Manchester City have entered the race to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with Tottenham also still working on a deal. (Soccer News NL - in Dutch), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester United defender Gary Neville says Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz "needs to sort himself out" and believes people have been "kind" to him and fellow big-money signing Alexander Isak after lacklustre performances for the Reds.
Both Wirtz and Isak cost the Merseyside club more than £100m each in last summer's transfer window and they have failed to set the world alight since. The duo have come under increased scrutiny after failing to make an impact in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, the former England international said: "Wirtz needs to sort himself out. Enough's enough now, we've talked about him enough. He's young and he's come to a different country – and I'm all for willing him on.
"I don't see the tenacity in Wirtz, in particular. I see a nice player moving around the pitch not really ever looking like he is busting a gut to do anything.
"I want to put a rocket up him because there is ability there, there is talent there, the understanding of his position.
"The big thing for Liverpool is they've got this quarter-of-a-billion-pound front two, Isak and Wirtz and we've been kind to those two.
"They're going to have to start playing sooner or later or else, to be fair, they're going to get quite a lot of criticism. I think they are going to have to start delivering.
"They have both had a bit of a free ride. Obviously Isak was injured last season but Arne Slot loses his job, and Wirtz has played like that, so let's be clear, this has got me to start some real focus now."
How would you use Wirtz at Liverpool?
The BBC Radio Merseyside sport team takes you behind the scenes of Liverpool's draw at Newcastle in a new feature for this season.
Paul Salt, Chris Coughlin and Mike Hughes talk through their views of the game and the Kevin Keegan tributes, and discuss what it's like to come face to face with Reds boss Andoni Iraola.
This week they discuss Cody Gakpo's future and whether Liverpool should keep or sell the versatile forward.
Hughes said: "In the title winning season, I thought Gakpo was really good.
"I know the manager could alternate down that side with Luis Diaz and Liverpool had a much stronger squad at that time, but Liverpool cannot afford to sell him because he's the only potent striker that they have if something happens to Alexander Isak.
"Isak's injury nightmare is hopefully over, but he is still trying to find his feet.
"That alongside a lack of major contribution from Florian Wirtz is the underlying reason Liverpool are not causing damage at the top of the end of the pitch."
Salt addded that Gakpo was "at his best when he had pressure on his place" as "that's when he thrived" two seasons ago.
He concluded: "If we get the players that are rumoured, then there will be pressure on his place."
Hit play below or listen on BBC Sounds here
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe season has started with a bang. With so many new coaches and major squad upheavals, I expected the unexpected and wasn't disappointed.
Hull City seeing off Manchester United raised the most eyebrows. Remember, United ended last season impressively and their hosts just about squeezed up from the Championship, via the play-offs. These are early days and Michael Carrick's side will improve, so need to panic yet. As for Hull, their performance hinted at something else.
Last season Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth didn't have the slightest hint of an inferiority complex when facing the super-clubs. The Tigers have started in the same style and I suspect others have now seen the light and will follow their lead.
Many are now embracing the idea of chaos, following the control-based dogma that held sway for so long. Some suggest this is "Kloppism" eclipsing the Guardiola doctrine. This is a bit simplistic but there is change in the air and it is being helped by the recent rule changes.
The game is speeding up, encouraging a quicker, more open style that lends itself to this organised chaos. It's early days, but already a pattern appears set for the season; reputations might count for little when up against hungry, youthful, fearless opponents.
Spurs and Aston Villa are seen as "big" clubs but size doesn't matter when confronted by a hunger, desire to work and the ensuing mayhem.
Just look at the way Brentford and Brighton closed both of them down at the weekend; Manchester City were within six minutes of losing to Bournemouth; Liverpool were seconds away from losing to Newcastle, a team supposedly gutted of quality and experience after those brutal summer sales.
Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.
Image source, Getty ImagesCaptain Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool will not panic after their opening-weekend draw at Newcastle but says a "reaction" is needed based on last season's failings.
The Reds needed an injury-time penalty to secure a point in Andoni Iraola's first competitive game.
Iraola's side twice trailed, with the Spaniard cutting a frustrated figure at times as he seeks to improve Liverpool's fortunes after last season's fifth-place finish under Arne Slot.
"It's absolutely normal in any type of profession, work, whatever you do, if you come in new and you have new plans and new ideas, then it takes a bit of time with new players," said Van Dijk.
"It's down to us to do it as soon as we can, as soon as possible, because we want to improve, we want to win and we want to be better. That's what we are going to try to do.
"We need to show a reaction from last year, that we are much better than last year, because this was very unacceptable.
"It's so early on in the season. I think if we start panicking regardless of what could have happened, then obviously you won't be in a good place.
"We work on the training ground a lot of hours and have a lot of discussions on the pitch about how we want to do it better, what we want to do and what the manager wants to see.
"Hopefully, next week, it will be very close to what he wants us to do. There were some good things in the game, but obviously also things that we have to improve."
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
John S: Newcastle we're unrecognisable - solid, exciting, hungry, inspiring. What a change around. Well done.
Sandy: Once again, the manager tried to run the clock! The penalty incident would never have happened if he'd left the team as it was. And the added time would have run out.
John G: Good to see Jaissle has got them organised and playing with confidence. We defended well and Miley and Steur were both excellent in midfield. We scored two great goals, with Wissa and Elanga working hard and playing really well. I still feel we need more experience in midfield and a seasoned striker.
Paul: Positive and committed performance - strong at the back and threatening with our pace in attack. Elanga, Wissa, Hall and Thiaw were particularly impressive. We'll see where we are after 10 games.
Liverpool fans
Peter: Liverpool looked disjointed with no flow. The Wirtz role didn't work all last season and is clearly still not working now. Isak, once again, had no presence up front. A lot of work to do.
Mick: Lacked ideas to break down Newcastle's defence. Showed many of same issues from last season. Need a winger and a central defender.
Garrick: Statistics suggested Liverpool were the better team, but I'm not sure about that. Statistics mean nothing. It's all about putting the ball in the back of the net and, luckily for us, we got a penalty right at the death to go away with a point. Always a tough place to go, Newcastle, but the season has only just begun.
Victor: I think it's a good start under Iraola, but there's still plenty of work to be done, particularly in midfield and defence. We were far too exposed going forward, and that's why we need to find the right balance. If we can improve our defensive structure while maintaining our attacking threat, I think we'll have a very exciting team and a promising season.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch says "this squad can be really good," but they need time "to adapt to one another" and Andoni Iraola's playing style.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to deny Newcastle victory at St James' Park on Sunday.
Hit play above to hear Gravenberch speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, or listen on BBC Sounds here
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen Liverpool came to Newcastle last August, there was utter jubilation as Rio Ngumoha scored a remarkable 100th-minute winner.
They scored late again this time around, through Dominik Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty, but it felt more like a sense of relief than joy as they rescued a point.
Andoni Iraola said afterwards that his side did not deserve to lose and, to their credit, they never gave up as they earned a 2-2 draw.
A defeat would have been Liverpool's first on the opening weekend since 2012-13. A draw will do wonders for their spirit, but it will certainly not mask their concerns.
"It is probably not the result you want when you come in before the game, but we definitely deserve this point and even more," Iraola told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"The team never gave up and we recovered one point. It probably tastes better because we scored in the last minute."
Iraola will be content with the outcome, given his side trailed twice at a raucous St James' Park.
However, this remains a Liverpool side offering more questions than answers.
There will be food for thought for the new Liverpool boss, who prefers to wait until the day after a match for a debrief, but this was a relatively positive start to life under him.
"I've liked a lot of the things I've seen from the team," he added. "There are definitely things to improve, like the goals, but I've seen a lot of things I've liked.
"I've liked the energy, especially the players coming on from the bench. I think we finished the game quite strong physically."
"We will never give up, I can guarantee you that," Dominik Szoboszlai told Sky Sports. "We have to fight all the time during the 90 minutes.
"Everybody who came off the bench made an impact as well. We need the whole squad and we need to be ready."
That desire was never a cause for concern on Tyneside - but this Liverpool squad must improve, both in terms of quality and quantity.
Liverpool and Brighton were expected to hold fresh talks on Sunday over Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh, 22, as the Reds consider whether to make a third bid. (Ben Jacobs, via TeamTalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Liverpool starting XI:
Alisson: Arguably could have been in a better position for Anthony Elanga's goal. Could do nothing to keep out Joe Willock's strike. 5
Jeremie Frimpong: Poor display at right-back. Did get into some good positions down the flank but lacked that final delivery and picked up a deserved booking for tripping Harvey Barnes just outside the box. 4
Jeremy Jacquet: Encouraging start to life in the Premier League. Looks assured on the ball and has great passing range but must be more aware defensively. 6
Virgil van Dijk: Perhaps could have engaged earlier with William Osula in the move for the first goal but in truth, it was a wonderful run and finish from Elanga. Will know that Liverpool should not have let Joe Willock shoot for Newcastle's second goal. 6
Milos Kerkez: Struggled to keep up with Elanga for the goal and picked up a first-half booking. Did show some threat attackingly but has to improve defensively. 4
Dominik Szoboszlai: Was caught out of position for Newcastle's counter and this was an unusually average performance from the Hungarian but he took his penalty in injury-time brilliantly. 7
Ryan Gravenberch: Did well to create space initially but it was his pass that lost the ball just before Newcastle's opener. Made his 100th Premier League appearance and got the assist for Cody Gakpo. 6
Rio Ngumoha: Tried again down the right flank but it just did not click for the teenager, who scored the winner when Liverpool came here last season. A much tougher experience this time around. Replaced just after the hour mark. 5
Florian Wirtz: Was encouraging in phases and unlucky to be denied by a good save from Lukas Hornicek in the first half. Taken off just after the hour mark and will know that he must do more. 6
Cody Gakpo: Threatened and came close to scoring before unleashing a brilliant hit for Liverpool's first equaliser. Plenty of talk surrounding his future and this was a timely reminder of his quality. 8
Alexander Isak: Unsurprisingly booed whenever he touched the ball on his first return to St James' Park since his £125m move last summer. Looked pumped up but did nothing of note and wasted a brilliant chance at 2-1. Like Wirtz, must do more. 5
Liverpool substitutes:
Victor Munoz (on 63, Ngumoha): The winger who Liverpool beat Newcastle to signing looked sharp when he came on and won the crucial penalty. 7
Alexis Mac Allister (on 63, Wirtz): Came on to bring some stability playing in front of the backline. 5
Ronald Araujo (on 70, Jacquet): Did what was asked of him when he came on to partner Van Dijk. 6
Lewis Koumas (on 78, Gravenberch): 5
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Endo, Tsimikas, Nyoni, McConnell
Andoni Iraola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Liverpool's draw against Newcastle: "It's a strange feeling. Not the result we wanted but it's true, the way we scored the goal in the end, it tastes better. Still, we would have definitely preferred the win.
"We started the game the worst way we knew. Newcastle away, first game of the season, the atmosphere, they have very fast players and we concede the goal. They punished us and we had to go against the result. But we didn't give up in any moment. The energy of the players, especially the substitutes, it was a good recovery.
"Once you concede the first goal, you need the game to go fast. You need things to happen when you're losing. We could control the game in the second half. We had better possession around their box. When we scored, it looked like we were the team going to turn the game but then they scored again."
On Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz: "Jeremy hasn't done a proper pre-season, so it was kind of expected that he didn't finish the game. All the substitutes gave us energy. We need it because it's difficult to last the full 90 minutes with the same players the way we want to play. Players coming off the bench can affect the game.
"Victor almost had another penalty but the referee whistled before conceding it but it was even more clear. So he has really affected the game."
Goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai spoke to MOTD: "It was a nice game. I would be more happy if we took the three points. But we take the positives, take the one point."
On manager Iraola: "We are still getting to know each other, the whole team and coaching staff. But we have a good company together and good team spirit and that's all that's needed to be successful."
Did you know?
Liverpool remain unbeaten on matchday one in the Premier League in each of the last 14 seasons (since 2013-14), the longest active run in the competition.
Arne Slot in 2024-25 is the only one of Liverpool's last seven managers to win their first Premier League game in charge of the club (D4 L2 – counting Houllier's first as joint with Evans).
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool deserve credit for not giving up and fighting until the end, but the draw will only paper over some of the cracks that had been on display.
The Reds had 60% possession and 27 attempts on goal but despite that too many players had below-par games.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez disappointed in the full-back positions, while Alexander Isak was quiet on his first return to the side he left last September for a £125m move to Anfield.
Instead, Liverpool's most dangerous player was Gakpo, yet his future at the club is uncertain amid links with a move to Tottenham, and what happens this week in the transfer market - both in terms of incomings and outgoings - could prove pivotal in determining the sort of season Andoni Iraola's side will have.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Chelsea winger Pat Nevin spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after Liverpool's draw against Newcastle: "There wasn't a great deal in [the match] but you can see the weaknesses that Liverpool had last season have not gone away. The defence doesn't look quite there. I would say Ronald Araujo came on and looked quite impressive. very, very powerful and very, very strong. He might be a massive part of the answer.
"In terms of pace, there is a problem there but going forward they need to be a little bit more creative.
"You're expecting Liverpool to get top four this season at least, but they didn't look like a top four team today. There's more players to come in, so you can't make a real decision on how their season is going to go.
"There's a definite lack of creativity and somehow they must get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak because they certainly didn't get the best out of them today."
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Newcastle's performance
What did you make of Liverpool's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.
There are three games in the Premier League on Sunday as the opening weekend continues, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Brighton v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Man City v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Newcastle v Liverpool (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 14:00 BST unless stated.
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Aston Villa" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.
How to follow the opening Premier League weekend across the BBC
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Image source, BBC SportNew this season: Match of the Day Predictor
Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.
Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.
You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link
I like everything I've seen from new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle, but he's had the heart ripped out of his team with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leaving.
They were two absolute monsters in midfield, who were horrible to play against, but they have gone - and so has the influence of Anthony Gordon and the experience of Kieran Trippier.
It is sad to see. That's not to say Newcastle can't do well now, but I think their fans are realistic about this season and how it will go.
This will be a fascinating game because Liverpool are still adapting to life under Andoni Iraola and have struggled defensively in pre-season. Hopefully they can run for more than half an hour now, too.
I don't think they will have any problems up front, however.
Alexander Isak will get quite a reception - and not in a good way - from the home crowd, but I do think he will shine for Liverpool this year and that starts on Sunday.
Sutton's prediction: 1-3
The weekend roundup. Audio, 22 minutes
The BBC Merseyside sport team take you behind the scenes for the draw at Newcastle.
Gravenberch: 'We can be happy with one point' Audio, 3 minutes
Ryan Gravenberch on Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle
Iraola: 'We did enough to deserve a point' Audio, 4 minutes
Andoni Iraola on Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle in their 26/27 Premier League opener
Iain Christie: 'I like him' Audio, 5 minutes
Iain Christie on Curtis Jones, who looks set to leave Liverpool
