The Kopite View

If, as now seems possible, Jeremy Jacquet is ruled out of Liverpool’s huge clash with Manchester City on Sunday, Andoni Iraola has a pretty big decision to make.

Who partners Virgil van Dijk at centre-back?

The obvious answer seems to be Ronald Araújo.

And I completely understand why.

Araújo has been excellent for Liverpool since arriving from Barcelona on loan, and he has already shown that he can play at centre-back at the highest level.

But personally, I think I would do something slightly different.

I would play Joe Gomez alongside van Dijk and keep Araújo at right-back.

Why move Araújo when he’s doing so well at right-back?

This is the bit that makes me think Gomez could be the better option.

Araújo has adapted brilliantly to playing at right-back for Liverpool.

We’ve already seen how important his defensive ability can be, particularly in games where Liverpool need to be strong defensively.

And let’s be honest, Manchester City at Anfield isn’t exactly the match where I want Iraola experimenting too much.

The temptation will be to say:

“Jacquet is out, so put Araújo back into his natural position.”

But doing that creates another problem.

You then need to decide who plays right-back.

Do you bring Jeremie Frimpong back in?

Do you ask Gomez to play there?

Neither option necessarily feels as convincing to me as simply leaving Araújo where he has been performing so well.

Gomez deserves his chance

Joe Gomez isn’t some inexperienced youngster being thrown into the biggest game of the season.

He’s been there before.

He’s played alongside van Dijk countless times and knows exactly what is expected of him.

He’s also incredibly versatile, which is one of the reasons Liverpool have kept him around despite his injury problems.

And I actually think this could be one of those games where his experience is incredibly valuable.

Manchester City are going to test Liverpool’s defence in every possible way.

They’ll try to stretch the back four, they’ll look for spaces between the lines and they’ll put plenty of pressure on van Dijk and whoever partners him.

Gomez knows how to play these big games.

Don’t fix two positions when you only have a problem in one

This is probably the biggest reason behind my thinking.

Liverpool potentially have a problem at centre-back because Jacquet may not be available.

So why create a potential problem at right-back as well?

For me, it makes more sense to keep Araújo at right-back, where he has already shown he can perform, and bring Gomez into the centre.

That gives you:

Alisson

Araújo – Gomez – van Dijk – Kerkez

And honestly?

I wouldn’t hate that at all.

In fact, I quite like it.

This isn’t about dropping Araújo

Quite the opposite.

I’m saying I want Araújo to play because I think he’s become too important to move around unnecessarily.

His performances at right-back have been one of the positives of Liverpool’s start to the season.

Liverpool have also kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets, so there is an argument for maintaining as much defensive continuity as possible.

Jacquet’s injury is obviously a blow, particularly because he has started six of Liverpool’s seven matches this season alongside van Dijk.

But I don’t think it automatically means Araújo has to move.

What would I do?

Gomez at centre-back. Araújo at right-back.

That’s my choice.

I know plenty of Liverpool supporters will prefer Araújo alongside van Dijk, and I completely understand that argument.

But I’d rather keep a player who has been performing well in a position where he has already adapted, and bring in another experienced defender who knows the centre-back position.

Against Manchester City, I don’t want Liverpool moving players around unnecessarily.

I want solidity.

I want experience.

And I want Liverpool’s strongest possible defensive structure.

So, if Jacquet really is ruled out on Sunday, Joe Gomez gets my vote to partner Virgil van Dijk — with Ronald Araújo staying at right-back.

I actually think it could work very well.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I really don’t want to think about this.

But Lewis Steele has raised a question that Liverpool supporters probably need to start considering.

Could this actually be Alisson Becker’s final season at Anfield?

Steele has suggested that there may already be an understanding behind the scenes that this could be the Brazilian’s last year at Liverpool.

And while that certainly isn’t confirmation that Alisson is leaving, the contract situation makes it impossible to completely dismiss.

Alisson is currently in the final year of his Liverpool contract.

And, as things stand, there is no new deal in place.

That’s a situation Liverpool need to address.

Alisson is still one of the best

This is the bit that makes me uncomfortable.

If Alisson was struggling, declining rapidly or looking like he was no longer capable of being Liverpool’s No.1, then you could understand the club thinking about the future.

But that’s not what we’re seeing.

He’s still Alisson.

He’s still capable of producing those saves that can completely change a game.

And he’s still one of the most experienced and respected players in the Liverpool dressing room.

In fact, Andoni Iraola made it very clear during pre-season that he wanted Alisson to remain at Liverpool, describing him as an important reference point for the squad and someone who could help the club’s new players and younger players settle.

That doesn’t sound like a manager who was desperate to move on from him.

Quite the opposite.

But Liverpool have already planned for life after him

There is one thing that makes this situation particularly interesting.

Liverpool already have Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Georgian goalkeeper arrived with the long-term future in mind, and his presence inevitably means Liverpool have an obvious succession plan if Alisson eventually leaves.

That doesn’t mean Mamardashvili is ready to replace him tomorrow.

And it certainly doesn’t mean Liverpool should allow Alisson to walk away simply because they have another goalkeeper waiting.

But it does mean the club aren’t starting from scratch.

Liverpool.com has reported that Alisson is due to leave at the end of the current campaign unless his contract situation changes, while the goalkeeper has previously made no secret of his desire to eventually finish his career back in Brazil.

That’s the part that makes Steele’s suggestion interesting.

Maybe Liverpool aren’t necessarily looking at Alisson’s departure as a crisis.

Maybe they’re already thinking about what comes next.

And then there’s Van Dijk

This is where things get even more fascinating.

Liverpool could potentially lose both Alisson and Virgil van Dijk at the end of this season.

That would be an enormous change.

These two players have been at the heart of Liverpool’s success for years.

Van Dijk is the captain.

Alisson is one of the senior voices in the dressing room.

Both have won the biggest trophies available.

And both are still hugely important to Iraola.

Yet neither has a new contract sorted.

Van Dijk has already said there is currently nothing to report on his situation, while reports confirm discussions over a new deal have not yet taken place.

That leaves Julian Ward with a pretty significant job.

This is exactly why Julian Ward has returned

Liverpool confirmed Ward’s appointment as sporting director on September 26, replacing Richard Hughes.

And his in-tray is already enormous.

Contracts.

Transfers.

Squad planning.

The future of Van Dijk.

The future of Alisson.

The right-back position.

The midfield.

The right wing.

And plenty more.

This isn’t simply about signing new players.

It’s about deciding which of Liverpool’s existing players should still be part of the club’s long-term plans.

And Alisson has to be one of the biggest decisions of all.

Personally, I’d keep him

I’ll be honest.

If you asked me today whether Liverpool should give Alisson another contract, my answer would be yes.

Absolutely.

I’d rather have another year or two of Alisson and allow Mamardashvili to continue developing alongside him than suddenly make the change because a contract happens to be expiring.

Goalkeepers can play well into their 30s.

Alisson is only 34, and Liverpool.com has pointed out that he remains at a high level despite his injury history.

If he’s willing to stay, I don’t see why Liverpool shouldn’t explore a deal.

Maybe it’s a one-year extension.

Maybe it’s another structure that works for both sides.

But I’d certainly be trying.

There is another side to this, though

We also have to be realistic.

Alisson has already given Liverpool some of the greatest years of his career.

He joined in 2018 and helped transform the team.

Premier League title.

Champions League.

FA Cup.

League Cup.

Club World Cup.

And countless huge saves along the way.

If he eventually decides that the time has come to return to Brazil, Liverpool can’t simply ignore that.

And perhaps the club have already accepted that possibility.

That’s why I don’t want to turn Steele’s comments into something they aren’t.

There is no confirmation that Alisson is leaving.

There is simply a genuine contract situation that Liverpool now have to deal with.

I just don’t want to see him leave for nothing

This is probably my biggest concern.

Liverpool have already experienced the frustration of allowing important players to reach the end of their contracts.

Now they have several major decisions coming at once.

If Alisson is staying, get the conversation started.

If he isn’t, Liverpool need to know early enough to plan properly.

Because losing Alisson would be significant enough.

Losing him and Van Dijk in the same summer would be an enormous change to the personality of this Liverpool team.

And that’s why I think Julian Ward’s work over the next few months could be absolutely crucial.

Is this really the end?

I genuinely hope not.

When you watch Alisson standing behind Van Dijk, organising the defence and producing another big save, it’s easy to forget that football careers eventually come to an end.

But perhaps this is the beginning of that conversation.

Steele has raised the possibility that this could be Alisson’s final season at Liverpool.

I really hope he’s wrong.

I’d love to see Alisson sign another contract and continue mentoring Mamardashvili while remaining Liverpool’s No.1.

But if the club and the player already know that this is going to be his final year, then Liverpool need to make sure they give him the farewell he deserves.

Because Alisson Becker isn’t just another goalkeeper who has played for Liverpool.

He’s one of the greatest goalkeepers this club has ever had.

And I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye just yet.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I honestly thought Liverpool would probably let Virgil van Dijk leave next summer.

At 35, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season, it seemed like the club might finally decide that the time had come to move on.

But Van Dijk is making that decision incredibly difficult.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now open to offering their captain a new contract if he maintains his current level of performance.

And I have to say, I really like that.

Because if van Dijk keeps playing the way he has been playing for Andoni Iraola, why wouldn’t Liverpool at least consider it?

van Dijk doesn’t look like a 35-year-old defender

This is the part that matters.

Age is obviously important.

Liverpool can’t simply ignore the fact that van Dijk is 35 and will be 36 next season.

But football is ultimately about what a player can give you now.

And right now?

van Dijk is still one of Liverpool’s most important players.

Football Insider reports that he has played every minute of Liverpool’s first five Premier League matches this season, as well as the Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid. Iraola still considers him a crucial part of his plans.

That’s pretty difficult to argue with.

Liverpool’s defence has also become one of the biggest positives of Iraola’s early reign.

van Dijk has been at the centre of that.

He’s organising.

He’s leading.

He’s defending.

And he’s giving Jérémy Jacquet the perfect partner alongside him.

That last part shouldn’t be underestimated either.

Jacquet could actually make this decision easier

Liverpool spent £60m on Jacquet because they believe he can become an outstanding defender.

He’s now getting the opportunity to learn alongside one of the best centre-backs of his generation.

That is a fantastic situation for Liverpool.

van Dijk doesn’t need to play every single match for the next five years.

He could gradually become more of a managed senior figure while Jacquet, Ronald Araújo, Joe Gomez and eventually Giovanni Leoni take on more responsibility.

Suddenly, keeping van Dijk for another season or two doesn’t necessarily block the future.

It could actually help build it.

And that’s why I can understand Liverpool leaving the door open.

But Real Madrid are watching

There is another reason this story matters.

van Dijk’s contract situation means he could become a free agent next summer if Liverpool don’t offer him an extension.

And Football Insider reports that Real Madrid are interested in signing him.

The Spanish giants are said to hold van Dijk in extremely high regard and could explore a move if he becomes available for nothing.

I can understand why.

Imagine adding van Dijk’s experience to a Real Madrid squad.

He’s still a hugely respected defender.

He’s still their Liverpool captain.

And if he continues performing at this level, there will obviously be clubs interested.

Liverpool therefore have a decision to make.

Do they allow one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history to walk away for nothing?

Or do they offer him another contract?

I think Liverpool should wait

This is where I actually agree with the club’s approach.

I don’t think Liverpool need to make the decision right now.

Football Insider previously reported that Liverpool were planning to wait until later in the season before holding meaningful discussions over Van Dijk’s future, potentially following a similar approach to the one used when he signed his previous extension.

That makes sense.

Let the season develop.

See how van Dijk copes physically.

See how many games he can play.

See whether his performances remain at this level.

And then make the decision.

If he’s still looking like one of Liverpool’s best defenders in March or April, I don’t think supporters will be complaining if the club offers him another deal.

Because who replaces him?

That’s the other question.

It’s easy to say:

“He’s 35. Time to move on.”

But then what?

Liverpool would suddenly have to replace their captain, leader and best organiser.

Jacquet is still only 21.

Leoni is returning from a serious injury.

Araújo can play centre-back but is also extremely useful at right-back.

Gomez provides experience and versatility.

There is plenty of young talent in the squad.

But replacing Virgil van Dijk isn’t simply about finding another centre-back.

You’re replacing the personality.

The leadership.

The experience.

The ability to organise the entire defensive line.

And the knowledge of what it takes to win trophies with Liverpool.

That’s a lot to lose.

I’m not saying give him a five-year contract

Absolutely not.

This is where Liverpool have to be sensible.

van Dijk’s age means any new contract needs to make sense for the club.

But a short-term extension?

One year with the option of another?

Something along those lines?

I’d be very interested.

Especially if van Dijk continues performing at this level.

Liverpool have already shown with his previous contract that they were prepared to keep him beyond his original deal. He signed a two-year extension in April 2025, taking his commitment to the club into 2027.

And now we’re potentially heading towards another decision.

van Dijk is making Liverpool’s decision for them

This is the funny thing.

Liverpool might have gone into this season thinking they would eventually need to move on from van Dijk.

But the player himself is making that increasingly difficult.

He’s still playing.

He’s still leading.

He’s still starting.

And Liverpool’s defence is looking better.

So now the question isn’t simply:

“Is Van Dijk too old for another contract?”

It’s:

“Is Liverpool actually better off without him?”

And right now, I’m not convinced they are.

Maybe that changes over the next few months.

Maybe his performances drop.

Maybe injuries become a bigger problem.

Maybe Liverpool decide the time is right to move in a different direction.

But if van Dijk keeps producing what we’ve seen so far this season, I think Liverpool have to seriously consider keeping him.

Because letting your captain leave for nothing is one thing.

Letting him leave when he’s still performing at an extremely high level could be something Liverpool eventually regret.

The ball is probably in van Dijk’s court.

Keep playing like this and he might just give Liverpool a decision they don’t really want to make.

Because suddenly, letting Virgil van Dijk go doesn’t look quite as easy as it once did.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is plenty for Liverpool supporters to keep an eye on tonight.

The international break has already produced some brilliant moments for Liverpool players, and Tuesday gives us four more Reds to watch.

Ronald Araújo.

Trey Nyoni.

Victor Munoz.

And Rio Ngumoha.

All four could feature for their countries, and while none of these games will be as important to Liverpool supporters as what happens at Anfield, they are still worth watching.

Because every minute these players get is another opportunity to develop, gain confidence and show Andoni Iraola what they can offer.

Araújo could feature for Uruguay

First up is Ronald Araújo.

Uruguay face India at 3pm BST, with the Liverpool defender in contention to feature.

Araújo has already been an important player for Liverpool this season, appearing in every Premier League game so far and increasingly looking comfortable at right-back. Opta’s international data shows he has also started all four of Uruguay’s friendlies in 2026.

And this is probably the player I’m most interested in watching from a Liverpool perspective.

I really like what Araújo is giving Iraola.

He isn’t necessarily playing the sort of spectacular attacking football we associate with some modern full-backs, but he is giving Liverpool something extremely valuable:

Defensive security.

We’ve already seen how comfortable he looks physically, and his ability to play centre-back as well as right-back gives Iraola another really useful option.

The only thing I don’t particularly want to see tonight is him playing unnecessary minutes if Uruguay don’t need him.

Liverpool have Manchester City coming to Anfield on Sunday.

That’s the game that matters.

Nyoni gets another huge opportunity

Then there is Trey Nyoni.

The Liverpool youngster was originally called up to England’s U20 squad but was promoted to the England U21s during this international break. Liverpool confirmed that he could make his U21 debut against the Republic of Ireland.

And I think that’s another significant step for him.

Nyoni has already started to attract attention at Liverpool this season.

He’s made appearances under Iraola, and the midfielder has spoken about how much he likes the manager’s forward-thinking style and aggressive pressing.

He has also explained that he’s primarily been playing as a No.6 for Liverpool, although he’s happy to learn other positions.

That is exactly the sort of development I want to see.

I’m not expecting Nyoni to suddenly become a regular starter for Liverpool.

But every time he steps up another level, it makes the conversation around him a little more interesting.

And now he’s knocking on the door of England’s U21s.

That’s a pretty good place for a 19-year-old Liverpool midfielder to be.

Victor Munoz has another chance with Spain

Victor Munoz is also in contention when Spain face Croatia at 7:45pm BST.

Munoz has already been getting valuable international experience during this break, and Liverpool’s own coverage recently highlighted his confidence and desire to keep improving.

This is another player I think Liverpool supporters should be keeping a close eye on.

He’s still learning.

He’s still trying to establish himself.

But that’s what makes these opportunities so important.

Playing international football exposes young players to different styles, different opponents and different pressures.

And if Munoz can continue to make an impression with Spain, that can only help his development when he returns to Liverpool.

I don’t think Liverpool need to rush him.

But I do think these opportunities are exactly what he needs.

And then there’s Rio Ngumoha

Finally, we have Rio Ngumoha.

England face Czechia at 7:45pm BST, and the Liverpool winger is again in contention.

Ngumoha has already made history during this international period, becoming England’s third-youngest competitive debutant when he appeared in the Nations League.

That is quite remarkable when you remember how young he still is.

He’s only 18.

And yet he’s already playing competitive international football for England.

Liverpool supporters have been waiting to see how far Ngumoha can go, and these experiences are only going to accelerate his development.

He’s fearless.

He wants to attack defenders.

He wants the ball.

And he isn’t afraid of the biggest stage.

That’s exactly what I like about him.

Four players, four very different stories

That’s what makes tonight interesting.

Araújo is already an important Liverpool player who needs to come through the game safely.

Nyoni is trying to establish himself at another level of England’s youth setup.

Munoz is gaining valuable experience with Spain.

And Ngumoha is already becoming part of England’s senior international picture despite being just 18.

They’re all at different stages.

But they’re all developing.

And that’s something Liverpool supporters should be excited about.

The international break can sometimes feel like an inconvenience when you’re desperate to see Liverpool play.

I’ll admit, I’d much rather be watching Liverpool.

But when you see four players like this getting opportunities for their countries, it’s difficult not to be interested.

And Iraola will be watching too

That’s the other thing.

These aren’t just games for the players.

They’re opportunities for Iraola to see how his players perform in different environments.

How does Araújo handle another game at right-back?

Can Nyoni continue to show that he can operate as a No.6?

Can Munoz make another impression for Spain?

Can Ngumoha produce another moment that reminds everyone why England are so excited about him?

Every minute tells us something.

And every good performance gives these players a little more confidence when they return to Liverpool.

So tonight, I’ll be watching.

Four Reds.

Four different countries.

Four very different opportunities.

And with Manchester City waiting at Anfield on Sunday, let’s just hope they all come through it healthy.

Because the international break might be about representing their countries.

But for Liverpool supporters, it’s also another chance to see just how much talent Andoni Iraola has at his disposal.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is something quite nice about Liverpool finally getting to wear that new third kit.

And it could be a lot more interesting than just a kit debut.

Liverpool’s new black and maroon Adidas third strip was released back in August, inspired by those famous European nights at Anfield. It looks fantastic, but strangely, nobody from the first team, academy or women’s team has actually worn it in a competitive match yet.

That is about to change.

Liverpool Under-21s travel to Doncaster on Tuesday night for their second Jersey Mike’s Trophy group game, with kick-off at 7pm.

And because the match falls during the international break, there could be some very interesting names in Rob Page’s team.

The new kit finally gets its moment

I’ll be honest, I’m quite looking forward to seeing it on the pitch.

The black shirt with maroon detailing and silver accents is a completely different look from Liverpool’s usual red, and Adidas clearly wanted something that reflected the atmosphere of European nights at Anfield.

But the kit itself isn’t really the biggest story.

It’s who could potentially be wearing it.

Liverpool have had several senior players around the AXA Training Centre during the international break, and that creates an opportunity for some of them to get minutes with the Under-21s.

That could be particularly useful for players who need game time.

Gomez, Endo and Chiesa could benefit

Joe Gomez is one name I’d be particularly interested in seeing.

The experienced defender hasn’t had the easiest time establishing himself in the first-team side, and getting competitive minutes could be useful.

Then there’s Wataru Endo.

The Japanese midfielder has plenty of experience, but regular football remains important, particularly when you’re trying to stay sharp while not necessarily being a first-choice starter every week.

And then there is Federico Chiesa.

This is probably the one I’d be most interested in.

Chiesa has had his own fitness issues since arriving at Liverpool, so if he’s ready for minutes, a controlled outing with the Under-21s could be exactly what he needs.

There is no point rushing anybody.

But there is also a big difference between training and actually playing a competitive match.

Liverpool have used this competition for senior players before

This isn’t something completely new for Liverpool.

The EFL Trophy has previously been used as an opportunity to give senior players valuable minutes alongside younger players.

Arthur Melo famously featured for Liverpool’s Under-21s in the competition during the 2022/23 season while building up his fitness.

And that’s one of the useful things about this competition.

It’s competitive football.

You’re playing against senior opposition from the Football League rather than simply arranging a behind-closed-doors friendly.

The EFL itself has also highlighted the role the competition plays in developing young players, with 123 academy players making their professional debuts in the tournament during the 2025/26 season.

So there is something for everybody.

The youngsters get another test.

The senior players can get minutes.

And Rob Page gets to manage a squad containing a mixture of experience and youth.

Don’t expect Alisson to be involved

One player I’m certainly not expecting to see is Alisson.

And quite rightly.

Liverpool play Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, and there is absolutely no reason to take even the smallest risk with their No.1 goalkeeper.

Alisson doesn’t need a fitness-building exercise against Doncaster.

He needs to be rested and ready for City.

That’s the priority.

The same principle applies to anybody carrying even a minor injury concern.

Liverpool have a huge game coming up and there is no reason to turn a precaution into a problem.

The youngsters already gave us quite a game

Liverpool’s first Jersey Mike’s Trophy match this season was certainly entertaining.

Rob Page’s side came from 3-1 down against Rochdale to draw 3-3, scoring twice in stoppage time before eventually winning the penalty shootout 7-6.

Will Wright scored Liverpool’s first goal, while Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie completed the remarkable comeback.

So this isn’t simply a glorified friendly.

Liverpool need another result against Doncaster if they want to progress from Group H.

Doncaster themselves have also made clear they want to advance in the competition, meaning this should be another proper test for Page’s young side.

And then there is the Manchester City factor

This is the part that makes the timing particularly interesting.

Liverpool play Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

That’s the match everybody at the club will ultimately be thinking about.

So if Gomez, Endo or Chiesa do get minutes against Doncaster, the objective should be pretty simple:

Get minutes. Get sharp. Stay fit.

Nothing more.

Nobody needs to prove anything by playing 90 minutes if 45 or 60 is enough.

And nobody should be risking an injury simply because there is a competitive game available.

For Chiesa in particular, though, I would love to see him get some time on the pitch if he is ready.

Imagine him getting a goal or an assist in that new black and maroon shirt.

That would certainly get Liverpool supporters talking.

I actually like the idea

Liverpool have a busy season ahead.

There will be injuries.

There will be suspensions.

There will be rotation.

There will be periods when Iraola needs players who haven’t been getting regular first-team football.

That’s why matches like this matter.

The youngsters get experience.

Senior players get minutes.

And the manager gets another chance to assess his squad.

And now they get to do it while finally giving us a proper look at that new third kit.

The first team will probably have to wait a little longer before wearing it themselves.

With Liverpool’s home and away colours likely to clash with Brentford’s red and white stripes later in October, the new third strip could make its senior debut against the Bees.

But before that happens, Liverpool’s Under-21s will get there first.

And if a few first-team players join them, Tuesday night suddenly becomes much more interesting.

I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye on that team sheet.

Because I want to see the new kit.

I want to see the youngsters continue their progress.

And, if he’s ready, I really want to see Federico Chiesa back on a football pitch.

That would make this much more than just a kit debut.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I like the way Liverpool are handling this.

When Turkish Airlines replaces Standard Chartered as the club’s main shirt sponsor, it would be easy to assume Liverpool are simply moving on from a long-standing partner.

But that isn’t what is happening.

According to Paul Gorst, Liverpool will earn around £10m more per year from Turkish Airlines than they did from Standard Chartered.

That is the obvious headline. But the more interesting part is that Liverpool aren’t simply cutting Standard Chartered out.

Instead, they are finding another way to continue the relationship — a sensible approach for a club focused on commercial growth and financial self-sustainability.

Liverpool are getting more money from Turkish Airlines

The switch represents another significant commercial step.

Standard Chartered’s name has appeared on Liverpool shirts since 2010, becoming one of the most recognisable partnerships of the modern era. But sponsorship deals evolve, and Liverpool must continually ask:

Can we generate more revenue from this asset?

Turkish Airlines apparently offers around £10m more per year. Over several seasons, that becomes a substantial amount of additional income — without selling another player or relying on owner investment.

That is exactly the kind of commercial growth FSG want.

Standard Chartered aren’t simply being discarded

This is the clever part.

According to Gorst, Liverpool want to reposition Standard Chartered within the club’s commercial portfolio rather than end the relationship.

That allows one of Liverpool’s longest-standing partners to remain associated with the club, while Liverpool continue earning from the partnership.

Standard Chartered’s branding has become synonymous with the FSG era at Anfield. They have been present through Premier League titles, Champions League success, domestic cups and some of the club’s most memorable moments.

That association has real value. Rather than saying goodbye completely, Liverpool can turn the relationship into another commercial asset.

This is what self-sustainability looks like

There is often intense focus on transfer spending and how much FSG will invest in the squad. But one of Liverpool’s biggest advantages is the club’s continued effort to grow its own revenue.

The more money Liverpool generate commercially, the less dependent they are on outside funding.

Turkish Airlines provides a larger shirt sponsorship deal, Standard Chartered can remain involved in another capacity, and Liverpool’s global commercial reach continues to expand.

All of it serves the same objective:

Make Liverpool financially stronger.

FSG deserve some credit commercially

FSG do not get everything right, and supporters are entitled to criticise the ownership when they feel the club is falling short.

But commercially, there is a clear strategy. Liverpool are not simply taking the biggest cheque available and forgetting everyone else. They are trying to build long-term relationships.

Trusted partners do not necessarily have to be discarded because another company offers more for one particular asset. Liverpool can instead ask:

Where else can this company fit?

That is smart business, and it preserves a relationship that has become important to the club’s identity.

Standard Chartered have been part of Liverpool’s story

Consider how much has changed since the partnership began.

Liverpool had not yet won the Premier League under Klopp, the sixth European Cup or the seventh. Standard Chartered have been there through all of it, with their logo appearing on some of the most iconic shirts of the modern era.

So it is encouraging that the partnership may not simply disappear.

Liverpool get a more lucrative main shirt sponsor, Standard Chartered remain connected to the club, and both sides continue to benefit.

Liverpool are becoming a bigger commercial operation

This is ultimately about more than one shirt sponsorship.

Liverpool are selling access to one of the biggest football audiences in the world, along with global exposure, hospitality, digital content, international partnerships and brand association.

That is why the Turkish Airlines deal matters. But the Standard Chartered situation matters too, because it shows Liverpool are thinking beyond individual sponsorships and building a commercial ecosystem.

That is exactly what a self-sustaining football club needs.

The £10m extra is the headline — but the strategy is the real story

Liverpool earning another £10m a year from their main shirt sponsorship is excellent news. But the bigger story is what happens alongside it.

Turkish Airlines gets the main shirt position, Standard Chartered does not simply get shown the door, and Liverpool maintain a relationship with a trusted partner while potentially earning from both associations.

Liverpool do not have to choose between new money and old relationships. They can have both.

For a club aiming to compete at the highest level without relying on endless owner funding, that is exactly the kind of business growth Liverpool need.

The shirt may be changing, but Standard Chartered are not necessarily going anywhere. Liverpool are showing that increasing revenue does not always mean replacing a partner.

Sometimes, you just need to find another way to make the partnership work.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

This is starting to look like a very interesting situation for Liverpool.

Jeremie Frimpong has only been at Anfield for just over a year, but already there are reports that his Liverpool career could be coming to an end.

According to Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, Barcelona are interested in signing Frimpong in January, with the Dutchman reportedly open to the idea of moving to Spain.

Even more interestingly, the report claims Liverpool would be prepared to approve his departure for around £35 million.

If that’s accurate, I don’t think Liverpool supporters should automatically be surprised.

Because the biggest problem with Frimpong at Liverpool has never been his ability.

It’s whether Liverpool are actually the right place for him.

Frimpong hasn’t found his Liverpool role

When Liverpool signed Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, I was genuinely excited.

He had been brilliant in Germany.

He had pace.

He had attacking quality.

He had experience of playing in a very successful Leverkusen team.

Liverpool paid around £29.5m after triggering his release clause, and the expectation was that he could become an important part of the new-look squad.

But things haven’t really worked out like that.

Frimpong has struggled with injuries and consistency, and he never completely established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back.

And now, under Andoni Iraola, the situation appears even clearer.

Ronald Araújo is playing right-back.

And he’s doing a very good job there.

That’s the problem Frimpong has.

It’s one thing to lose your place to another player who is also struggling.

It’s another thing entirely when the player replacing you is giving the manager exactly what he wants defensively.

Iraola has already told us what he wants from Frimpong

What’s particularly interesting is that Frimpong himself admitted earlier this season that his role had changed.

Under Iraola, he was being used exclusively at right-back after previously switching between right-back and right wing.

He even explained that he was defending and recovering more while still being encouraged to attack.

That sounds positive.

But it also highlights the fundamental issue.

Frimpong is at his best when he’s allowed to attack.

That’s what made him so dangerous at Leverkusen.

He wasn’t a conventional defensive full-back.

He was essentially a wing-back who could hurt teams with his pace, movement and attacking instincts.

Liverpool are asking him to do much more defensive work.

And perhaps it simply hasn’t suited him.

Then Barcelona come calling

This is where the story becomes fascinating.

Barcelona are reportedly looking at Frimpong as they consider strengthening at right-back.

The same report claims Frimpong is very open to joining Barcelona.

I can completely understand why.

It’s Barcelona.

It’s La Liga.

And the style of football could potentially suit his attacking strengths much more naturally.

He could be given more freedom to get forward and attack space.

And there is an obvious attraction in returning to a league where his qualities might be used differently.

For Frimpong, this could represent a fresh start.

For Liverpool, it could represent a chance to move on from a transfer that simply hasn’t worked as well as everybody hoped.

But would I sell him for £35m?

This is where I’m torn.

The reported figure is £35m.

Liverpool paid around £29.5m for him, so on paper that wouldn’t represent a huge loss.

But I’m not sure I’d be rushing to sell him.

Because Frimpong is still a very talented footballer.

There is a player in there.

We’ve all seen it.

The question is whether Iraola can get it out of him.

And if Liverpool did sell him, they’d need to replace him.

Conor Bradley is still recovering, while Araújo’s versatility is currently giving Iraola an excellent option at right-back.

Liverpool shouldn’t sell a player simply because another player is currently doing a better job.

They need to make sure the squad remains strong enough.

But perhaps this is where the timing makes sense

If Frimpong genuinely isn’t part of Iraola’s long-term plans, then January could be the right moment.

The manager has now had months to assess him.

He knows what Frimpong can and cannot give him.

He knows what he wants from his full-backs.

And he has already found an alternative in Araújo.

So if Barcelona came in with around £35m, perhaps Liverpool would seriously consider it.

I’d still want a replacement lined up first.

But I wouldn’t be devastated.

And that’s probably the biggest change from when Frimpong arrived.

I really wanted him to succeed.

I still do.

But I’m increasingly convinced that Frimpong and Liverpool might simply be a bad fit.

I wouldn’t blame Frimpong either

This is important.

I don’t think Liverpool supporters should turn this into another situation where a player suddenly becomes “not good enough” just because things haven’t worked.

Frimpong was an outstanding player at Leverkusen.

Liverpool saw that.

They didn’t spend nearly £30m on a random player.

They bought somebody who had already proven his quality at the highest level.

But sometimes a transfer doesn’t work.

Sometimes the system isn’t right.

Sometimes the manager wants different qualities.

And sometimes another player comes along and simply fits the position better.

That’s football.

Barcelona could actually be perfect for him

If Barcelona really do want Frimpong, I can see why.

They could potentially give him the freedom to attack that made him so effective in Germany.

Liverpool, meanwhile, may decide that they need a more defensively reliable right-back to complement the rest of Iraola’s system.

And if Araújo continues performing as he has been, that decision becomes even easier.

The reported £35m fee would also give Liverpool money to reinvest elsewhere.

But I wouldn’t make the decision yet.

I’d wait.

I’d see how Frimpong performs between now and January.

I’d see what happens with Bradley.

I’d see whether Araújo remains at right-back.

And I’d see whether Iraola can find a role that finally gets the best out of Frimpong.

Because there is still time.

But if nothing changes?

Barcelona might just offer Liverpool the perfect solution.

Frimpong gets his fresh start.

Barcelona get an explosive attacking full-back.

Liverpool get around £35m to reinvest in a player who better fits Iraola’s plans.

For a transfer that initially looked like such an exciting signing, it would be a surprisingly quick ending.

But sometimes the right decision for everyone is simply to admit that a player and a club weren’t quite the right match.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I honestly wish Steven Gerrard had got the chance to play for Jürgen Klopp.

And after hearing Gerrard talk about it himself, I’m left wondering just how different the end of his Liverpool career might have been.

The former Liverpool captain has admitted that, knowing what he knows now, he would have stayed at Anfield for another year if he had known Klopp was about to become the manager.

That is some admission.

Because Gerrard wasn’t simply saying he would have liked to meet Klopp.

He said he “would sacrifice a lot of things, professionally and personally” for the opportunity to play for him.

And suddenly one of the biggest Liverpool “what ifs” of the modern era feels even more interesting.

Gerrard could have stayed

Gerrard left Liverpool in the summer of 2015 after 17 years in the first team.

He had made 710 appearances for the club, scored 186 goals and captained Liverpool through some extraordinary moments, including Istanbul, the 2006 FA Cup final and the heartbreaking 2013/14 title challenge. Liverpool’s own records confirm just how extraordinary his career at the club was.

But there was actually an opportunity for him to stay.

Liverpool offered Gerrard another one-year contract.

The problem was that the conversations he was having with the club suggested his role would be changing significantly.

As Gerrard explained, he was being told he would become more of a “bit-part player”, play fewer minutes and be less involved than he wanted.

And I completely understand why he made the decision he did.

At 35 years old, after being Liverpool’s captain and one of the most important players at the club for so long, the idea of becoming a squad player must have been difficult.

So he left.

He joined LA Galaxy.

And that should have been the end of the story.

Except it wasn’t.

Then Jürgen Klopp arrived

Just a few months later, Brendan Rodgers was gone.

And Klopp was appointed Liverpool manager.

That’s the bit that makes this so painful.

Gerrard didn’t leave Liverpool knowing Klopp was coming.

He had no way of knowing that the man who would eventually transform the club was only months away from arriving.

And now Gerrard admits that if he had known, he would have gambled.

He would have stayed.

He would have accepted the uncertainty.

He would have tried to convince Klopp that he still had something to offer.

Imagine that.

Steven Gerrard playing for Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Even if it had only been for one season.

I think Gerrard would have loved Klopp

This is the part that makes perfect sense to me.

Gerrard was always a player who wanted responsibility.

He wanted to compete.

He wanted to influence games.

And Klopp was the sort of manager who demanded enormous intensity from his players but also created a strong emotional connection with them.

I can absolutely understand why Gerrard would look back and think:

“I wish I’d taken that gamble.”

And maybe Klopp would have loved having Gerrard around too.

We already know the two developed a good relationship after Klopp arrived.

They even famously ended up having a few drinks together at a pub in Formby, with Gerrard later describing Klopp as a special person.

Klopp also made it clear that Gerrard would always be welcome at Liverpool.

So there was clearly a mutual respect there.

But we will never know what might have happened on the pitch.

Could Gerrard have made a difference?

This is where I’m not going to pretend I know the answer.

Maybe Gerrard would have played regularly.

Maybe Klopp would have decided his legs weren’t suited to the intensity he wanted.

Maybe Gerrard would have spent most of the season on the bench.

Maybe he would have become a brilliant dressing-room influence.

Maybe he would have surprised everybody and played a much bigger role than expected.

We simply don’t know.

And that’s what makes it such a great football question.

What we do know is that Klopp arrived at Liverpool with Jordan Henderson already there, before Gini Wijnaldum joined in 2016 and Fabinho arrived in 2018.

That midfield eventually became one of the foundations of Klopp’s Liverpool.

But imagine adding Gerrard into that environment.

Even an older Gerrard.

Even a Gerrard who wasn’t playing every week.

I’d have loved to see it.

Gerrard has no regrets about Liverpool – but this is different

I don’t think Gerrard is suggesting he made some terrible career decision.

He had an extraordinary career.

He left Liverpool having given the club everything he had and eventually moved into coaching.

Liverpool themselves noted that he spent 17 years in the first team and finished with 710 appearances and 186 goals.

But this is one of those moments where hindsight is brutal.

At the time, leaving made sense.

Knowing Klopp was coming would have changed everything.

And Gerrard has admitted it himself.

“In hindsight, I would have stayed and took the gamble.”

That’s the sentence that gets me.

Because how many Liverpool supporters have wondered exactly the same thing?

What if Gerrard had stayed?

What if he’d played under Klopp?

What if we’d seen Gerrard pressing, driving forward and demanding everything from the players around him in that Klopp team?

We’ll never know.

And perhaps that’s for the best.

Because football is full of those sliding-door moments.

Gerrard and Klopp were both destined to become huge figures in Liverpool’s history.

They just missed each other by a matter of months.

And I really wish they hadn’t.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Well, this is exactly what Liverpool fans needed before a huge game against Manchester City.

Chris Kavanagh has been appointed referee for Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield.

And I’ll be honest…

He’s another referee I always worry about when he’s in charge of Liverpool games.

Maybe that’s unfair.

Maybe it’s just one of those things where supporters remember the decisions that annoy them and forget the ones that don’t.

But whenever I see Kavanagh’s name next to a Liverpool fixture, I get nervous.

His Liverpool record isn’t actually terrible

The numbers don’t exactly prove my fears.

Kavanagh has refereed Liverpool 32 times, with the Reds winning 19, drawing six and losing seven.

So no, I can’t sit here and claim Liverpool have some terrible record with him.

They don’t.

In fact, Liverpool have won plenty of important games with Kavanagh in charge.

But this is Manchester City.

It’s Anfield.

It’s a huge game.

And the last thing I want is the referee becoming part of the story.

Just let the players decide it

That’s all I’m asking.

Liverpool have been preparing for this game for weeks.

Iraola needs his players focused.

We need the likes of Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araújo, Szoboszlai and the rest of the team concentrating on beating City.

I don’t want to be sitting there afterwards talking about a controversial penalty, a red card or a VAR decision.

Just let the football decide it.

Kavanagh has refereed plenty of big games before, including Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City last season.

So hopefully he has a quiet afternoon.

That’s probably what every Liverpool supporter wants.

No drama.

No controversy.

No headlines about the referee.

Just Liverpool beating Manchester City.

That’s the plan anyway.

And when I saw Chris Kavanagh had been appointed, I’ll admit it…

I immediately started worrying.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Oh, please let this be as minor as it sounds.

Liverpool fans have had enough injury scares during this international break, and the last thing anybody wanted to see was Jérémy Jacquet missing from the France team tonight against Belgium.

But thankfully, the early reports are encouraging.

Jacquet has picked up what has been described as a “little injury”, with journalist Julien Laurens reporting that the Liverpool defender would miss France’s game against Belgium.

Fabrice Hawkins then provided more detail, reporting that Jacquet felt a strain in his left hamstring and that France decided to leave him out of the team as a precaution.

And honestly?

That is exactly what I wanted to hear.

Don’t take any chances with Jacquet

Jacquet has been one of Liverpool’s biggest positives since arriving from Rennes.

The 21-year-old has settled remarkably quickly alongside Virgil van Dijk and has already become an important part of Andoni Iraola’s defence.

He’s also just had a fantastic international break.

Jacquet made his senior France debut and then followed that up with another impressive performance against Italy.

Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for him after the Italy game, particularly highlighting his bravery, his willingness to step out and his ability in the duels.

So the last thing France should be doing is taking any unnecessary risk with him.

If a player feels something in his hamstring, even something described as a small strain, why risk making it worse?

There is absolutely no need.

Liverpool have a much bigger game coming

And this is the bit Liverpool supporters will really care about.

Jacquet needs to be fit for Sunday.

Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, and that is a massive game for Iraola’s team.

Jacquet has been a huge part of Liverpool’s defensive improvement.

We’ve seen how much more comfortable the back line looks with van Dijk alongside him, while Ronald Araújo has also provided greater security on the right.

Liverpool have built something promising defensively.

We don’t want to lose Jacquet now.

Especially not for something that could potentially have been avoided by France simply being sensible.

And that appears to be exactly what has happened.

The timing is actually quite reassuring

There is another reason I’m not panicking.

Jacquet hasn’t apparently been withdrawn from the France squad altogether because of a serious injury.

France have simply decided not to risk him against Belgium.

Leny Yoro has come into the starting XI in his place, with Jacquet left out of the lineup.

That’s a sensible decision.

Jacquet has already played the full duration of France’s previous two matches during this international break, against Belgium and Italy.

He’s done what he needed to do.

He’s impressed Zidane.

He’s gained valuable international experience.

And now, if there is even a slight concern about his hamstring, France can simply give him a rest.

No drama. No unnecessary gamble.

That’s how it should be.

Liverpool fans have seen enough injury news already

Let’s be honest, though.

It’s difficult not to sigh when another Liverpool player picks up an injury during an international break.

Cody Gakpo has already returned to Liverpool after suffering an ankle issue with the Netherlands.

Alexander Isak has also had an injury concern with Sweden.

And now we’re hearing about Jacquet’s hamstring.

That’s three players Liverpool really don’t want to be worrying about.

Thankfully, Jacquet’s situation currently sounds considerably less alarming.

That’s all we can say at this stage because nobody knows exactly how he’ll respond over the next few days.

But if France are simply protecting him after he felt a strain, I’m completely fine with that.

I really don’t want Liverpool to rush him either

This is important.

If Jacquet isn’t 100 per cent fit for Liverpool’s game against Manchester City, I don’t want Iraola taking a stupid risk either.

Of course we want him playing.

Of course he’s become important.

But Liverpool have other options.

Van Dijk is there.

Araújo can play centrally.

Joe Gomez provides experience.

Liverpool have enough defensive options to cope if Jacquet needs a little extra time.

And that’s exactly why I would rather see Liverpool be cautious now than lose him for weeks because everybody decided to push him back too quickly.

Sunday is important.

But Jacquet’s entire season is much more important.

Hopefully, this is just a little scare

That’s all I’m hoping for.

Jacquet has had an outstanding start to life at Liverpool.

He’s gone away with France and shown Zidane that he belongs at international level.

He’s impressed alongside some of the best defenders in the country.

And now he’s got a chance to return to Liverpool and continue what has been a brilliant start to his Anfield career.

The fact France have taken him out of the lineup as a precaution is encouraging.

Now we just need to wait and see how he feels over the next few days.

Because Liverpool could really do with him against Manchester City.

Hopefully, this is nothing more than a little scare.

Give him the rest he needs.

Don’t take any chances.

And get Jérémy Jacquet back to Liverpool fit and ready for Sunday.

Fingers crossed.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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