followed by back-to-back draws against Real Sociedad, with new goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic saving a penalty in their final outing.

Bournemouth are unbeaten on the opening day for the last seven seasons, but they face a major test at Anfield after losing several key players this summer, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Illia Zabarnyi to PSG, and Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Team News

Ryan Gravenberch will miss the season opener after receiving a red card on the final day of last season against Crystal Palace.

Joe Gomez has returned to training after recovering from an Achilles injury and could make the bench. Arne Slot explained:

“I think he only trained twice now, missed quite a lot in pre-season. But if you looked at our bench against Palace, I think there were three players that were 20 years old or younger.

“So, there is a possibility that Joe might be on the bench, but I have to look at the numbers and who we’re going to take.”

Alexis Mac Allister is fit to play despite recent fitness concerns, while Conor Bradley remains sidelined. Milos Kerkez is set to face his former club at left-back.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth captain Lewis Cook is serving the second match of a three-game suspension after being sent off in the penultimate game of last season. He has also picked up an injury in a behind-closed-doors match, which would have ruled him out regardless.

The south coast side also has several other injuries, with Enes Unal, Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert, and Luis Sinisterra all going through different periods of their recovery.

“Justin hasn’t been training with us and won’t play,” Cherries boss Andoni Iraola said on Thursday afternoon. Ryan has been training this week with us, which is positive. It’s too early for him to play as he hasn’t done any pre-season. He hasn’t done a lot of things for a lot of weeks, so it’s too early – but it’s good to have him back on the pitch with the group.”

Reports suggest Dango Ouattara is seeking a move away from the club, with interest from Brentford potentially affecting the versatile player’s chances of starting.

Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings

Liverpool and Bournemouth have met 24 times in all competitions, with the Reds winning 19 of those encounters and drawing three. Bournemouth have only managed two victories, both at the Vitality Stadium.

The most recent meeting came in February 2025, when Mohamed Salah scored twice to secure a 2-1 away win for Liverpool. The Cherries’ last triumph over the Reds was in March 2023, when Phillip Billing’s strike sealed a 1-0 victory.

Key Stats
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their first league game for 12 straight seasons (9 wins, 3 draws).
- This is their first Premier League opener at Anfield since 2020-21; last home opening-day loss was in 2003-04 vs Chelsea.
- As reigning champions, Liverpool have lost only 1 of 19 season openers.
- Only the second time in club history they start a league season on a Friday (first was 2019-20, which ended in a title win).
- Liverpool have won 9 of their last 10 Friday Premier League games.
- Unbeaten in 13 August home league games since 2015 (11 wins, 2 draws).
- Have won 11 of their last 12 league meetings with Bournemouth.
- Bournemouth have taken just 1 point from 8 Premier League visits to Anfield, losing the last 6 with a 23-2 aggregate.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last 7 opening league games (3 wins, 4 draws).
- Alisson could make his 300th Liverpool appearance, the 7th goalkeeper in club history to do so.
- Florian Wirtz was 1 of only 6 players in Europe’s top 5 leagues last season with double-digit goals (10) & assists (12).
- Mohamed Salah has 9 goals & 14 goal involvements on opening weekends — most in Premier League history.
- Salah has scored 105 Premier League goals at Anfield; only Aguero (106) & Henry (114) have more at one venue.
- Salah’s 11 Premier League goals against Bournemouth is the most by any player against them
August 14, 2025
Last Liverpool goal had special meaning for Diogo Jota

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota shared the touching meaning behind his final goal for the club just weeks before he tragically passed away in a car accident.

The 28-year-old Portugal international and his brother, Andre Silva, died on July 3 when their Lamborghini went off the road in northern Spain. Jota was returning to England to begin pre-season training after helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season.

His last goal for the Reds was the decisive winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield in April, a strike that he said gave him pride after a challenging campaign.

Last Liverpool goal had special meaning for Diogo Jota

It was a very tough season for me, but I was always there fighting, and I could help the team that day, and I’m proud of what I could still do,” Jota said in the club documentary Champions 24-25: The Inside Story.

It’s hard to describe. That’s the feeling I look for when I play football, that’s why you put all your life and all your efforts to moments like that, moments where you can decide an important game.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his five-year stay at Anfield.

“It is something I could not even dream as a kid. I wanted to play in the Premier League but I could never imagine to win it,” he reflected. Pictures that will be shown forever. It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream.”

Liverpool have retired his number 20 shirt in honour of his service to the club. The Reds also plan to build a permanent sculpture of Jota outside Anfield, while a mural of the forward has already been painted on a building near the stadium.

August 13, 2025
Liverpool Women Appoint Gareth Taylor As New Head Coach

Liverpool FC Women have confirmed Gareth Taylor as their new head coach following Matt Beard’s departure in February.

The 52-year-old left Manchester City in March after a five-year spell that brought FA Cup and League Cup triumphs, as well as two WSL runner-up finishes. He replaces Amber Whiteley, who served as interim head coach last season and guided the Reds to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Liverpool Women Appoint Gareth Taylor As New Head Coach

“I am delighted to have been appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach,” said Taylor. “Everyone in football knows about the history, size and potential of this club, and I am really looking forward to the task ahead.”

LFC Women managing director Andy O’Boyle said: “Gareth was the outstanding candidate. He has a proven track record of building successful teams and developing players to reach the next level.”

Taylor’s former assistant Chad Gribble will join him at Liverpool, while Whiteley stays on as assistant coach. His first competitive game will be the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

August 8, 2025
“I’ll Always Be a Liverpool Fan” — Tyler Morton Pens Emotional Goodbye After Liverpool Exit

Tyler Morton has bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool after completing a £15m move to French side Lyon, ending a 17-year journey with the club he joined as a boy.

The 22-year-old midfielder took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with fans, reflecting on his time at Anfield and expressing deep gratitude to the players, coaches, and supporters who shaped his career.

Sharing his thoughts with supporters, Morton posted:

“I’ll Always Be a Liverpool Fan” — Tyler Morton Pens Emotional Goodbye After Liverpool Exit

When you spend 17 years at a club, the fans, players, and staff feel like family to you. It’s more than just football.

I could sit here all day and talk about the memories I experienced throughout my time at Liverpool, but I just want to express how grateful I am to this club! The people around this club have taught me so much and completely shaped me into the person I am today.

First of all, to the staff, players and all my teammates I have worked with, you have been people I will remember for life. In my hardest time,s they were always there for me and at my best times, they never changed.”

To the staff I’m forever grateful for the opportunity you have all given me to play for this club, from the age of 5 until now all the staff I have come across have guided me and allowed me to be the player I am today and the work they put in behind the scenes at all ages should never go unnoticed.

Finally, to the Liverpool fans, thank you for looking after me and my family always.

If I was on loan or at the club, I always felt loved and a part of this incredible football club. You backed me through anything, and I hope you know I gave it my all for you because that is the least you deserve!”

A lot of change in 17 years, but one thing that will never change is my love for the club. I will always be a Liverpool fan. You’ll never walk alone.

August 6, 2025
Florian Wirtz Explains How Arne Slot Is Helping Him At Liverpool

Florian Wirtz says Arne Slot’s system is already getting the best out of him and believes Liverpool fans will see even more once he’s fully settled.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in a £100m deal this summer, made his Anfield debut in Monday night’s 3-2 friendly win over Athletic Club. Wirtz started in an advanced midfield role and came close to scoring twice, showing flashes of the quality that made him one of Europe’s most wanted players.

Speaking after the match, Wirtz told Liverpoolfc.com:

“I think I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch, and the manager gives it to me. Of course, I have to respect the position and the players around me, but I try to give my best on the pitch and find the right places. I have the freedom for this.”

The German international is the headline name in Liverpool’s post-title summer rebuild, with Slot’s side already spending over £265m, and more potentially to come.

Florian Wirtz Explains How Arne Slot Is Helping Him At Liverpool

He made his first appearances during the club’s tour of the Far East, scoring against Yokohama F. Marinos and featuring in the match against AC Milan. But Monday was his first time in front of the Anfield crowd, and he’s enjoying every moment of his new challenge.

“I came because I thought I could fit in this team, and I am enjoying playing with these players,” Wirtz said.

“Every time, it is getting a little bit better, so I am happy with how it is going. I’m really enjoying the first weeks.”

Wirtz also had good words for fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike, who set up a goal in the same match:

“He is a really good player. I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt, and I was really happy that he decided to come to us. In the training sessions already, he went well and also in the game, we had some combinations that were good.”

Looking ahead to the new Premier League season, Wirtz knows the challenge will be big, but he’s ready for it.

“I have not played a match in the Premier League, but I am looking forward to it, and that is why I came. They tell me it’s more intense and more physical… That is what everybody is telling me, and I’m aware of that.”

“The big challenge is to take the title again, and it is the most difficult thing, so I try just to create chances and also work against the ball because I can also run a lot, and I will try to bring this to the team.

August 6, 2025
Photos: Liverpool Warm Down After Anfield Double-Header

The Reds returned to the AXA Training Centre for recovery after their back-to-back wins over Athletic Club.

Liverpool’s pre-season ended on a high with two victories in one evening at Anfield, and the squad wasted no time getting back to work. Just a day later, Arne Slot’s team were spotted at the AXA Training Centre going through a light warm-down session.

Check out the best images from the warm-down session below

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August 5, 2025
Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Club: Ngumoha Scores Again As Reds Cruise To Victory

Liverpool picked up a solid 4-1 win over Athletic Club in the first of two pre-season friendlies at Anfield on Monday, with Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott all on the scoresheet.

Arne Slot named a youthful and rotated side for the 5pm kickoff, handing starts to Freddie Woodman, Luca Stephenson, Trey Nyoni, and 16-year-old Ngumoha, while Alexis Mac Allister anchored midfield.

Ngumoha opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in just the third minute, curling home from the edge of the box in front of the Kop. It was the teenager’s second goal of pre-season and another reminder of his growing confidence.

Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Club: Ngumoha Scores Again As Reds Cruise To Victory

Nunez added a second moments later, sweeping in from close range after Ngumoha headed Ben Doak’s cross back into the danger area.

Doak then made it 3-0 before the break with a smart turn and low finish at the near post, beating Padilla despite the keeper getting a hand to it.

Liverpool continued to dominate after the restart, and Elliott made it 4-0 in the second half with a crisp finish after another slick attacking move.

Athletic Club improved later in the game and grabbed a consolation goal, but the Reds saw out the match to claim a convincing win.

The Dutch manager is expected to field a stronger XI for the 8 pm kickoff, with more senior names returning to the pitch in the second fixture of the day.

August 4, 2025
Confirmed: Liverpool Lineup vs Athletic Club (Second Game)

Liverpool have gone with a more senior lineup for the second of today’s friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield, with several summer signings making their home debuts.

Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are handed starts in defence alongside Ibrahima Konate and Wataru Endo.

Florian Wirtz gets his first Anfield appearance in midfield, joined by Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch.

Mohamed Salah captains the side and is joined in attack by Cody Gakpo and new signing Hugo Ekitike.

Slot is expected to rotate again during the game, with several youngsters named on the bench.

Liverpool XI vs Athletic Club (Game 2):
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Endo, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Wirtz, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike

Subs: Pecsi, Chiesa, Nallo, Morrison, Davidson, Wright

August 4, 2025
Arne Slot Confirms Van Dijk and Bradley Out vs Athletic Club

Arne Slot has confirmed that several key players will miss Monday’s double-header against Athletic Club, with doubts lingering ahead of Liverpool’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace and their Premier League opener.

Speaking to LFCTV, the head coach revealed that Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out of today’s friendlies due to illness, while Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are both sidelined with minor injuries. Alisson Becker also remains unavailable after returning home during the Asia tour for personal reasons.

“Almost all of them are fit or stayed fit,” said Slot. “Unfortunately, Virgil is sick today. We miss out on Alisson. Joe Gomez is not there, Conor Bradley is not there.”

Arne Slot Confirms Van Dijk and Bradley Out vs Athletic Club

Slot added that while Van Dijk and Alisson are expected to recover in time for the new season, Bradley and Gomez are facing a race to be ready.

“Virgil normally not,” he said when asked about their availability for the Community Shield or league opener. “Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, it’s going to be tight. Alisson will be back in time as well.”

Despite the setbacks, Slot remained positive about the squad’s overall condition.

“Until now we have stayed fit as we wanted to be, and new signings came in so they got adjusted to what we want,” he said. “Looking forward first of all to today and then to the next weeks.”

August 4, 2025