In the latest episode of A to Z, BBC Radio Merseyside have reached the letter E.
Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Chris Coughlin discuss former Liverpool player, physio, coach and manager, Roy Evans, and current Reds' midfielder, Harvey Elliott
Curtis Jones should view working under new boss Andoni Iraola as an opportunity to establish himself at Liverpool, believes podcaster and fan Ben Kent.
BBC Radio Merseyside discussed Jones' uncertain situation after the club rejected a £21.7m bid from Inter Milan for the midfielder.
"I just think it's really sad for him and the club," Kent said. "He's not established himself as a first choice player in the XI yet but he's within that core of about 15 or 16 players.
"It's just the fact that he's a Scouser – he grew up supporting the club and I just think it's really sad that the club aren't wanting to keep him because of that. It just doesn't make sense to me at all.
"He's not a youngster anymore, he's not coming through the ranks as an 18 or 19-year-old, he's 25, he should be establishing himself as a first-team player. He played for England a couple of times last year and scored that brilliant goal against Greece. So he's probably got aspirations to have been in the World Cup squad so you can understand him wanting to play.
"But we've got a new manager coming in and he might give him a chance. If I was Curtis, I'd be looking at it as a massive opportunity now."
Hear the full discussion by clicking play above or listen on BBC Sounds here
Arsenal are yet to agree a deal to sign Kolkheti and Georgia Under-21 midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with Liverpool and Paris FC are also working on a move for the 17-year-old. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesCurtis Jones' current Liverpool deal expires next summer and though he has been in talks over a new contract for several months, an extension is yet to be agreed.
If you asked Jones last summer, he would have expected to become an integral part of the Liverpool side and would certainly have had genuine ambitions of going to the World Cup.
Instead, he went to Los Angeles on vacation before the tournament began and was at the Monaco Grand Prix last week.
Under former boss Arne Slot, Jones struggled to become a regular starter in the heart of midfield - which is what he wants to be - and finished the campaign primarily as an emergency right-back for Liverpool.
By the end of Slot's tenure, Jones was posting a clapping emoji under Mohamed Salah's social media post which called for Liverpool to change their style of play.
Crucial to Jones' next steps will be those initial discussions with new boss Andoni Iraola and figuring out where he stands under the Spaniard.
For Liverpool, they certainly do not want to lose the only Scouser in the first-team but if Jones wants out and a suitable offer in the range of £35m is made, the understanding is that they will not stand in his way.
Put simply, they can sell now and generate a profit on a home-grown asset.
The question is whether such a fee will be paid when Jones would be available for a free next summer.
It would be another failure on Liverpool's part, after losing Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson on a free, if they were to let an academy graduate who has made more than 200 senior appearances leave in the same manner.
Read more of Aadam's piece here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether you'd like Curtis Jones to stay or go, and what price you would let him go for.
Here are some of your opinions:
Graeme: Curtis is definitely one to keep, a local lad who can play intelligent football when played in his natural position. He's a passionate player and can contribute more when he's given the chance. He gives more energy to the team than Alexis Mac Allister.
Ian: Sell. He has not kicked on at all in the last few years. Hardly any goals or assists and takes risks where he should not. Time to cash in.
Nick: If the price is met, I'm happy to see him go. I don't know what type of midfielder Jones is. More concerning is that I don't think he does either. He's 25, so needs to start. That's not going to happen at Liverpool, so it's best for him to seek it elsewhere - same for Harvey Elliott.
KT: He should stay, £35m is a steal for a player like him. I do think he'll be sold and do hope it's somewhere abroad instead of helping one of our Premier League competitors. He was definitely hindered under Slot, but it was also due to competition in the midfield.
Chuck: I like Curtis, he's a good squad player. He doesn't always seem to be focused and motivated but he has talent and great vision. It will depend on how much the new boss wants to use him next season. I think £35m seems a bit low for someone the club sees a future for, so perhaps that tells us what we need to know.
Kieran: Every player has a price, but one thing Liverpool are - and will be lacking in the coming seasons - is someone who understands the club and city. He's a good player, far better than people seem to think, and I don't think anything less than £40m is worth looking at.
David: Like Elliott, I want to see him stay and develop his place in a Liverpool team under Andoni Iraola. Of course, that depends on if the new manager feels their style of play suits his tactics, but Arne Slot clearly wanted a less dynamic approach than these two players offer.
Rob: Jones has always flattered to deceive, take the money on offer now and move on.
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is time to get your scouting caps on!
We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.
What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?
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...
Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here
Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportFrom live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.
And there's more - the BBC has launched 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 game 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.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.
The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.
Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?
Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.
The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.
Finally, here are some more handy links:
Image source, Getty ImagesWith Curtis Jones' future uncertain at Liverpool, we want to know your thoughts on whether you would sell the midfielder or keep him for his influence in the dressing room.
Speaking to club media in 2024, Jones explained: "I've played 150 games - it's a lot of games.
"I'm not a kid anymore, I'm experienced and I think if I want to take the next step again now I have to start scoring more goals and becoming a big part of the team. That comes down to goals and assists."
Midfielder Jones - now 25 - spent spells at right-back under Arne Slot last term. Has he taken the "next step" as he mentioned? Or has his progression been hindered? Do you think Jones has proved he can still play for Liverpool?
The Reds have rejected an offer of 25m euros (£21.6m) for the 25-year-old, and have set a value of £35m if they are to let him leave.
Do you think he is a player worth selling? Should the Reds cash in, and if so, what is the right price?
Tell us if you want Jones to stay or if there is a sensible price at which to sell
Netherlands have all but guaranteed their place in the last 32 of the World Cup after a dominant display against Sweden on Saturday.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo scored a double in the 5-1 win, including the above that was the 100th goal of the tournament, and you can catch all of the best action in the highlights below.
The fourth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Liverpool focuses on the letter D, specifically legendary forward and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Dalglish made 515 appearances across 13 years for the Reds, scoring 172 goals and winning a host of trophies; including six league titles and three European Cups as both player and manager.
The team at Radio Merseyside dived into the Scotsman's career and highlighted a couple of his most memorable strikes.
"The goal I remember is in the derby at Goodison Park in 1985-86 when he scored in the first minute," Paul Salt said.
"Fortunately, it was televised for overseas audiences so there is a record of it. And at that point he wasn't playing as much but that was just a great goal wasn't it?"
Carl Woodward added: "Yes, he's one of those players like your Steven Gerrards of this world, your Mo Salahs you'd say who score important, massive goals. It doesn't matter if they're not playing as much or getting older - they still score those massively, important goals.
"I know we're fast-forwarding but that goal against Chelsea [in 1986], he wasn't playing much then but he got in the side because Paul Walsh got injured and then he goes and wins the title at Stamford Bridge."
After his distinguished playing career, Dalglish held the player-manager role at Liverpool for five years from 1985-1990, when he dropped the player title and continued as manager until the following February when he made his shock resignation.
His career became iconic at Anfield, with that crucial strike at Chelsea in 1986 replayed time and again when the club and fans look back at history.
"I still think about that goal because it doesn't feel real," Salt said. "You can't script it. You couldn't script the player-manager [scoring the winning goal] and there'd never been a player-manager who had won the league and scoring the goal that wins the title."
Click play above to hear the full clip or listen on BBC Sounds here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Liverpool's 2026-27 fixtures and how many points you expect from the first 10 games.
Here are some of your comments:
Jack: It's a decent first two months, but October is rough. If I were to be predicting it with Arne Slot in charge, I'd be fretting about every game, let alone Arsenal and Manchester City. But with Andoni Iraola in charge, I'm more hopeful. If we can get at least 20 points from the first 10 games, and play good football in the games we drop points in, I'd call that a success. Iraola still has a transfer window to make improvements and I see him making the right transfers and right sales.
Leigh: These fixtures are a good start for the season. 12 points are highly possible from first five matches. Newcastle away being the first match that is the the hit or miss one. If they recruit well, it will be hard. If they don't, it is still only a possible win.
Ben: A few wins should be expected in the first few games as we aren't playing any of the top teams until October. However, we still need to strengthen the defence before the season starts if we are to avoid a poor season like the last one. It will be a test of Iraola's credentials if we struggle in August and September.
Anthony: I would expect a minimum of 21 points from the opening 10 games.
Aminu: Last season was an experience to forget. I have firm trust in Iraola and I believe we will be tittle contenders next term. In the first 10 games? Well... why not 27 points?
Ian: It doesn't matter who and when we play as we have to play everyone twice anyway. We've just got to win as many games as possible, hopefully not lose too many, and see where we end up next May. Fingers crossed it could be title number 21!
Now you have seen the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures, what kind of start do you think Liverpool will have under new boss Andoni Iraola?
How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?
Image source, Getty ImagesUnfortunately for Newcastle and Eddie Howe, they are winless in their past 19 Premier League games against Liverpool (D5 L14), with the Reds having not lost a league trip to St James' Park since 2015-16 - but will be starting out under new boss Andoni Iraola.
The Magpies haven't lost their opening league game in any of the past four seasons, though, since losing 4-2 to West Ham in 2021-22.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their first Premier League match in the past 13 seasons (W10 D3) since losing 3-0 to West Brom in 2012-13. It's the longest current ongoing run, and the longest since Chelsea went 18 seasons without losing the opener between 1999-00 and 2016-17.
Liverpool will kick off their 2026-27 Premier League campaign under new boss Andoni Iraola with a trip to Newcastle United.
The match will take place on Sunday, 23 August at 16:30 BST, with the Reds' first home fixture coming against Nottingham Forest on the weekend of 29-30 August.
Iraola's side face Hull City (A), Aston Villa (A), Coventry City (H) and Sunderland (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.
And they end their league season against Bournemouth at Anfield on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.
See Liverpool's Premier League fixtures in full here
Now you have seen the fixtures, what kind of start do you the Reds will have under Iraola? How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?
Image source, Getty ImagesWith the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. And you delivered.
Here are some of your replies:
Roger: August 1971 when Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Anfield on the opening day of the season. It was Kevin Keegan's debut and he scored in front of the Kop. The rest is history, of course, but he was probably the great Bill Shankly's best signing. What a player and a great schoolboy hero of mine and many others.
Lee: My best memory has to be Middlesbrough away in 1996. We drew 3-3 with them, but Stig Inge Bjornebye scored his first Liverpool goal and the goal of the 1996-97 season after three minutes. Then it was over to the Fabrizio Ravanelli show, as he bagged a hat-trick for Middlesbrough on his debut.
Tom: The worst I can remember was 2012-13. During the summer before, there was a big behind the scenes documentary released showing Brendan Rodgers and his tactics. It was eye-catching possession football and all of that. But then we went and lost 3-0 on the opening day to West Brom.
Ian: My best opening day memory was the 6-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in 1994. Jan Molby gave us all a masterclass in passing. Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman were unmarkable, while Ian Rush scored a classic. This was the exciting Roy Evans-led Liverpool, emerging from the Graeme Souness era, becoming contenders once again.
Richard: One match that stays in the memory is August 1971 at Anfield. Kevin Keegan made his first appearance, scored soon after the start, then won a penalty and went on to transform the side from good to great.
Antz: Without doubt the 4-3 win over Arsenal at the start of the 2016-17 season when Sadio Mane scored that brilliant goal on his debut and then celebrated by jumping on Jurgen Klopp. Loved that!
Image source, Getty ImagesCome back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Reds' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.
Victor Munoz has speed in abundance and assets that can prove effective in the Premier League, says Radio Catalunya journalist Ernest Macia.
The 22-year-old spent time as a teenager at one of Spain's most famous academies in La Masia, then years at local side Damm and Real Madrid before moving to Osasuna in 2025.
Munoz left a mark on La Liga's 2025-26 season and was shortlisted for the league's Young Player of the Season award.
"What's striking about this player is from a Spanish perspective, it seems a nice story because the guy has been working very hard for years to achieve the first division in Spain and he finally did it," Macia told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"He finally succeeded up to a point where he was able to play at the level of the best players at Barcelona or in Champions League teams. He's very athletic, he's very creative and he has what most of the teams lack which is this capacity for one-on-one and for high speed which I think for the Premier League will be very useful for him.
"The guy is very talented and after almost 40 games [in La Liga] it's a very, very courageous move by Liverpool but I think it seems like Barcelona were already looking at him and he deserves this chance and I think he will do well in the Premier League.
"He is one of those players who immediately changes the tempo of the game. Defenders aren't comfortable against him because of his pace and directness. In modern football, I think this kind of speed is very worthy and very valuable. He has that in abundance.
"The only question is – whether in such a short period of time in which he was able to show his value in Spain, will it be at the same pace and the same progress in England?"
Click play above to hear more from Macia or listen on BBC Sounds here
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool have signed Spain winger Victor Munoz - and told RB Leipzig that they will pay a package worth about 100m euros (£86m) for Yan Diomande.
The Reds confirmed the signing of Munoz from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.5m) release clause.
Munoz is part of Spain's World Cup squad, with Liverpool sending staff to the United States to conduct his medical on Wednesday.
Diomande is also at the World Cup, with Ivory Coast, and although Paris St-Germain are in the race to sign him too, they are yet to make an offer and Liverpool are in pole position for the 19-year-old winger.
However, German side Leipzig want more than the package Liverpool are willing to offer, and there is also no desire to see the teenager leave in the transfer window.
There is an understanding, though, if Diomande performs well at this summer's tournament, his transfer value could increase, and a package in excess of 130m euros (£112m) would change their stance.
Diomande scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Bundesliga last season.
Prudent Nsengiyumva
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesVictor Munoz doesn't have the headline numbers that grab attention but look a little closer and you can see exactly why Andoni Iraola wants him at Anfield.
In a side that finished 17th in La Liga, he still completed 75 dribbles — the fourth-highest in the division, sitting just behind Real Madrid's superstar Kylian Mbappe and ahead of Nico Williams at Athletic Club.
That's elite company for a 22-year-old Spanish forward who often operates from deeper, ball-carrying pockets.
Where the data really pops is in his ability to move a team up the pitch.
Munoz logged 318 progressive carries, the ninth‑most in La Liga, rubbing shoulders with Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Pedri on a list usually dominated by high‑usage attackers and full‑backs.
For a player in a struggling side, that's a serious indicator of how much responsibility he took on.
The end product is still developing — six goals and two assists across 34 league games — but the underlying profile is what Liverpool are buying into: a press‑resistant carrier who creates momentum, breaks lines off the dribble and consistently gets his team into the final third.
In a squad known for intensity and forward thrust, Munoz looks a natural fit.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Steven: Yan Diomande for certain. His movement is very similar to Mo Salah. Crysencio Summerville would be a decent upgrade on Netherlands team-mate Cody Gakpo to challenge young Rio Ngumoha.
Emmanuel: Ayyoub Bouaddi - the 18 year old Moroccan would be a great partner in the midfield for Ryan Gravenberch. Summerville has already shown that he has Premier league qualities, he will do well if bought to replace club legend Salah. Diomande - the Ivorian can beat and torment any defence. He can be so much more under a good coach like Andoni Iraola.
Paddy: I thought Azzedine Ounahi was fantastic for Morocco against Brazil. Controlled the game for the first 35 minutes and broke the lines on several occasions.
Gavin: Ben Gannon-Doak back to Liverpool, please. I believe Liverpool have a buy-back clause, and he's at Bournemouth. Will Iraola snap him up? Hope so. Plus, I would have Darwin Nunez back.
Spotted someone you want for Liverpool? Let us know who and why he'd fit
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Victor Munoz after it was revealed Liverpool are set to sign the winger from Osasuna after triggering his 40m euro (£34.6m) release clause.
Here are some of your comments:
Ian: He looks lively on his YouTube highlights but it depends how he adapts to the Premier League and Andoni Iraola's style of play. Only time will tell.
Luke: I think this is an exciting signing for Liverpool, provided he doesn't take minutes away from Rio Ngumoha. Hopefully with Federico Chiesa and potentially Cody Gakpo leaving, Munoz can share minutes with Rio on the left while Yan Diomande (hopefully) takes over on the right.
Kev: Potentially a good signing, yes, and time will tell. What worries me is how long it will take him to adapt to the Premier League. I'd prefer we went for a winger that's already Premier League ready.
Bolderash: This lad is meant to be the real deal and sadly I haven't seen him play in Spain, so for £40m this could be just a fantastic signing. I love the age too and you can start to see a picture forming with the younger players the club is purchasing! The future is bright.
Nnamugala: Good signing, of course. Works a lot, up and down, offense and defence. Versatility he has makes him so good.
Paul: Speedy, good feet but maybe needs to work on assists. Didn't we have that already in Ben Gannon-Doak?
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesVictor Munoz has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
He spent the vast majority of last season playing in the Spanish third tier for Real Madrid's B-side. While he made six substitute appearances for the first team, including four at last summer's Club World Cup, he was offloaded last summer for 6m euros (£5.2m).
But he has quickly impressed with his direct style of play at Osasuna, where the media have dubbed him 'The Red Baron' on account of his ginger hair and dashing style. He completed 75 dribbles in La Liga in his debut season - a figure bettered only by Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says Munoz has "fantastic energy" and "lets us change the rhythm of a match".
He marked his national team debut by scoring nine minutes after coming on versus Serbia in March.
The 5ft 7in tall player has registered seven goals and five assists for Osasuna. The club reportedly rejected a €25m (£21.7m) bid from Sunderland for the winger in January, insisting the Black Cats pay his €40m (£34.7m) release clause. Madrid hold 50% of his economic rights plus a buy-back clause.
A-Z: Roy Evans and Harvey Elliott. Audio, 20 minutes
The panel discuss former Liverpool manager Roy Evans and midfielder Harvey Elliott
Ben Kent: 'Sad Liverpool don't want to keep Jones' Audio, 8 minutes
Podcaster and Liverpool fan Ben Kent on Curtis Jones' uncertain situation at the Reds
Aadam Patel: 'No message that Jones isn't for sale' Audio, 12 minutes
BBC Sport's Aadam Patel on Inter Milan's interest in Liverpool's Curtis Jones
Ernest Macia: 'Muñoz is speedy & creative' Audio, 10 minutes
Spanish football journalist Ernest Macia on Victor Muñoz who is set to sign for Liverpool
