New Talent, Transfer Buzz
Liverpool Claims 2-0 Pre-Season Victory as Jacquet Debuts Impressively Amid Transfer Talk
Key Points
Inter Milan are reportedly readying a renewed bid for Curtis Jones, who has been sidelined with a hip problem and even trained separately ahead of the new season.
Tottenham are pushing to sign Cody Gakpo, with reports claiming personal terms have already been agreed, keeping the Dutch winger in transfer speculation.
Jeremy Jacquet enjoyed an immediate fan reception and standout display on his Liverpool debut, with the Kop singing his name early and him forming a solid defence pairing with Virgil van Dijk before being substituted at half-time after scoring the second goal.
Liverpool are among clubs weighing a wide-forward addition, with Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye among names linked as negotiations reportedly continue with Paris Saint-Germain over Barcola.
Liverpool closed pre-season on a high note, beating Serie A side Como 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday. New signing Jérémy Jacquet scored on his debut, the Kop sang his name, and Ronald Araújo also made his Liverpool bow — all ahead of a Premier League opener against Newcastle. AOL reported a strong send-off to the summer schedule.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring before Jacquet tapped in the second. Both goals came with subplots attached. Gakpo's finish kept transfer talk alive, while Jacquet's display fuelled debate over whether the 21-year-old could start in just his second appearance for the club.
Jacquet's £60m Debut Wins Over the Kop
Liverpool paid around £60m — roughly £55m base plus £5m in add-ons — to sign Jacquet from Rennes. The 21-year-old Frenchman had missed part of pre-season after injury. But he showed no rust on his debut. He partnered Virgil van Dijk in central defence and impressed with composure on the ball, tight-space control, and sharp recovery speed, according to Yahoo News.
The Anfield crowd began singing his name early. Jacquet scored his goal before being substituted at half-time — standard rotation for a returning player. Araújo then came on for his own debut in the second half. AOL noted the double debut gave manager Andoni Iraola useful information ahead of Newcastle.
Gakpo Scores But Future Stays Uncertain
Gakpo opened the scoring and delivered a sharp reminder of his quality. But the goal came with a shadow over it. Tottenham are pushing hard to sign the Dutch winger. AOL reported that personal terms between Gakpo and Spurs have already been agreed. Liverpool have not confirmed any deal.
Iraola has not publicly addressed the speculation. But fielding Gakpo in the final friendly — and watching him score — adds pressure on any potential sale. Liverpool would need a replacement if the deal goes through before the transfer window closes.
Curtis Jones' Hip Injury Clouds His Liverpool Future
Jones did not feature against Como. The midfielder has been sidelined with a hip problem and even trained separately from the main squad ahead of the new season. Inter Milan are reportedly readying a fresh bid for the 24-year-old, according to Yahoo News. Liverpool have not confirmed his status for the Newcastle game.
His situation leaves Liverpool with a decision to make quickly. If Inter push with a formal offer and Jones cannot get fit, the club may weigh whether to sell now or hold. The window shuts in weeks. Liverpool are running out of time to plan around him.
Liverpool Eye Barcola as Wide-Forward Search Continues
Liverpool are looking to add a wide forward before the window closes. Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain is among the names linked, with negotiations reportedly ongoing. Ibrahim Mbaye is also on the radar. AOL reported Liverpool are among several clubs weighing a move in that position.
Whether Gakpo stays or goes could shape how urgently Liverpool move. A Gakpo sale would almost certainly accelerate any wide-forward pursuit. For now, Iraola says he is confident in his plans for Newcastle — but the squad still has moving parts heading into the Premier League opener.
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