The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as the Reds close in on the Premier League title and face speculation regarding Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xavi Simons and more.

The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip as the Reds close in on the Premier League title and face speculation regarding Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xavi Simons and more.

Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with updates on Bournemouth duo Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen

Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with updates on Bournemouth duo Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen

Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Crystal Palace's X account sends a message to the Reds after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Crystal Palace's X account sends a message to the Reds after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal

Liverpool are told they should move Darwin Nunez on this summer and make a move for Bayern Munich's Harry Kane

Liverpool are told they should move Darwin Nunez on this summer and make a move for Bayern Munich's Harry Kane

The former Liverpool and Everton striker spoke exclusively to the ECHO ahead of taking on London Marathon in support of the Owen McVeigh Foundation this weekend

The former Liverpool and Everton striker spoke exclusively to the ECHO ahead of taking on London Marathon in support of the Owen McVeigh Foundation this weekend

Less than a year on from a very public promise to Liverpool supporters, Mohamed Salah stands on cusp of fulfilling it

Less than a year on from a very public promise to Liverpool supporters, Mohamed Salah stands on cusp of fulfilling it

Crystal Palace took another dig at its North London rival Arsenal following the side's dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Wednesday.

A late Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizer deemed "world class" by Jamie Carragher — the Frenchman's 14th in the Premier League this campaign — wasn't enough for the Reds to win the title, as Arne Slot and company needed an Eagles victory to clinch the side's 20th domestic championship.

Now, Liverpool can win the league with a draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Anfield. Crystal Palace sent a three-word message on social media for its troubles: "You're welcome Liverpool," the club's account tweeted.

The Reds didn't clinch the 2019/20 league title at Anfield after Christian Pulisic scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge to beat then title-chasing Manchester City.

Even if Liverpool could have sealed the title at home, there would have been no fans in attendance to celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is this what the Reds wanted? It's unclear; after all, the most important thing is clinching the title. At least the Palace result makes the chance of a Liverpool title win even more certain.

"It was not our goal to decide the title, it was our goal to win the game," Palace coach Oliver Glasner said. "I think a draw is a very good result. More important is the performance. We are back on track. That's what we need."

You're welcome Liverpool...#CPFC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 23, 2025

Mateta took the ball off Arsenal defender William Saliba in the 83rd minute before deftly looking up at the position of goalkeeper David Raya.

The Frenchman, while looking at the ball, impressively dinked the ball over the Spanish star between the sticks with a lovely shot that looked like it came from a pitching wedge and not someone's right foot.

"When I started on the bench, I could see he [David Raya] was very high up the pitch," Mateta explained. "So I knew if I won the ball I could try, so I did and scored. It is one of the best goals of my career. I thought it hit the crossbar but thankfully it was in!"

Liverpool will face a Tottenham side on Sunday in ice-cold form in the Premier League, having lost four of its last five games (with the only victory over last-place Southampton).

However, Spurs are in much stronger form in Europe, having knocked off Eintracht Frankfurt in a fiercely competitive Europa League quarterfinal.

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Linda Pizzuti has shared her anticipation at Liverpool closing in on a record-equalling 20th English top-light title win, something they will achieve with at least a point against Tottenham on Sunday.

Linda Pizzuti has shared her anticipation at Liverpool closing in on a record-equalling 20th English top-light title win, something they will achieve with at least a point against Tottenham on Sunday.

Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Virgil van Dijk sends a message after Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace moved the Reds closer to winning the Premier League title

Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Virgil van Dijk sends a message after Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace moved the Reds closer to winning the Premier League title

Cherki’s Creativity

In the latest episode of Transfer Market Metrics by Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter delved deep into the data behind three midfield prospects who could shape—or shake—Liverpool’s midfield future. While Arne Slot now commands the technical area at Anfield, this forensic analysis provided a lens through which fans and analysts alike can evaluate what’s needed in the post-Klopp era.

Rayan Cherki is a name that’s often met with raised eyebrows and eager intrigue. Davis summed it up succinctly: “All the attacking talent in the world, brilliant creativity. Defensively, absolutely non-existent.” It’s a hard truth for a player whose highlight reel dazzles but whose off-ball metrics raise doubts. He continued, “Could you carry him and Mo Salah in the same team? I think the other eight outfield players might have a bit to say.” The implication is stark: pairing two defensive liabilities on the flanks may prove fatal against high-calibre Premier League opposition.

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Rovella’s Metrics Paint a Metronomic Picture

Nicolo Rovella’s numbers suggested a safer, perhaps too-safe, midfield option. Labelled as “metronomic” and likened to Zubimendi by Davis, Rovella is reliable but unambitious in possession. Barter noted, “In terms of passing, pass completion 88th percentile and passes attempted 91st… but the only disappointing thing is not more of those are aggressive.”

This was echoed with concern: “If you’re going to marry him up or give an alternative [to Gravenberch], you’d like him to be doing stuff that Grav doesn’t do.” That concern was deepened by his physical limitations. “179 cm. Grav, 190. We’re talking 11 centimetres… and 10 kilos difference. At elite Premier League level, that’s massive,” Barter emphasised.

Bajcetic: Between Promise and Uncertainty

Of the three, Stefan Bajcetic stirs the most debate—perhaps because his story is already a Liverpool one. Now on loan at Las Palmas, his time away hasn’t clarified much. Davis observed, “People will hop back to that couple of years ago, but it was a couple of years ago.” The metrics show defensive promise—“99th percentile in blocks,” said Barter—but his passing is well below Liverpool’s expected standards: “Pass completion in the 8th percentile for a midfielder.”

Barter’s take was candid: “Badge might could do with another loan… He needs to go and play somewhere.” It’s a notion echoed throughout the episode, with both contributors agreeing that “for a 20-year-old, he just needs to play elsewhere.”

Slot’s Dilemma: Progression vs Physicality

As the discussion closed, it became clear that none of the three names seem ideal in solving Liverpool’s midfield equation. With Mo Salah continuing to be a guaranteed starter and the Premier League demanding intensity, dynamism, and strength, it’s no surprise Davis concluded: “Three that it’s hard to see in a Liverpool shirt.”

Rovella might be steady, but doesn’t offer enough upside over current options. Cherki dazzles, but leaves too many gaps. And Bajcetic, while loved, still needs time—“He’s at a big big crossroads,” Barter warned.

Slot and Liverpool’s recruitment team have big decisions to make. What is clear is that metrics matter more than ever—and these three players, while talented, might not yet be the answer.

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Virgil van Dijk posted an inspiring message to Liverpool fans just minutes after Arsenal failed to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Liverpool is just one point away from winning the Premier League title thanks to Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Palace. The Gunners twice took the lead on Wednesday trough Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard, but both Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta scored equalizers at the Emirates.

The result leaves Arsenal 12 points behind Liverpool with only four games remaining. The Reds, who have five games at left, will become champions if they can get at least a draw against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday. That means Liverpool can win the title in front of its own fans.

And Van Dijk is aware of this. The Liverpool captain shared a post by Liverpool's official account that read "back at Anfield on Sunday" to his Instagram Stories. He didn't add a caption to the post, but it was obvious what he was getting at: the title is now Liverpool's to be won.

Speaking after Wednesday's game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told BBC Sport: "We are disappointed with the result and performance. We didn't find enough consistency in actions to dominate the game. It's part of football and cost us two points.

"It can be difficult. In many aspects of the game we should have done better today. We require the consistency. Today they were very organised and deserved credit. We have to do much better."

Arsenal failed to beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal defender William Saliba was at fault for Mateta's goal, giving the ball away in a dangerous position with his goalkeeper David Raya off his line. Arteta added: "For sure (mistakes are costly). Cost you points. It's part of football. We have the most important game of the season in six games. We need to get our energy back."

Arsenal still has a chance to win the Champions League, having reached the semifinals. The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four, with Barcelona and Inter Milan taking part in the other semifinal.

Trossard told BBC Sport: "The quality today wasn’t there compared to our last game. We were nowhere near that and we got punished. We need to raise the level with our big game coming up. We want to win every game, in any competition. Especially after the last game, we had a good feeling. We just need to be better."

When pressed on the quality of the team, Trossard added: "It was just the basics sometimes. Not passing on the right foot or taking a touch too much. It was myself as well, I just wasn’t good enough and we need to raise this in the next few days. It will be good to have six days now and prepare for this (PSG) game with 100 percent focus. It will be a difference performance."

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Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Arne Slot's side moved a step closer to winning the Premier League title after Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace