Liverpool
Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after cancer diagnosis
Kevin Keegan has died at 75 after cancer, with tributes from Newcastle.
Former England manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, seven months after he disclosed that he had cancer.
His family said he was with his wife and daughters in his final moments. They described him as a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and thanked his medical team for their support. The family also asked for privacy during what they called a hugely difficult time.
Keegan’s diagnosis was confirmed by his family in January, when they said scans had detected cancer before an operation on an injury caused in a car accident. In June, he revealed that the illness had reached Stage IV.
He is most closely associated with Liverpool, where he played between 1971 and 1977 and won three First Division titles and the 1976-77 European Cup. Those years secured his place in the club’s history.
Keegan also became a major figure at Newcastle, where he later ended his playing career in 1984 before returning eight years later as manager. He went on to have spells with Fulham, the England national team and Manchester City, before coming back to Newcastle again in 2008.
His individual honours included back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979, making him one of seven men to achieve the feat.
Newcastle paid tribute with a lengthy statement, saying: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history,” Newcastle said. “Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.
“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.”
Liverpool
Liverpool’s Mac Allister Contract Position Raises Fresh Questions
Mac Allister says Liverpool are not offering a new deal, leaving his future increasingly uncertain.
Alexis Mac Allister has cast doubt over his Liverpool future after revealing that the club are not currently offering him a new contract. The 2022 World Cup-winning midfielder said he had the “chance” to leave during the recently closed transfer window, and added that his agent was told Liverpool are “not in a position to renew.”
His current deal now has fewer than two years remaining, a stage when clubs often move to protect the value of key players under 30. Liverpool, however, have not taken that step, despite already extending the contracts of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch this year until 2031 and 2032 respectively.
Mac Allister addressed the situation before Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid. “I see Dominik and Ryan renewing their contracts, and that makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time, it makes me a little bit sad that I didn’t get mine,” he said. The Argentine also made clear that there is still a chance matters could change, adding, “There is still time” to sign a contract.
The question of salary appears central, even if nothing has been confirmed. Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are now estimated to be among Liverpool’s highest earners, with only Virgil van Dijk paid more than the latter. Mac Allister’s own wage, reported at around $203,000 (£150,000) a week, would likely need to rise sharply for any new agreement, while Liverpool must also balance the risk of piling too many players near the top of the pay scale.
At 27, heading towards 28 before the end of the year, Mac Allister is no longer in the youngest bracket of those being tied down on long-term deals. His form over the past 12 months has also not strengthened his case. Mohamed Salah forced the issue publicly when his own contract was nearing expiry in 2025, but he was delivering one of the great seasons when it mattered most.
Mac Allister said there were options to leave this summer, but insisted, “I have the mindset to give my 100% for this club.” He also said, “I don’t want to say things they never said, but what I got from my agent was that they were not in a position to renew me,” before adding, “It’s really sad because we won a Premier League together, we’ve been through difficult times together and I always give my best. We will see what happens, but it makes me a little bit sad.”
Liverpool
Liverpool’s new shirt deal set to reshape the Premier League’s commercial picture
Liverpool’s new Turkish Airlines deal is set to surpass Standard Chartered and reshape elite shirt sponsorship.
Liverpool are preparing for a significant change to their kit sponsorship model, with Turkish Airlines set to replace Standard Chartered as the club’s shirt sponsor from 2027-28. It will be Liverpool’s first major shirt-front change in 17 years, underlining how rarely the club alters such a prominent commercial partnership.
The club highlighted the status of the space in its own statement, saying: “The front of the shirt is one of the most recognizable positions in world sport and one that the club has historically reserved for long-term and meaningful partnerships,” Liverpool said.
The new branding will appear on men’s, women’s and academy match shirts. Liverpool will continue with AXA on training wear, while Expedia remains the sleeve sponsor on match kit.
The Times and The Athletic reported at the same time that the five-year agreement is worth more than $405 million (£300 million) in total, or at least $81 million (£60 million) a season. That would place it above Standard Chartered’s previous deal, which had been worth $68 million (£50 million) annually since its last renewal in 2022.
Liverpool’s commercial growth has been striking since 2010, with last season’s revenue passing $946 million (£700 million) for the first time. One year of the Turkish Airlines agreement would be worth more than the club’s entire commercial income 17 years ago.
BBC Sport reported that Liverpool believe the contract is the most valuable shirt sponsorship in soccer, ahead of Manchester United’s Snapdragon arrangement, which is worth $75 million and began in 2024.
Manchester City and Arsenal take in more from Etihad Airways and Emirates respectively, but those deals also include stadium naming rights. The same is true of Real Madrid and Barcelona, whose agreements with Emirates and Spotify stretch beyond match shirts.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are said to be in a similar range to Liverpool and Manchester United. Chelsea, by contrast, remain well behind after a run of short-term agreements and four seasons without a primary shirt sponsor, with onfield instability limiting their earning power.
Atlético Madrid
Kerkez says Liverpool cannot yet maintain Iraola’s press for a full match
Kerkez says Liverpool are still adjusting to Iraola’s pressing demands after their first win of the season.
Milos Kerkez has admitted Liverpool are still learning how to handle Andoni Iraola’s demanding style, with the defender saying the team cannot yet press for the full 90 minutes at the level the manager expects.
After a month in which the same issues have remained in place, Liverpool finally recorded their first win of the season on Friday, taking the points at the third attempt with a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town. Kerkez said the result did not hide the fact that the physical demands of Iraola’s approach are still being worked through.
“When you press like us, it’s a bit tough to do it for all the game and all the 90 minutes,” he told club media . “We can do it for the first 30 to 35 minutes and in some ways we can do that in the second half at the beginning, but then it’s all about staying compact and talking to each other.
“That’s what we said also that we need to improve, and as defenders we are happy with the clean sheet. We defended pretty well their crosses and the set pieces. Like I said, everyone was 100% focused.”
There were clear signs on Friday that Liverpool are beginning to absorb Iraola’s ideas. The performance featured intense running, two early goals from Alexander Isak and a Premier League-high sprint speed from Bradley Barcola in his first appearance off the bench.
That said, the match also served as a reminder that the road ahead remains long. Ipswich may have been a useful starting point, but the standard of opposition is set to rise quickly.
Wednesday’s meeting with Atlético Madrid will provide the next test of whether Liverpool can turn those early signs into something more consistent. Kerkez’s assessment was guarded but optimistic, suggesting the squad are starting to get to grips with the manager’s expectations even if the full physical load is not yet in place.
