What are your best and worst opening-day memories?published at 16:12 BST
16:12 BST
The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.
And to get in the mood as Liverpool start life under Andoni Iraola, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.
'Crazy' Nunez return 'might work'published at 12:19 BST
12:19 BST
Image source, Getty Images
The Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe says Liverpool re-signing Darwin Nunez "might work" despite sounding "crazy".
The Uruguay striker departed for Al-Hilal for £46m last summer but was left out of the Saudi Pro League side's squad for the second half of the season and is reportedly considering terminating his contract with the club.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a return to Anfield, especially with Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury.
"There's pros and cons to this one," Clubbe told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I do see merit in it. In terms of the work that needs to be done elsewhere in the squad, if you find yourself in a position where you don't have loads of money left in the coffers then he is there, he is available, he knows the Premier League, and knows Liverpool.
"He has spoken about how much me missed the fans and Anfield so there is a definite upside.
"We know what he is, we know what he brings. He's very raw, he's all chaos, he's definitely a willing runner. He needs to be refined a little bit and reigned in a bit at times because he can frustrate the life out of us as fans. But he's free and Liverpool have a lot of money to spend elsewhere anyway.
"As a short-term solution to the Ekitike injury situation, I can see it working as mad as that sounds. I never thought in a million years I would be saying bring back Darwin Nunez but it sounds like it might work."
We asked for your views on which Liverpool player needs to have a good World Cup for their country most?
The replies focused on one man and the need to get more from him next season:
Jeremy: Has to be Florian Wirtz. He's so talented and just entering his prime, he needs runners and dribblers around him. His first touch and vision is sublime but it means nothing if he plays in a static 'control / risk-free team.
Ian: I don't think Arne Slot played Florian Wirtz in his favoured position, he obviously prefers playing on the left judging by his performance for Germany. Too many times players are played out of position which doesn't do their confidence any good. If I was a manager joining a new club I would ask every player what their preferred position was and play them there, it makes perfect sense to me.
Dava: I think most of the players at Liverpool will show their true selves under a more dynamic manager in Iraola. Florian Wirtz in a German shirt is a different animal than under Arne Slot. I think unless Cody Gakpo changes his methods he could be for the exit. He has become a one-trick pony and plays the same for the Netherlands. So no real surprises, but I think we will see a different Wirtz next season under new management.
Isak masterclass will excite Iraola - who else needs a good World Cup?published at 19:02 BST 15 June
19:02 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Alexander Isak's record £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle United became a nightmare of lost form and injuries in a disappointing campaign, with the Swede scoring only four goals in 22 appearances.
The 26-year-old striker arrived short of fitness after a period of self-imposed exile on Tyneside, then broke his leg when scoring Liverpool's goal in a 2-1 win at Spurs in December.
Isak may have been the beneficiary of a goalkeeping error for his first-half goal, but the manner in which he ran at the Tunisia defence then showed the confidence to shoot will surely have heartened Iraola.
He demonstrated strength and awareness to rob Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri and set up a goal for strike partner Viktor Gyokeres in the second half. It made Isak and Gyokeres only the second pair of Sweden team-mates to each record a goal and an assist in a World Cup match since 1966.
Isak looked fit and in form, being named man of the match before going off in the closing seconds - and with fellow Reds striker Hugo Ekitike out until next year with an Achilles tendon injury, Iraola will want Isak in peak condition next season.
Isak was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?
Mixed fortunes for Iraola's Dutch triopublished at 14:47 BST 15 June
14:47 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Media caption,
Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Andoni Iraola's new Liverpool era. This impression was only confirmed by his performance for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas.
The result was a disappointment for Ronald Koeman's side, who lost the lead twice, but Van Dijk was voted player of the match.
Van Dijk, who will be 35 in July, scored a goal and was the main barrier of resistance in a Dutch defence that occasionally looked uncertain.
He put the Netherlands ahead after 51 minutes with a precise header. Then, as Japan pressed late on, it was Van Dijk who almost saw out the win with a succession of towering headers.
Ryan Gravenberch, who Iraola will hope to return to the majestic form he displayed as a holding midfielder when Liverpool won the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season, was solid and created Van Dijk's opening goal with an inviting cross.
In a statistical quirk, Gravenberch's delivery for Van Dijk is only the second World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player, after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England against France in 1966.
Gravenberch also provided the assist for Crysencio Summerville's second goal for the Dutch.
Iraola, however, may have wanted to see more from the third member of Liverpool's Dutch contingent as Cody Gakpo had a subdued match.
Gakpo's game descended into predictability in Liverpool's struggles last season, too often resorting to simply cutting inside, a ploy easily detected by opponents as his form faded.
He fell into similar traps against Japan, although Gakpo's cause was arguably not helped by coach Koeman's selection of Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven at left-back. A central defender by trade, Van de Ven offered little attacking assistance, allowing Japan to crowd Gakpo out.
Gakpo also falls into the category of a player Iraola will hope to revive after a dramatic drop in standards last season.
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want for your club?published at 12:54 BST 15 June
12:54 BST 15 June
Image source, Getty Images
It is time to get your scouting caps on!
We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.
What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?
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...
And there's more - the BBC is launching 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 match 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.
Diomande shows Iraola what the fuss is aboutpublished at 12:19 BST 15 June
12:19 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
The task of filling the huge vacancy left by Mohamed Salah will be right at the top of Andoni Iraola's tasks when he settles behind his desk at Liverpool.
RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande has been the name on the lips of many as the target to take the place of the 'Egyptian king'.
Hs is one of Europe's hottest properties and showed exactly why Liverpool are being heavily touted - along with back-t0-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain - as his next destination with a man-of-the-match performance rich in promise in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Diomande operated on the right flank in the first half, where he would play if he arrived at Liverpool to fill Salah's old role, then on the left after the break, creating five chances in total.
He troubled Arsenal's Piero Hincapie in the opening 45 minutes with one electrifying run, leaving the Ecuador defender trailing to set up a chance for Nicolas Pepe. Diomande also showed power and sleight of foot to escape when Ecuador doubled up on him in an attempt to snuff out his threat.
Diomande set up a second-half chance when Elye Wahi hit the woodwork, and his positive approach was reflected in 22 passes in the attacking third.
There are, understandably at only 19, elements of rawness and wastefulness about Diomande's game, but there was enough evidence here to see why he will be on Liverpool's radar as they move to strengthen Iraola's new squad.
And given Iraola's track record of moulding younger players at Bournemouth, such as 19-year-old Junior Kroupi and another teenager, Brazil forward Rayan, Diomande looks right up his street.
Can Iraola release the real Wirtz?published at 11:15 BST 15 June
11:15 BST 15 June
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last summer amid great fanfare in a then-British record £116m deal - but remained an enigma as he fell far short of expectations.
Liverpool still have huge hopes for a gifted attacking player who has only just turned 23, which means one of Andoni Iraola's main tasks is to find a settled position for the German to release the talent he demonstrated before moving to Anfield.
This is why Iraola will have been intrigued by what he saw from Wirtz in Germany's 7-1 win against Curacao in their opening World Cup game.
The context must be that this was against a side ranked 82nd in the world, but in the colours of his country and in favourable conditions, Wirtz showed some golden touches.
In his first campaign at Anfield, Wirtz too often appeared a square peg in a round hole, playing in behind the strikers as well on the flanks, but never flourishing.
In Houston, Wirtz played on the left, perhaps giving Iraola food for thought, especially as Cody Gakpo had a poor season in that position. He created Germany's opening goal for Felix Nmecha with the sort of delicate touch and quick thinking that eluded him for much of last term.
Wirtz had 39 touches in the final third, instrumental as Germany ran riot.
Former England striker Chris Sutton, in Houston for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "The mitigation must be that this was Curacao, but the Liverpool fans who watched the game, especially in the first half, would be wondering if it was the same Florian Wirtz who played for them last season.
"He looked happy in a German jersey, at ease and playing with freedom."
Sutton added: "He was sharp off the left, drifting inside to play quick, incisive passes. He was creative and cunning. He looked unburdened. He was a real menace with Jamal Musiala."
Iraola will hope to lift the weight off Wirtz's shoulders at Liverpool.
Wirtz was among a number of Reds players on show at the World Cup on Sunday, but which do you think needs to have a good tournament for their country most?
Gossip: Liverpool in negotiations for Bouaddipublished at 09:16 BST 15 June
09:16 BST 15 June
Liverpool are in negotiations for Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder who helped Morocco to a 1-1 draw with Brazil in his country's opening game of the 2026 World Cup, and who might cost at least £60m. (Talksport), external
'Nyoni needs regular football' - Fan's views on keep, loan, sellpublished at 17:52 BST 12 June
17:52 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who Liverpool should keep, loan or sell.
Here are some of your comments:
Richard: Keep - Joe Gomez. He deputises in anywhere across the back line if fit. Loan -Rio Ngumoha. Great talent but needs minutes. Sell - Alexis Mac Allister. Giving away too many frees.
Peter: Keep -Harvey Elliott and work with him to enable him to flourish as a regular starter and show his star quality. Loan -No opinion. Sell - Jeremie Frimpong, unless you can develop him properly.
Ken: Keep - Curtis Jones. He has more in his locker and can be a vital player in midfield. He needs to be trusted and for his contract to be renewed, especially as he's the last remaining Scouser and one of a few homegrown players. Loan - Trey Nyoni. Clearly talented but needs to play regular football at Championship level at least to build on his promise. Sell - CodyGakpo. Was fine as a squad player but his contract renewal and increase in wages last summer was a massive mistake. Arguably was one of the worst performers last season (there were many) and Liverpool need a more consistently elite performer in the attacking position he occupies.
Mark: Keep - Jones. Often better players around but his passion and talent is undeniable. Loan - Ngumoha. Excellent potential but unlike Michael Owen, this teenager hasn't yet converted that spark into goals. Sell - McAllister. He's won everything and there's no desire left in his play. Ageing journeyman.
Richard: Keep - Federico Chiesa, his style of play will suit Andoni Iraola's playing style. Loan - Trey Nyoni. Needs regular competitive football to start fulfilling his potential. Sell - Cody Gakpo. Rio has to be put ahead of him next season and he won't want to stay as back-up.
Liverpool confirm exit of coaching staff triopublished at 12:44 BST 12 June
12:44 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool first-team assistants Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters and Giovanni van Bronckhorst have all followed Arne Slot out of the Anfield exit door.
After starting his role as head coach in June 2024, Slot brought in first assistant coach Hulshoff and lead physical performance coach Peeters.
Both figures played a crucial role in the club's Premier League title-winning season in 2024-25, with Liverpool being crowned champions with four games to spare.
Former Netherlands international Van Bronckhorst arrived at Anfield slightly later on, taking up the role of assistant coach in July 2025.
The trio will now leave their respective roles, as new head coach Andoni Iraola continues to craft his own backroom set-up.
A club statement, external said: "Everybody at Liverpool Football Club thanks Sipke, Ruben and Gio for all their efforts and contributions to the club and wishes them the best for the future."
A to Z: How good was Clemence?published at 12:00 BST 12 June
12:00 BST 12 June
Media caption,
The third episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on the letter C, specifically legendary goalkeeper Ray Clemence, the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup final and Ian Callaghan.
Clemence was one of the greatest goalkeepers of the post-war generation, with a glittering record of success at Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur that stands as a monument to his talent.
The England goalkeeper was a key component of great Liverpool sides under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley in the 1970s and early '80s that picked up an immense amount of silverware at home and abroad, before he left Anfield to enjoy more success at White Hart Lane.
On Clemence's time at Anfield, BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy said: "I think like a lot of these things when people say who's the best goalkeeper ever for your team, if it's Liverpool, it depends on how old you are and who you've seen. If you're too young to see Ray Clemence, then you'll probably say Alisson. Bruce Grobbelaar was a good goalkeeper and won just about everything with Liverpool, but if you, like me, saw Ray Clemence, I saw the back end of his career at Anfield and he was an outstanding goalkeeper.
"Three European Cups, five league titles, two Uefa Cups, the FA Cup, League Cup, European Super Cup, that is incredible, and he was Liverpool's goalkeeper throughout the 70s, when they dominated football largely in the 80s as well, but certainly in the mid 70s onwards Liverpool were the team.
"He commanded his goalmouth like no one I've ever seen. He was an extension to the old Tommy Lawrence sweeper-keeper idea. But he was a great shot-stopper, made some fantastic saves, made very few mistakes.
"I think the worst mistake he ever made was for England against Scotland at Hampden Park when it just went through his legs. Other than that, you struggle to think of a mistake he made.
"He had such a long career at Liverpool, you think he's left Liverpool, and that's the end of him, but he goes to Tottenham, and he played for years at Tottenham. And he won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1982. It just shows he had a second career with Tottenham and with England; if it hadn't been for Peter Shilton, he probably would've won 200 caps."
A title and a war chest?published at 18:28 BST 11 June
18:28 BST 11 June
In the final part of our special Liverpool Q&A, we focus on the summer transfer window and how the Reds can aim for in Andoni Iraola's first season.
Chris asked: Do you think Liverpool can challenge for the league next season?
Aadam: It will be a tough ask, for sure. Arsenal will surely start the season as favourites, while Manchester City showed they aren't far off - though, of course, it remains to be seen how they will fare without Pep Guardiola.
If Liverpool recruit smartly and aren't hampered by injuries then optimism will only grow if life starts well under Iraola. But there are a lot of ifs.
Arne Slot was sacked with Liverpool believing that Iraola would help them re-establish themselves at the pinnacle of English and European football. Even if they don't challenge for the title in 2026-27, then the expectation will certainly be there for seasons to come.
Image source, Getty Images
Jason asked: This will be a tough job for Iraola considering this will be his first season at a massive club with a major rebuild. I hope our fans don't judge too quickly, like with Slot's rebuild which didn't go to plan. Will Liverpool have the significant war chest to go head to head with other top clubs, considering the standard of the outgoing first-teamers?
Aadam: A "significant war chest" may be an overstatement but Liverpool certainly have money to spend.
With Mohamed Salah leaving on a free, about £20m is available when you consider his wages alone. The club also achieved record revenues of more than £700m during their title-winning season in 2024-25, and qualifying for the Champions League again will certainly help.
As per the club model, Liverpool are likely to have to sell players in order to buy more. It won't be like last summer when they broke the record for the most money spent by a Premier League club in a transfer window, but the expectation is that Liverpool will definitely spend well this window.
Scroll down this page to find three more posts containing answers from Aadam.
Bayern interest in Ngumoha and Nunez rumourspublished at 15:30 BST 11 June
15:30 BST 11 June
BBC Sport's Aadam Patel has been taking your questions on Liverpool.
You'll find plenty across this page but please take in the latest instalment which looks at the futures of a current and former Red.
Mark asked: Why are we even contemplating selling Rio Ngumoha to Bayern Munich? Is there any truth in this? He is a player with a great future.
Aadam: From a Liverpool perspective, Ngumoha is not for sale. Bayern Munich are certainly interested and that comes as no surprise given his talent, but those at Anfield see Ngumoha as a massive part of the next step of their transition.
By the end of last season, the 17-year-old was arguably the one Liverpool player who looked like he could make something happen on the pitch and he will certainly get more opportunities under Andoni Iraola.
Like you say, he is a player with a great future and my understanding is that, for now, that future lies at Liverpool.
Image source, Getty Images
Adrian asked: There are growing rumours about Darwin Nunez returning to the club, is there any truth in that?
Aadam: A return for Nunez is unlikely. Nunez has previously said how much he misses Liverpool but the fact is that Liverpool now have Alexander Isak.
However, Hugo Ekitike's injury could mean he doesn't play a game again in 2026, so the availability of Nunez on a free transfer, after reports that he is set to terminate his contract with Al Hilal, may not be the worst idea.
Nunez is a player with Premier League experience and would certainly be a handy back-up option, rather than the main centre-forward.
I can't see it becoming reality but stranger things have happened!
Come back to this page for part four of the Q&A. And remember, this is your Liverpool page so bookmark it and come back for analysis, news, stats and fan views.
Kerkez's development and Mac Allister's futurepublished at 12:58 BST 11 June
12:58 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
In the second part of a special Q&A, our Liverpool reporter Aadam Patel focuses on Milos Kerkez's potential and Alexis Mac Allister's poor 2025-26 campaign.
Marc asked: Will Andoni Iraola be able to get Kerkez back to how he excelled in his Bournemouth team, and can he keep youngsters like Conor Bradley and Stefan Bajcetic fit?
Aadam: Kerkez actually improved as the season went on, and I recall Virgil van Dijk hailing the Hungarian to reporters in the second half of the campaign.
It is worth noting that Kerkez is younger than Andy Robertson was when he joined Liverpool, so that development is expected to come with time and you would imagine that working under Iraola should even accelerate that.
With regards to Bradley, if all goes to plan, he should be fit to return from his knee injury early in the new season, while Bajcetic is working towards being fit for pre-season in July.
Simon asked: Do you think Mac Allister has had his best days at Anfield? He seemed off the pace most of this season and gave away a lot of unnecessary free-kicks by getting on the wrong side of the ball. It will be interesting to see how much he features for Argentina at the World Cup.
Aadam: The World Cup will certainly be interesting for Mac Allister. It was off the back of Argentina's World Cup success in 2022 that he opted to sign for Liverpool, and in 2024-25 the midfielder was involved in 35 of 38 Premier League games as Arne Slot's side won the title.
Mac Allister will be the first to admit he had a poor campaign last season, but he is still only 27 years old and it would be too early to say that his time is up.
He is a quality footballer and he has delivered on many an occasion but, that said, it would not be a huge surprise if Liverpool were to entertain offers for him this summer, with his current deal expiring in 2028 and talks not currently taking place over a new deal.
Keep across this page for parts three and four of Aadam's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Liverpool's 'war chest' and Bayern Munich's interest in Rio Ngumoha.
Iraola's first priority and another busy transfer window published at 09:05 BST 11 June
09:05 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked you to send in your Liverpool questions for our reporter Aadam Patel before the summer transfer window opens.
In the first part of a special Q&A, he focuses on Andoni Iraola's first tasks at Anfield and the Reds' transfer plans.
Zahid asked: What should Andoni Iraola's first priority be?
Aadam: For vast parts of the past season, there was no excitement watching Liverpool. Put simply, Iraola needs to bring an identity back to Liverpool and deliver a style of football the fans can enjoy.
There will be no expectation on Iraola to deliver silverware immediately, but, more than anything, there needs to be a sense that Liverpool are heading in the right direction and the head coach is getting the best out of the players.
It took Jurgen Klopp nearly four years to win his first trophy at Anfield. Iraola won't get the same amount of time but, for someone who loves focusing on the short-term, the absolute priority will be to deliver a brand of football that makes Liverpool fans excited again.
Stuart asked: With the likely rebuild or transition to Iraola's style of play, just how much do Liverpool have to do in terms of recruitment? Realistically, how many players are needed? I'm thinking a right-back, wingers on the left and right, central midfielder and potentially a centre-forward to cover the absence of Hugo Ekitike.
Aadam: Before he was sacked, Arne Slot said he expected a little transition this summer. Liverpool won't spend like they did last summer, but it will still be a busy window in terms of recruitment.
A pacy winger is a priority, with 19-year–old Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig a top target and Bradley Barcola another option.
Given the right-back crisis and Conor Bradley's injury situation, they are looking at full-backs. A central midfielder is needed too, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott emerging as a target and, of course, Iraola knows him well.
Despite Ibrahima Konate's exit on a free transfer, there is currently no expectation to invest in another centre-half, with either Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni options to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Keep across this page for parts two, three and four of Aadam's Q&A, which will look at subjects includingAlexis Mac Allister's future, Darwin Nunez's potential return and whether Liverpool can be title challengers in 2026-27.
Liverpool are prepared to let Italy forward Federico Chiesa, 28, leave this summer for around £17m, with the player keen on a move back to Serie A. (Caughtoffside), external
The magic of Barnes - A to Z with BBC Radio Merseysidepublished at 11:20 BST 10 June
11:20 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
He was a Liverpool and England legend who terrified defenders with his pace and power.
John Barnes is a firm favourite on Merseyside and his time with the Reds has been discussed by BBC Radio Merseyside's Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Ian Kennedy as part of their A to Z series.
"I remember John Barnes signing because I was a kid and I think there was the excitement about John Barnes because he'd already been a very, very good footballer with Watford," Salt said.
"He'd had some decent games against Liverpool for Watford and when he came into Liverpool in 1987, it was the dawning of a new era with Ian Rush leaving and Barnes, Beardsley and Aldridge.
"I think we had four seasons of peak John Barnes, which was 87 to 91, where he was arguably the best player in the world. I don't think I'm exaggerating with that, you know, on a consistent basis."
BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy replied: "Whenever I'm asked to pick my all-time Liverpool XI with players in the right position, John Barnes is in that team on the left-hand side for me. One of the greatest players I've seen.
"We'd seen a bit of it at Watford but we'd seen a bit with England. You remember the goal he scored against Brazil in the Maracana? That was three years before he came to Liverpool so we knew he was a great player but the impact that he had straight away - that 87-88 season was one of Liverpool's greatest seasons."
BBC Radio Merseyside's Mike Hughes said: "Explosive pace. Unbelievable ability to get away from defenders straight away. His control and touch when the ball would come to him. He'd be on the run, he'd be brave with the ball. He was good in the air. An all-round footballer.
"He was an absolute world-class talent, one of the very, very best that I've ever seen. A real match winner, scored so many great goals, the famous ones against Queen's Park Rangers and even later on the in the famous 4-4 draw at Goodison Park.
"The relationship that Barnes had with Aldridge and others, because not only was he quick, not only was he a wonderful talent with the ball at his feet, he had perception, he saw things earlier than most people do or did and that, it invites so many different possibilities."