Nat Phillips has sent a touching message after the death of his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota

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Liverpool reflected on the life and passing of striker Diogo Jota with an hour-long broadcast, with ‘Remembering Diogo: Our Number 20’ now available to watch.

Jota passed away on Thursday and was laid to rest on Saturday, with many of the Liverpool squad and staff making the journey out to Portugal to pay their respects and say goodbye.

The tragedy of his and brother Andre Silva’s death has stunned those on Merseyside and beyond, at a time when the club was still celebrating their remarkable achievements of 2024/25 and looking ahead to more success next season.

To mark Jota’s life and mourn his death, Liverpool aired a tribute to their No. 20 on LFCTV on Monday night.

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, club chaplain Bill Bygrove, journalist Paul Gorst and The Anfield Wrap’s Neil Atkinson joined presenter Peter McDowall outside Anfield to reflect on Jota’s life.

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“There’s like a blanket of love here,” Bygrove explained.

“And that shows the empathy and sympathy that is being displayed by our city and others beyond our city. Because of course, in one way or another, we can all identify somehow with grief.

“But when it comes like this, so traumatic and devastating, it touches all of our hearts. I think folk just want to show to the family how much we care and how much we love and that they are in our thoughts and prayers continually.

“This club has had to deal with Hysel, had to deal with Hillsborough. This city knows how to grieve. To express their oneness with the family at this time is so vitally important.”

There was an interview with legendary striker John Aldridge, chairman of former players association Forever Reds, with the 66-year-old delivering a tearful tribute.

“I’m still numb. I can’t get my head around the enormity of what’s happened,” he said.

“From the former players, we’re absolutely smashed. We can’t believe what has happened to one of our players who was a hero.

“Even us, we look up to the team, and the manner in which he passed away, you’re looking at his three kids, his wife and his mum and dad. It just rips your heart apart.”

Also speaking were supporter Olivia Hayes and The Redmen TV’s Chloe Bloxam, with Bloxam reflecting on an occasion in which she worked with Jota.

“He was a beautiful soul is the only way I can describe it. His smile lit up a room,” she said.

“He took his time out of his own day to come to that event, he didn’t need to, he had no obligations, it was just the kind of character he was.

“I was really nervous, he’s the first Liverpool player that I was able to interview, and he put me so at ease.

“He had a little cheekiness about him and he was so calm and easy to talk to. It was literally like chatting to a mate.

“Honestly, it was the greatest honour of my professional career to sit down and have a conversation with him. That memory will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Liverpool’s hour-long broadcast ended with a montage of Jota’s achievements set to the words of the No. 20 himself, speaking about his first footballing memories and fulfilling his dreams as a player.

That those dreams came to such a horrific, abrupt end casts a sadness around Anfield, with Diogo and his goals to be remembered for generations to come.

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Liverpool's players will begin their preparations for the new season today (Tuesday, July 8) as pre-season training kicks off at the AXA Training Center.

Of course, the start of the 2025-26 campaign is not at the forefront of players' or fans' minds right now, as the club continues to come to terms with last week's tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

It has only been five days since the Liverpool forward died alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain, as he journeyed back to England by road ahead of a planned return to the club alongside his teammates this week. While several players attended Jota and his brothers' funeral on Saturday, his passing is likely to hit home even harder when the players return to the place of work that they shared with him up until a matter of weeks ago.

On Sunday, Liverpool is scheduled to contest its first pre-season friendly, against Preston North End, but players and staff will be consulted this week before a decision is taken on whether that game goes ahead.

There is a 13-day gap between the Preston game and Liverpool's second scheduled pre-season friendly, which is the first game of the Reds' pre-season tour of Asia, against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26.

For now, this is what Liverpool's pre-season schedule looks like...

• Liverpool vs. Preston North End (Deepdale, England) — 13th July, 3pm BST kick-off
• Liverpool vs. AC Milan (Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong) — 26th July, 12.30pm BST kick-off
• Liverpool vs. Yokohama FM (Nissan Stadium, Japan) — 30th July, 11.30pm BST kick-off
• Liverpool vs. Athletic Club (Anfield, UK) — 4th August, 5pm BST kick-off
• Liverpool vs. Athletic Club (Anfield, UK) — 4th August, 8pm BST kick-off

The soccer world has been remembering Diogo Jota in recent days (Image: 2025 Eurasia Sport Images)

The death of Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, sent the sporting world into mourning last Thursday.

The pair were journeying from Portugal to the Spanish port city of Santander, from where they intended to travel on a ferry to Portsmouth ahead of returning to Liverpool, when they died in a crash.

Jota had been advised against air travel after undergoing lung surgery earlier in the summer.

Liverpool is still in a state of mourning over the loss of Diogo Jota

The pair's joint funeral took place in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, on Saturday morning.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk arrived with a floral tribute in his hands, as did Andy Robertson.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and several other Reds players also turned out to bid their final farewells to Jota.

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The Spirit Behind Liverpool FC This is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page: Shankly’s Arrival and Transformation When Bill Shankly took over Liverpool in December 1959, the club was in the Second Division and falling apart. The stadium was in poor shape, the training […]

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Luis Diaz opens up on Liverpool talks

Luis Diaz has addressed his future at Liverpool amid the ongoing speculation around a potential departure for him this summer.

Liverpool has already knocked back two approaches from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, although rumors continue to persist over both, with Diaz opening up on his talks with Liverpool and other clubs to Colombian influencer Mauricio Gomez (via Marca):

We’re there, negotiating. We’ll see what can be achieved, for us and for the club. We’ll try to do our best and make the best decision.

Barcelona and Saudi side Al-Nassr were then mentioned, although Diaz wasn't giving much away:

We’re in the process of negotiations, talking with the club, with Liverpool, with everyone who’s approaching us. But I’m very calm where I am, you know, very happy. Trying to make the best decision, now.

(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

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Ibrahima Konate Eyeing Real Madrid Move as Liverpool Consider Next Transfer Liverpool’s summer has so far been defined by intelligent recruitment, but one of their top defenders may be slipping through their fingers. As reported by Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ibrahima Konate has decided that his ideal next destination is Real Madrid. With just […]

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Liverpool’s summer has so far been defined by intelligent recruitment, but one of their top defenders may be slipping through their fingers. As reported by Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ibrahima Konate has decided that his ideal next destination is Real Madrid. With just a year left on his Anfield deal and no significant progress on a renewal, this scenario has alarm bells ringing inside the Liverpool hierarchy.

“Konate has made it clear that if he is to depart Liverpool, he only wants to join Real Madrid,” Tavolieri reports, citing the Spanish capital as the “best and only place to progress his career.”

Liverpool have been down this road before, most recently with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation. Letting another elite talent go for free would be a major blow, both in terms of finances and squad continuity. And yet, that is now a very real possibility.

Photo: IMAGO Real Madrid Dream Complicates Sale

The challenge for Liverpool is that while there is interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, Konate is resolute about playing at the highest level. He is said to be willing to wait a year for Real Madrid if they cannot accommodate him this summer.

“He may have to wait a year as they do not currently need another centre-back,” Tavolieri notes, putting Liverpool in a deeply uncomfortable position.

If Konate waits out his contract, Liverpool receive nothing. For a player once seen as a pillar of the next defensive generation, that outcome would be as painful as it is avoidable.

Guehi Identified as Successor

One solution already appears to be in motion. The Reds have been strongly linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a 24-year-old centre-back with composure, pace and Premier League experience. He is also reportedly available for a relatively modest fee this summer.

“Guehi wants to be assured minutes next season as he wants to be in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup,” the report highlights. A move to Liverpool could offer him that platform, particularly if Konate’s exit is fast-tracked.

Guehi’s arrival would ease the transition and may even represent an upgrade in terms of age profile and injury record. Liverpool must balance sentiment with strategy. Selling Konate now, even at a reduced fee, could prevent greater losses in 12 months’ time.

Urgency Needed to Avoid Repeat Mistakes

Liverpool have shown before they can act decisively in the market. But allowing a player like Konate to walk for free would feel like sleepwalking into avoidable damage. Real Madrid’s interest may be concrete, but if they are not buying now, Liverpool must still consider selling.

It would not be the dream exit for Konate, nor the ideal sale for Liverpool, but holding firm and losing him for nothing would be worse.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s difficult to overstate how frustrating this potential exit feels for Liverpool fans. After watching Arne Slot win the title in his first season, supporters hoped the club would build from a position of strength. But instead, we’re back in familiar territory. A top player with no contract extension, eyes on Madrid, and a sale that looks unlikely to happen in time.

Let’s be honest: Konate is one of the best centre-backs we’ve had post-Van Dijk peak. Yes, he’s had fitness issues, but when he plays, he brings authority, pace and aggression. To see him go to Madrid for free because we didn’t push hard enough to extend or sell is nothing short of negligent.

We get that Guehi is younger and promising, but why are we operating in reactive mode again? If Real Madrid want him next summer, sell now. Make the decision, take the hit, and reinvest. Or, better yet, offer a deal he can’t refuse. There’s always a way to retain talent if the ambition matches the player’s.

We’re title winners, not a stepping stone. Let’s start acting like it.

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Liverpool artist John Culshaw has confirmed plans to paint a mural to Diogo Jota following his tragic passing at the age of 28.

The Portugal forward and his brother, Andre Silva, were involved in a devastating car crash that claimed the lives of both siblings last Thursday in a region of northern Spain. The pair were understood to be traveling back to Liverpool via car and then ferry prior to Jota’s return to preseason training on Monday.

Following the sad news, that was postponed until Tuesday. It comes as tributes continue to flood in from across the globe to Jota and his brother, and further commemorations are planned. A new mural honoring Liverpool’s No. 20 is also set to be commissioned.

The news was confirmed by Culshaw on Monday, although no further details were shared. Replying to a request from @TheDalglishStnd on X to paint a mural of Jota, the artist replied: “I’m starting one next week mate.”

Culshaw is responsible for several Liverpool-inspired murals across the city, including to Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp, while he also produced one in April to celebrate the club’s 20th top-flight title triumph.

Jota’s will be among his most high-profile and eagerly anticipated yet, especially for a fanbase keen to pay tribute to the recently deceased striker.

Such was the demand from supporters to sign the book of condolence at Anfield, the opening hours were extended by a further two days and it remains available until Tuesday at 20:00 BST.

Fans continue to leave mementos outside the ground, such as scarves, shirts, flowers and even a gaming pad, which denotes Jota’s hobby of playing the FIFA video games.

The club broadcast a free-to-air show to commemorate Jota’s life on Monday, with an emotional John Aldridge forced to hold back the tears as he spoke to LFCTV.

John Aldridge teared up as he paid tribute to Diogo Jota outside Anfield.

"I’m still numb," he admitted. "I can't get my head around the enormity of what’s happened. From the former players, we’re absolutely smashed; we can’t believe what has happened to one of our players who was a hero.

"Even us, we look up to the team and the manner in which he passed away, you’re looking at his three kids, his wife and his mum and dad. It just rips your heart apart.

"People have come to show respect but counselling themselves as well because they feel they need to do something.

"It happened after Hillsborough as well when the pitch was a sea of red and from other clubs as well. That was so poignant, it was so special under the circumstances.”

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Luis Suarez 2.0? Liverpool Weigh Shock Move for Colombian Striker Liverpool’s evolving summer transfer strategy has taken a surprising twist. According to a report from A Bola, the Reds are considering a move for Almeria striker Luis Suarez — a name that will stir memories across the Kop but belongs this time to a Colombian […]

The post Liverpool ‘Interested’ in Signing 31-Goal Striker in £21.6m Deal – Report appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s evolving summer transfer strategy has taken a surprising twist. According to a report from A Bola, the Reds are considering a move for Almeria striker Luis Suarez — a name that will stir memories across the Kop but belongs this time to a Colombian international plying his trade in Spain’s second division.

Slot and Hughes Plot New Centre Forward Strategy

Liverpool’s new era under Arne Slot remains focused on progression. As reported by A Bola, Luis Suarez is firmly “a concrete option in Richard Hughes and Slot’s thinking” as they look to add firepower to the Premier League champions. The 27-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign in 2024–25, scoring 31 goals in 43 matches for Almeria. That form has placed him on the radar of multiple clubs including Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Manchester United and even newly-promoted side Sunderland.

Photo: IMAGO Price Tag Revealed as Clubs Circle

Liverpool would need to pay around €25 million (£21.6 million) to secure Suarez’s signature. While not an astronomical fee, it does raise questions considering the Colombian’s mixed record across his career.

With previous spells at Marseille, Granada, and Real Zaragoza, Suarez has amassed 92 career goals in 304 games. Interestingly, he spent four years at Watford but never made an appearance, spending much of that time on loan.

His profile does not match the elite pedigree usually associated with Liverpool forwards, but the club’s recruitment under Hughes has been both savvy and financially disciplined. As A Bola note, “Slot’s side has a genuine interest” — though it remains to be seen if that interest becomes an actual bid.

Liverpool’s Summer Spending Under Scrutiny

Slot’s first window in charge has already been active. The club has invested approximately £187.5 million in players like Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Attila Pecsi. As journalist Henry Winter stated on X, “Richard Hughes and Liverpool obviously doing very smart business upgrading team/squad… very shrewd, very successful, almost Micawber-level book-balancing by LFC.”

This leaves little room for multiple attacking additions unless further sales follow. Darwin Nunez is edging towards a move to Napoli, and names like Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton and Kostas Tsimikas may also depart to create space and balance the books.

One to Watch or Another Wild Card?

While Suarez’s name resonates with the Anfield faithful, the Colombian striker has everything to prove at the highest level. A move to Merseyside would represent a major leap in competition, and faith from Slot, particularly given Suarez’s limited top-flight exposure.

Still, the very fact Liverpool are keeping tabs suggests they’re open to unconventional routes to strengthen the squad. Slot’s first title-winning season proved his system can extract high performance from non-superstar talent. The question is whether Suarez fits that mould.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the headline “Luis Suarez linked with Anfield return” instantly evokes powerful memories. The twist, of course, is that this Suarez isn’t the Uruguayan talisman but a Colombian finding form in Spain’s second tier.

At first glance, this rumour feels like a red herring. Suarez’s record is respectable but not exceptional, and it’s hard to imagine him leading the line in a system built on high-press intensity and fluidity. Still, the price is modest, and if Nunez leaves, a backup or rotational forward could be in the plan.

Some supporters might feel uneasy about targeting a 27-year-old journeyman, especially when the squad is chasing sustained dominance domestically and in Europe. But under Slot, it’s already clear Liverpool are prioritising tactical fit and potential over pure reputation.

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Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

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Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

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