The Anfield Index Podcast

Liverpool’s attacking transfer plans could finally be approaching the decisive stage. Dave Davis and Lewis Steele discuss the continuing pursuit of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, why Cody Gakpo’s future could depend on those deals, and the surprising possibility that Liverpool will not add another midfielder even if Curtis Jones leaves. Adam Wharton and Alexis Mac Allister also come under the spotlight.
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Ronald Araujo is through the door, but is that Liverpool’s defensive business finished? Dave Davis and Lewis Steele assess the positives of the season-long loan, his versatility and mentality, while discussing Jeremy Jacquet’s fitness concerns and why another defender, including Jed Spence, now looks increasingly unlikely.
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Dave Davis and Lewis Steele discuss the consortium featuring Jeff Bezos closing in on a minority stake in Liverpool, what it could mean for FSG and the club’s long-term financial future, plus the growing excitement around Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. With both looking sharper in pre-season, could Liverpool finally be ready to see the devastating partnership they paid for?
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Liverpool's attacking transfer plans are becoming clearer — but could the Reds be preparing to take a major gamble in midfield?

On today's Newsround with Dave Davis, Dave brings the latest on Bradley Barcola, who is back in PSG training as Liverpool continue to wait for movement in Paris. With PSG working on further attacking additions, including reported moves involving Mika Godts and Ferran Torres, could those dominoes finally unlock Barcola's potential move to Anfield?

There's also Ibrahim Mbaye, who remains firmly under consideration. With Endrick now expected to remain at Real Madrid and other attacking alternatives disappearing, Dave asks whether Liverpool's plan could ultimately involve both PSG youngsters — Barcola on the left and Mbaye on the right.

But it's the midfield situation that generates the biggest debate.

Fresh reports suggest Alexis Mac Allister is unlikely to leave, despite links elsewhere, while Curtis Jones' future remains uncertain. More significantly, Liverpool may not necessarily replace Jones even if he departs, with Trey Nyoni potentially being trusted with those minutes.

Dave explains why he remains concerned by a potential Dominik Szoboszlai-Ryan Gravenberch double pivot and why Liverpool could still benefit from a genuine defensive No.6. With Manchester City and Arsenal strengthening around similar profiles, are Liverpool taking an unnecessary risk by standing still?

There's also discussion around Wataru Endo's future, Liverpool's defensive depth and why, despite an exciting attack, injuries and midfield balance could ultimately determine whether Iraola's squad can challenge for the biggest prizes.
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On today's Newsround with Dave Davis, Dave begins with the rapidly developing ownership story as talks continue between Fenway Sports Group and the Amit Bhatia-led consortium over the purchase of roughly a third of Liverpool. With Jeff Bezos now widely linked to the investment group and reports suggesting an announcement could potentially arrive this week or next, Dave looks at what fresh investment could mean — and why supporters should also be cautious about assuming billions will suddenly become available for transfers.

On the transfer front, Ronald Araujo is officially through the door. The Barcelona defender has already trained with his new teammates after reportedly accepting a wage reduction to facilitate his loan move. But his arrival raises another major question: is that Liverpool's defensive business finished?

With Djed Spence seemingly moving towards Inter and other defensive targets disappearing from the conversation, Dave fears Liverpool may now roll with their current options despite lingering concerns at both centre-back and right-back. Virgil van Dijk's comments about Liverpool being in another period of "transition" also come under the microscope.

Then there's Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool remain in negotiations with PSG, but the transfer saga has taken another intriguing turn after reports that Barcola has been ill and could miss PSG's European Super Cup trip. Dave examines the curious timing of those reports, PSG's growing collection of attacking options and why further arrivals in Paris could finally create the conditions Liverpool need to strike a deal.

There's also the latest on Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni's recoveries, Liverpool's impressive young defender Ndukwe and why the final weeks of the window now appear firmly focused on strengthening Iraola's attack.
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