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El-Hadji Diouf is widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s biggest transfer failures. After impressing at the 2002 World Cup—where Senegal upset France and reached the quarter-finals—the winger moved from Lens to Liverpool for around £12 million. However, he underperformed dramatically, scoring just 6 goals in 79 appearances.

To succeed at the club in the mid-2000s, players needed to win over not only the manager but also influential figures like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Diouf failed to do so, leaving a negative mark on both.

Gerrard harshly criticized Diouf in his 2015 autobiography, saying he seemed uninterested in football or the club, citing an incident where Diouf spat at a Celtic fan in a 2003 UEFA Cup match as evidence of his poor attitude. Their animosity escalated to a near-physical altercation in the dressing room during a pre-season friendly, as recalled by former teammate Florent Sinama-Pongolle: Gerrard demanded better passing, Diouf reacted angrily (with language barriers complicating things), and insults flew via manager Gerard Houllier as translator.

The feud persisted long after. Following Gerrard’s retirement, Diouf appeared on SFR Sport and disparaged both Gerrard and Carragher, claiming he “touched” the “untouchable” players at Liverpool, showed Gerrard he was “nothing special,” and questioned his major tournament legacy. When co-guest Emmanuel Petit defended Gerrard by referencing the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul—but stumbled on the year—Diouf mocked him, saying even Petit couldn’t remember it properly and contrasting it with France’s World Cup win. Petit firmly interjected: “I cannot let you say that about Steven Gerrard—he was an incredible player.” Diouf clarified he respected Gerrard as a player but not as a person, alleging special treatment, snitching by others, direct confrontations, and that Gerrard avoided eye contact while Diouf spoke his mind. He also noted Gerrard once requested his Senegal shirt for a friend.

Despite this, Gerrard is celebrated as a Premier League legend with 11 major trophies and a third-place finish in the 2005 Ballon d’Or. Diouf won only two more trophies post-Liverpool, both with Rangers in 2011.

The bad blood resurfaced in October 2025 during Gerrard’s interview on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, where he slammed Liverpool’s recruitment for signing Diouf over Nicolas Anelka (previously on loan at Anfield), calling it one of the club’s biggest mistakes and a clear “mismatch.”

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Barcelona are said to be scanning the market for a new striker, with former Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez surprisingly emerging as a possible option.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claims the Uruguayan is open to a return to European football after a brief and underwhelming spell with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Núñez only joined the Saudi club just over six months ago, but his impact has been limited, managing 9 goals in 24 appearances.

His struggles follow a mixed Liverpool career, where he scored 40 goals in 143 games before being allowed to leave. Given the lower competitive level in Saudi Arabia, his modest output there raises further doubts about his form ahead of a potential return to elite football.

However, the report suggests Núñez is not a top priority for Barcelona. While his attributes appeal to the club, he would likely be seen as a squad option rather than a marquee signing, with fans hoping for a more ambitious arrival.

Other names on Barça’s shortlist include Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Dušan Vlahović of Juventus. Kane, though, is considered an unrealistic target due to both his cost and importance to Bayern, which could push Barcelona toward more attainable alternatives like Núñez or Vlahović.

How the situation unfolds remains to be seen, but Núñez may yet earn another opportunity at the highest level, despite his inconsistent form. Still, it’s unlikely many Liverpool supporters will be eager to see their club revisit a reunion with the striker.

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Liverpool head to the City Ground carrying the usual blend of hope and nerves that comes with pursuing a European spot amid the grueling demands of an English winter. Under Arne Slot, in his debut Premier League campaign, the team is pushing hard for Champions League qualification and can afford few slip-ups.

Nottingham Forest, now led by Vítor Pereira, already stunned Liverpool with a convincing win at Anfield earlier this season, turning this reverse fixture into more of a stern test of the Reds’ character than a standard league outing.

Slot confirmed Jeremie Frimpong will sit this one out due to a groin injury picked up in European action, noting, “Jeremie will not be involved this week, we hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned.” He was more cautious on Wataru Endo, stating, “Wata will be out for a long time, we don’t know exactly how long.” Such updates demand adjustments not only in selection but also in the team’s overall flow.

Liverpool have built much of their success this season on a solid defensive foundation, yet these absences risk disrupting that consistency. Frimpong’s unavailability strips away speed and dynamism on the right side, while Endo’s extended absence removes a key source of midfield stability and physicality. Joe Gomez, described as “ready to start,” could step in, though this raises tactical dilemmas: Should Slot alter a settled center-back duo or rearrange to preserve midfield equilibrium?

The squad’s depth will face a real examination here. Ryan Gravenberch appears set to feature prominently in midfield, with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister maintaining their blend of flair and discipline. Hugo Ekitike is poised to reclaim his place up front, underscoring that Liverpool’s forward options stay strong despite the injury setbacks.

Having succeeded Jürgen Klopp last summer, Slot has earned acclaim for bringing structure to what could have been disarray. Yet fixtures like this serve as true tests of his management under pressure. These injury blows feel less like bad luck and more like a challenge to the team’s flexibility.

Recent predicted lineups point to a balanced side equipped for both patience and direct threat: Alisson in goal, a backline potentially featuring Gomez alongside Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson (or alternatives like Milos Kerkez) at left-back, and an attacking front three of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo backing Ekitike.

This setup highlights Slot’s emphasis on equilibrium. The midfield, likely anchored by Gravenberch and others, will aim to dictate the game’s rhythm, while Salah continues to shine as the team’s guiding force in attack. Systems matter, but matches often hinge on key individuals—Salah’s consistent excellence, Van Dijk’s commanding presence, and Alisson’s dependability remain vital.

Forest, however, won’t be intimidated. Pereira’s side has regained its toughness, viewing Liverpool’s lineup as a chance rather than a daunting prospect.

The earlier 3-0 defeat at Anfield remains fresh in the memory. In a tightly contested battle for European qualification—where sides like Chelsea (under Liam Rosenior) and Manchester United (led by Ruben Amorim) are also vying—every point is precious.

Encounters of this nature often shape entire campaigns. A victory would reinforce Liverpool’s story of bounce-back and determination; a loss could invite questions about squad resilience and depth.

Slot, ever composed, will prioritize sharp execution. Even with the injury adjustments, this predicted team must perform. After all, football isn’t decided on paper—it’s settled on the pitch, in the chill, under intense scrutiny.

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Former professional footballer Patrick Lacey has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident.

Lacey, who spent time in the youth systems of Manchester United and Liverpool, went on to enjoy a 12-year senior career featuring clubs such as Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley, and Southport.


The 32-year-old has now been implicated in a serious criminal investigation after a man in his 20s was shot in a driveway in Huyton in November 2025. The victim was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury.

According to reports, the shooting happened on Radway Road, and four men have been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, Section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH), and conspiracy to cause GBH. All four appeared in court on Friday, 19 February 2026.

The other three men charged are John Aaron Jones, 35; John George Patrick Hughes, 31; and Bernard Flynn, 61.

Lacey, who is also a professional boxer with a 12–1 record, is the older brother of Shea Lacey, who has made three senior appearances for Manchester United this season, including their FA Cup defeat to Brighton last month.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Chris Clark of Merseyside Police confirmed that coordinated warrants were executed as part of the ongoing investigation and that all four men were due in court.

He added that the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information — including dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage — to come forward rather than assume police already have the details

Liverpool received a concerning injury update on Jeremy Jacquet, their upcoming summer signing from Rennes. The Reds secured the French centre-back in late January (in a deal reportedly worth around £60m with add-ons) to strengthen their defence for the next campaign.

Tragically, shortly after the agreement was made public, the 20-year-old sustained a severe shoulder injury that may necessitate surgery. A recent development suggests his return to action could be delayed significantly.

On Friday, French reporter Francois Rauzy shared Rennes’ team news ahead of their Ligue 1 match with Auxerre, posting (translated): “Kamara and Frankowski are unavailable, as is Jacquet, whose comeback before the season ends isn’t assured. Ongoing talks with Liverpool about Jacquet’s condition and the planned course of action for the centre-back.”

Should Jacquet fail to feature again this term, he’ll arrive at Anfield without competitive minutes since early February—far from ideal for a high-profile £60m acquisition aiming to make an instant contribution.

Recent examples, like Alexander Isak’s recovery period, show how long layoffs can slow a player’s integration. The positive aspect for Jacquet is that, even if the issue lingers beyond Ligue 1’s conclusion, he’ll have the early summer period to fully rehab.

Liverpool are eager for any required surgery to happen promptly, allowing him to arrive in England close to full fitness and ready to contribute immediately.

Given the defensive injury woes Arne Slot has navigated this season, he’ll be hoping the new arrival avoids prolonged absences similar to those of Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, or Giovanni Leoni.

Fingers crossed Jacquet can recover in time for a late-season appearance with Rennes. If not, let’s hope he’s in peak condition when he joins the Reds this summer.

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Liverpool defender Joe Gomez finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career as the summer transfer window approaches, with AC Milan emerging as the frontrunners to secure his services.

Recent reports indicate that Liverpool are growing more inclined to sell the England international this summer, attracting interest from several prominent clubs.

With his current contract set to run until 2027—leaving just one year remaining by the end of the current season—the timing appears ideal for both the player and the club to part ways.

While some Liverpool supporters may hesitate to lose a dependable squad option, a refresh in Arne Slot’s defensive unit could be on the cards. A reliable source explained the club’s thinking: Liverpool aim to rebuild their backline around younger, more specialized defenders. Gomez is no longer considered essential but is viewed as a strong asset in the market. Given the 2027 expiry, the summer of 2026 represents the final prime window to command a meaningful fee.

Although Gomez has long accepted his role as a rotational player at Anfield, he now appears ready for a fresh challenge.

Despite rarely being a guaranteed starter for the Reds, he commands respect across the football world, drawing attention from top teams. While no formal discussions have taken place yet, clubs like Bayern Munich and AC Milan are known admirers.

Milan are widely regarded as the leaders in the race for the 28-year-old, whereas Bayern might only move if their primary targets fall through. Additional possibilities include West Ham and Brighton, both seeking Premier League-experienced defenders, though the Hammers’ chances would diminish significantly if they drop to the Championship.

Gomez’s expected wage demands hover around £4.5 million annually (roughly £85,000–£90,000 per week based on recent estimates), which could prove a hurdle—particularly considering his history of injuries—for clubs deciding whether to meet that level for his profile.

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The Dutch head coach has struggled to replicate the success of his debut campaign in the Premier League, with the Merseysiders trailing outside of the top five.Albeit, the reigning league champions are within touching distance of premium European spots, sitting two points behind Chelsea in fifth.Is Arne Slot’s job at Liverpool safe?Arne Slot looks on licking his lips.(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)There’s no question that Slot continues to hold some credit in the bank – thanks in no small part to his success in the 2024/25 season.However, that patience isn’t considered limitless, particularly if Liverpool should fail to hold down a Champions League spot.“For Arne Slot, the situation is quite clear: being in the Champions League next season is crucial for Liverpool,” Romano spoke on the Here We Go podcast.“It will also help Arne Slot arriving toward the end of the season in a more relaxed situation with the club. Otherwise, if Liverpool aren’t in the Champions League next season, let’s see what kind of Champions League campaign they’ll enjoy.“This could bring Liverpool into an important review for the summer. Now, the full focus is on the pitch, and the opportunity to win a trophy, of course, will be massive for Liverpool.“Then in the summer, a review of the club. Let’s see if Liverpool will be in Champions League next season or not, and this will be one of the factors to decide on Arne Slot.“So I expect the club at the end of the season to meet – owners, board, management, all together – to decide what they want to do.”The Reds’ recent form has shown signs of life as far as the club’s domestic hopes are concerned, with four wins secured from their last five games.Liverpool’s last five results (in all competitions)Liverpool 3-0 BrightonSunderland 0-1 LiverpoolLiverpool 1-2 Man CityLiverpool 4-1 NewcastleLiverpool 6-0 QarabagCould Xabi Alonso replace Arne Slot?As a former favoured son at Liverpool Football Club – and a supremely accomplished head coach at 44 years of age – it’s far from surprising that Xabi Alonso’s name continues to be linked with the club.Xabi Alonso’s managerial record113 wins36 draws25 defeats387 goals scored193 goals conceded2.17 points per game* Xabi Alonso’s managerial record across spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid (Transfermarkt)Whilst Fabrizio Romano stopped short of specifically suggesting that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Spaniard ahead of the summer, it appears the free agent is actively assessing his options.“It is true that Olympique Marseille, when Roberto De Zerbi decided to leave the club, tried to understand the situation of Xabi Alonso.“Some people at the board of Marseille wanted to understand if Xabi was ready for this opportunity to become Marseille manager now. But my understanding is that Alonso wants to wait and wants to return as soon as possible – that’s 100% confirmed and guaranteed. He’s not going to take a long break.“But now, Xabi Alonso is focused on different kinds of opportunities. He will wait for the managerial changes in the next months to understand if there could be the right opportunity.”It remains to be seen, for instance, if both Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola will remain in their respective roles at two of England’s most decorated clubs in the last decade.Arne Slot shakes hands with Man City head coach Pep Guardiola.(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)A domino effect elsewhere is certainly possible should Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany be tempted by the prospect of a switch to Manchester. This would see another intriguing vacancy open up for Alonso at another one of his former clubs, Bayern Munich.At any rate, the pressure is very much on for Liverpool’s head coach, who needs a minimum of Champions League qualification to guarantee any kind of safety this summer.

Liverpool’s injury situation is starting to evolve once more, and the most recent news on Alexander Isak has provided a much clearer picture of when Arne Slot could potentially utilize his club-record signing.

According to Paul Joyce in The Times, the 26-year-old Swedish forward is aiming to make his comeback around the end of next month, as he intensifies his rehabilitation from a fractured leg and ankle injury.

This timing is particularly relevant ahead of the upcoming Premier League away game at Nottingham Forest, as Liverpool’s fixture list remains packed while the team pushes to regain ground near the top of the standings.

In his comments on Isak’s recovery, Slot has been careful not to commit to a firm deadline, but the overall progress is evident.

“Alex has been out on the pitch this week—not in football boots, but in running shoes—for the first time,” Slot explained. The general target, drawing from both his remarks and Joyce’s reporting, points to Isak potentially rejoining the squad around the March international break, with a return to the group by late March or early April considered feasible barring any complications.

Slot emphasized that simply getting back on the pitch is just one stage: the Sweden star still needs to progress through ball work, integration with the team, and building match readiness.

“The next phase involves working with the ball… Then joining the group, and it takes time after that before you’re match-ready.”

The key positive for Liverpool fans is that Slot anticipates Isak being available at some point this season, keeping the possibility alive for the closing stages of the campaign.

“Let’s avoid setting a strict timeline, but it’s clear he’ll be available—if everything proceeds smoothly—this season.”

Isak’s early days at Liverpool have been disrupted and inconsistent, making it tough for him to find consistent form—a crucial factor when assessing his contributions so far. He missed a proper pre-season, had to regain fitness while settling into a new team, and then suffered the unforeseen broken leg in December.

Despite the interruptions, his stats in limited appearances show some impact, including a goal in his most recent outing before the injury, underscoring why this recovery phase is so important.

Slot also touched on the broader view: the club is yet to witness the peak version of the striker they signed, but there’s strong internal belief that fans will see it.

“Unfortunately for him and for us, we haven’t seen the best of Alex yet, but this club and our supporters will hopefully get to see the best version this season—and definitely in the years ahead.”

Assuming rehab stays on track, the focus is shifting from pure waiting to gradual reintegration, moving the discussion from optimism to concrete planning.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Arne Slot’s role as Liverpool manager could be in jeopardy if the team misses out on qualification for the Champions League next season.

The Dutch coach has found it challenging to match the impressive performance from his first year in charge, with Liverpool currently positioned outside the Premier League’s top five.

That said, the defending champions remain close to securing a top European spot, trailing fifth-placed Chelsea by just two points. Slot still enjoys a degree of goodwill from his strong 2024/25 campaign.

However, that support has its limits—especially if the club ends up without Champions League football.

Romano explained on the Here We Go podcast: “For Arne Slot, the situation is quite clear: being in the Champions League next season is crucial for Liverpool.” He added that qualification would allow Slot to approach the end of the campaign with greater calm. Without it, the club might face a significant evaluation in the summer.

The focus right now is on the field, where winning a trophy would be huge for the team. Come summer, though, Liverpool’s owners, board, and management are expected to convene and assess the overall direction—including whether Slot remains in charge, with Champions League participation being a major factor.

Liverpool have shown recent improvement domestically, picking up four victories in their last five matches.

Given his status as a former Liverpool favorite and a highly regarded 44-year-old coach, it’s no surprise that Xabi Alonso’s name keeps surfacing in connection with the club. While Romano didn’t explicitly state that Liverpool are monitoring Alonso closely for the summer, the Spaniard—who is currently without a job—is clearly evaluating potential opportunities.

Romano noted that when Roberto De Zerbi left Marseille, the French club inquired about Alonso’s availability for an immediate role. However, Alonso turned it down, preferring to wait for the right fit rather than rush in. He is eager to return to management soon and is monitoring upcoming vacancies over the coming months.

It’s unclear whether Slot or even Pep Guardiola will stay at their current clubs—two of England’s most successful in recent years. A chain reaction could occur, for example, if Bayern Munich’s Vincent Kompany moves to Manchester City, potentially opening the door at Bayern (another of Alonso’s former teams) for the Spaniard.

Ultimately, significant pressure rests on Slot, who must at least guide Liverpool back into the Champions League to secure his position heading into the summer.

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Jurgen Klopp is, without a doubt, one of the best managers to ever grace the Premier League, and so, when the 58-year-old German speaks, many tend to listen. And once, when still in charge of Liverpool, he named his three greatest players of all time.Starting off at Mainz as a lesser-known manager, it didn’t take long for the charismatic chief to pique the interest of some of Europe’s elite clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, who announced him as his compatriot Thomas Doll’s successor in 2008.In his native Germany, the Stuttgart-born manager – who is now working as Red Bull’s Global Sports Director – won a plethora of silverware before taking Liverpool from the periphery to title challengers, winning the Premier League in 2019/20 and the Champions League the campaign prior.GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Under Klopp, Liverpool achieved their highest-ever points tally (99) in a league campaign in 2019/20.Jurgen Klopp Leaves Ronaldo Out of GOAT DebateLionel Messi made the cutBefore stepping down as Liverpool manager ahead of his side’s Champions League group stage clash with Atalanta in 2020, Klopp was asked all manner of questions, including who he considered to be three of the greatest footballers to ever live.The likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Johan Cruyff, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ferenc Puskas are all names that are thrown into conversation – but Klopp, recognised as one of the greatest managers in the long and storied history of Liverpool, snubbed the aforementioned quartet.When it came to naming the three best players to ever play, Klopp did not hesitate as he had no room for the mentioned names. Simply put, per Barca Universal, he said: “For me, [the three greats are] Maradona, Messi, Pele.”greatest players-1Related40 Greatest Football Players Of All Time (2026)29Albeit being before his time, he managed to name-drop the goalscoring phenomenon that we all know and love as Pele, while he also picked out the late Diego Maradona – one of the most technically gifted footballers of all time – as one of his personal favourites.Paying tribute to Maradona following his passing, the German said: “It’s like, I’m 53 years old and it feels like my entire life, he was part of it. When I was very, very young – maybe eight or nine, 10 years old – I saw him for the first time, and he was 16 or 17.“In any video, juggling the ball, from that moment on he was the player for me.”Pele holding the FIFA World Cup.Argentinian forward Diego Maradona celebratesLionel Messi named three best goalkeepers he facedAs expected, Rosario-born Lionel Messi was also the third name chosen by Klopp. A record-breaker of the highest order, the dainty Argentine has won all there is to win at club and international level – and he deserves his flowers, of course.Elsewhere, highlighting the brilliance of his longevity at the top of the game, Klopp once said: “The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level. We shouldn’t close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him.”