PL RAW: Liverpool back on their perch as champions
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🎥 Crystal Palace's Eze dazzles in Premier League highlights reel
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Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle
Liverpool Show Faith in Youth as Stephenson and McConnell Enter Contract Talks Academy core remains part of Slot's long-term plan While the headlines swirl around Liverpool's aggressive summer recruitment, another key strand of the club's strategy is unfolding more quietly. According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are in talks with academy products Luca Stephenson and James McConnell over new contracts. These discussions are not glamorous, but they matter. Amid the £170 million already spent on marquee names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, and with Hugo Ekitike on the brink of joining, the club's commitment to its academy continues to run deep. For all the global scouting and big-money deals, Liverpool still understand the value of homegrown development. Stephenson earns his opportunity Luca Stephenson, 21, returned from a successful loan spell at Dundee United with his stock significantly higher. Slot named him in Liverpool's 29-man squad for the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, and the midfielder has already featured in the opening friendlies. Photo: IMAGO '[It was] a little bit [of a surprise], yeah. A little bit,' Stephenson told about being included in the tour squad. 'So, it feels kind of even better to feel like you're with more senior boys and learning from more senior players.' After 34 appearances and three goals in Scotland last season, his inclusion is a deserved reward. Stephenson's energy, intelligence and work rate have not gone unnoticed. McConnell set for loan after injury setback James McConnell, 20, is also in line for a new contract. He missed the pre-season tour through injury, but remains part of the club's longer-term vision. A loan move is being arranged to ensure he gets valuable first-team football next season. Photo: IMAGO McConnell showed flashes of quality last term and has impressed coaches with his versatility in midfield. A year out on loan could unlock his full potential and offer Liverpool another reliable option from within. Contract renewals maintain squad balance While the futures of senior players like Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz remain uncertain, these youth extensions provide stability and continuity. Slot's system relies on tactical understanding and adaptability, traits more easily instilled in players raised through the club's own philosophy. These aren't headline moves, but they reflect smart planning. Amid all the noise of transfer speculation, Stephenson and McConnell's negotiations reinforce Liverpool's continued focus on building from the ground up. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It is refreshing to see the club not only splashing the cash but also staying true to its roots. Players like Luca Stephenson and James McConnell represent the work being done behind the scenes, the sessions at Kirkby, and the graft that goes unseen while cameras flash for the high-profile arrivals. Stephenson's inclusion on the Asia tour feels significant. It is not just a pat on the back, it is a vote of confidence. With 34 games under his belt last season, he is no longer a rookie. There's a chance for him to become a reliable squad option if he continues this trajectory. McConnell's injury is a setback, but the fact Liverpool are still pressing ahead with a contract renewal tells you how highly they rate him. Loaning him out, as long as it is the right environment, is the smart step. The modern game demands depth, flexibility and trust in the pathway. These renewals show Liverpool are not losing sight of that. Big signings win the headlines, but homegrown players often win the respect of the fanbase. And right now, both sides of the club are delivering.
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Liverpool eye Real Madrid star as top contender to replace Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz is no longer seen as untouchable at Liverpool and the feeling inside the club is that his departure is becoming more likely by the day. Bayern Munich have stepped up their pursuit and are now deep in talks with the Reds as both clubs push toward a final transfer agreement. According to German outlet Bild, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are both 'very optimistic' a deal can be reached with some reports claiming an agreed price of around £65m [$88m] which has already been floated in the negotiations. Liverpool's summer has already been active with Florian Wirtz brought in to operate in behind the main striker and Hugo Ekitike expected to join soon. However the potential loss of Diaz would leave a hole on the left-side of Arne Slot's attack with Cody Gakpo the existing option to step in. One player being watched very closely is Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid with Florian Plettenberg reporting the Reds are aware of his interest in leaving the Spanish capital. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp "Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of Rodrygo as he is one of the candidates for LFC in case Luis Díaz leaves. Liverpool want to remain informed about the transfer conditions and his current status as Real Madrid are open to selling him. The deal would be costly and sources say his current wages are near €10m [$11m] per year. Can Rodrygo be a good fit for Liverpool? Rodrygo is only 24 years old and already has the kind of top-level experience most players don't gather before they turn 30 which makes him an intriguing fit for Liverpool's evolving front line. He has already scored 68 goals for registered 51 assists in all competitions for the Los Blancos. On the international scene, he's scored seven times in 33 appearances for Brazil, and will be in Carlo Ancelotti's FIFA World Cup plans for next summer. Jude Bellingham who plays with him at Real Madrid recently described Rodrygo as 'the most gifted player' at the club - which speaks volumes about the ability he brings and how well respected he is by teammates - who understand what it takes to win at the highest level. From a tactical perspective Rodrygo is capable of playing on either wing, and has been used centrally which suits Slot's desire for flexible attacking players, who can rotate during games and create overloads in different areas of the pitch. The fee could hit £85m [$115m] alongside high wages, but Liverpool's interest is serious, and the decision depends on how far they are willing to stretch. Liverpool news and related links Is Hugo Ekitike worth the transfer fee? Eintracht Frankfurt star's stats, best position as Liverpool circle Bayern Munich identify 'in demand' star as Luis Diaz alternative Arsenal beat Liverpool to win the race for Salford City wonderkid
