𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Eddie Howe wasn’t exactly clear on the matter of Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future yesterday, either.

It would appear Liverpool aren’t finished yet with their investment. Alexander Isak remains a target despite a £110m bid being knocked back, though Arne Slot played coy when asked about the links on Friday.

It’s probably been a busier summer than most anticipated for Liverpool, with a significant transfer outlay even after a season in which continuity was key to winning the title. Richard Jolly explores why Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy have spent the money they have, and the questions that remain.

Liverpool will get a final tune-up for their Premier League title defence when today’s Community Shield pits them against Crystal Palace in what Arne Slot has called a “good challenge” for his side.

Slot has been busy strengthening a squad that won the league by 10 points last term by spending the best part of £300million on midfielder Florian Wirtz, forward Hugo Ekitike, left-back Milos Kerkez, right-back Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with more incomings possible.

After a pre-season campaign in which they have faced Preston, Stoke, AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Bilbao, Sunday’s trip to Wembley will be their first meeting with Premier League opposition since Palace held Slot’s men to a 1-1 draw on the final day of last season.

The curtain comes up on the 2025/26 top-flight season as Premier League champions Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. While the new campaign is already underway outside of the first division, the league season is still a week away for these two but this offers a crucial opportunity to build momentum and earn silverware to take into the important stuff to come.

Kick off at Wembley is at 3pm BST.