Category: Leeds

The fervent hope of West Ham fans is that the current frenetic battle now gripping the boardroom does not allow the club to freeze in the summer transfer window. Whilst the Staveley and Kretinsky manoeuvrings monopolise headlines they must not be allowed to derail the Hammers’ attempts to overhaul the squad and bring in the handful of players tasked with filling the gaps and preparing for the tilt at automatic promotion.

After pre-season, the club looks way short of pace and threat going forward, which explains the links to strikers and wide men of late. The optimists amongst us will start to believe (as we always seem to ) the rumours that the club are about to shell out on a new striker..top of the list seems to be Republic of Ireland centre forward Troy Parrott: As per Vavel.com:

“While also establishing himself as the focal point of Ireland’s forward line at international level, the Hammers have earmarked the 24-year-old as their primary forward target who has an £18 million price tag.

Linked with West Ham, Everton and Leeds last winter: Troy Parrott

Everton, Leeds United, Porto and Stuttgart are all reportedly interested in the striker whose AZ contract lasts until 2029, but West Ham are willing to meet the asking price, potentially making him the Sky Bet Championship’s most expensive signing.”

Most Read on Claret & Hugh

(Incidentally beating the £15.8m which Wolverhampton Wanderers paid for Ruben Neves in July 2017)

Which would prove exciting on two fronts: Not only bringing in a striker who can actually hit the net at this level and grow with West Ham post -promotion: But more than likely signing Troy Parrott would signal the end of a brief, but dismal West Ham career for Pablo whose failure to achieve anything in Claret and Blue is well documented by this web site.

And, believe it or not, they’ll both be around the same price.

Friendly matches rarely tell the whole story about a team’s level, yet what Liverpool are going through during their pre-season raises plenty of question marks. The attacking flashes have been promising. The defensive gaps, though, are glaring, and they have pushed manager Andoni Iraola into a public admission that problems need fixing before the season starts.Those comments landed after Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago, laying bare the reality of the team’s preparation period, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation “BBC”.The Spanish manager said: “It is clear that this is not the result we were hoping for, but it was perhaps the most useful friendly for us. It was useful in a positive way in the first half, and in a negative way in the second half. We learned a lot, and we will draw important conclusions from it to address some of the problems.”A defensive crisis imposes itselfOne file demands urgent intervention above all others: the defensive line. Across their three matches in the United States, Liverpool conceded six goals. Four of them came against Leeds inside just 25 minutes of the second half.Liverpool started that match with a back line of Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Ivayne Ndoicoi and Milos Kerkez, before finishing it with Calvin Ramsay, Mour Tala Ndiaye, Ndoicoi and Kostas Tsimikas.A similar young defence had kept a clean sheet against Wrexham days earlier. Against a Premier League side like Leeds, and a striker of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre, the fragility of the system was exposed.A clear lack of depthMilos Kerkez stands alone among the defensive options as a genuine candidate to start the season. Virgil van Dijk has returned to training, yet the team still suffer from an obvious lack of defensive depth, less than three weeks before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.Fuelling Iraola’s concerns are the absences of Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, while new signing Jeremie Jacquet has not played a single minute on the American tour, working instead through a special programme to reintegrate him gradually.More than once, the manager has confirmed that his team suffer a “numerical shortage” at the back, a situation that worsened after Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté departed.Jacquet and Leoni carry great potential, but neither has proven himself yet. Gomez’s recurring injury record makes leaning on him alone a big risk.The management is aware of the scale of the crisisSporting director Richard Hughes made a point of watching the friendlies in Nashville and New York. He missed the Leeds match, but he knows exactly how deep the crisis runs.Liverpool need to sign a new centre-back at the very least, and perhaps a right-back too, especially with the return of Conor Bradley still distant.Last season Arne Slot was forced to play Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, a scenario the club have no wish to repeat. They would rather bring in a player with real experience.When asked about his position for the new season, Szoboszlai said: “You have to ask the manager, not me. I played in more than one position last season. I hope to play in midfield, but if the manager needs me at right-back I will do the job with great pleasure.”The team lacks leadersFormer Liverpool captain Phil Thompson, speaking to “BBC Sport”, insisted the team need players with a leadership personality.He said: “When Jürgen Klopp won the league, the team included leadership figures like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, alongside Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mohamed Salah, and even Trent Alexander-Arnold.”He added: “Today this aspect has declined, and that is why the team need new players to take on responsibility. The dressing room needs strong characters to impose discipline, especially during difficult periods.”He concluded: “At the moment there is only Virgil and Alisson, so a player like Dominik Szoboszlai must step up and take on greater responsibilities.”Midfield: relative stabilityThe midfield tells a different story. Liverpool possess a strong group including Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, and both Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have signed new contracts this year.Iraola hopes to recover the best version of Mac Allister, who fell short of expectations last season. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, is close to a move to Inter, with Liverpool willing to sell him for around 35 million pounds sterling.That decision also ties into the future of young Trey Nyoni, who caught the eye during pre-season. Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic have both returned to training, while Harvey Elliott’s future remains unresolved.Liverpool had also enquired about Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder, but the competition for his signature looks strong.Barcola the first targetThe attacking line remains a candidate for a new arrival in the coming period. After failing to sign Yan Diomandé, Liverpool’s management have made Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola their first target.The club had already signed Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for 34 million pounds sterling.Barcola is not viewed as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, yet signing him would be a huge deal, especially with Paris Saint-Germain valuing the player at around 145 million pounds sterling.Liverpool are preparing an offer approaching 100 million pounds sterling. The player welcomes a move to “Anfield”, but so far there are no official negotiations between the two clubs.Talents awaiting their chanceRio Ngumoha, 17, is expected to be given greater playing minutes over the coming season. He looked more comfortable on the left against Leeds, though he can play on both wings, which suits Iraola’s philosophy.Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both made an encouraging start to pre-season. Federico Chiesa’s future is unsettled, as he wants to stay and fight for his place despite links with a return to the Italian league.Kieran Morrison, 19, proved himself on the American tour after scoring the team’s first goals of the Iraola era. He is likely to go out on loan for more experience, like a number of other young players.Gakpo’s future and a final signalTottenham had shown their interest in Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool have no intention of giving up the Dutch forward, especially with four years still left on his contract and his ability to fill several attacking positions.Keeping Gakpo also makes sense given the long-term absence of Hugo Ekitike, out with an Achilles tendon rupture.Watching on at the Leeds match was Mike Gordon, president of the Fenway Sports Group and the man effectively responsible for running the club. He saw for himself how the optimism of the first half curdled into great concern after the second-half collapse.Between the ambitions and the awaited signings, the message inside “Anfield” is clear. Liverpool still need new reinforcements if they want to enter the race for every title next season.

Leeds United ended their pre-season tour in the US by defeating Liverpool 4-2.

Daniel Farke’s men rallied after being two goals down, and there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

In his first pre-season appearance, Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted two goals during his second-half cameo. Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff were also on the scoresheet as the pair impressed.

However, this was not the case for every player and at this point, Farke will surely be worried about one of his players’ struggles in pre-season.

Ao Tanaka continues poor run of form against Liverpool

In his player ratings article, Graham Smyth gave Ao Tanaka a four out of ten. This was the lowest rating he handed out to any Leeds player.

When analysing Tanaka’s performance, Smyth said, “Dallied on the ball and was sloppy with it a few times in the first half. Tried to get a foot in but it wasn’t a good performance.”

This comes after he recently gave the ball away in pre-season against Wrexham and the Championship side scored as a result.

It’s also worth noting that prior to pre-season, Tanaka’s costly mistake against Brazil led to Japan conceding a late goal which knocked them out of the World Cup.

So taking all of this into account, Farke will surely be concerned with his midfielder’s run of form. But luckily for Leeds, Tanaka still has a handful of pre-season games to get back to his best before the Premier League season kicks off.

Sean Longstaff may have leapfrogged Ao Tanaka in the pecking order at Leeds

Whilst there’s still plenty of time for things to change, you’d imagine that if our opening Premier League game against Forest was this weekend, Longstaff would be ahead of Tanaka in the pecking order when it came to potentially starting.

Longstaff’s performance against Liverpool earned him an eight out of ten in Smyth’s player ratings. A stark contrast to the four Tanaka was given.

“Helped change the game with his aggression and willingness to run. Deserved his goal, scruffy as it was,” Smyth said regarding Longstaff’s performance against Liverpool.

Longstaff’s debut season in West Yorkshire did not go to plan. Next season, however, could be the midfielder’s coming-out party at Leeds.

The 28-year-old will be hoping to start more than the 10 Premier League games he managed last season. But if he continues to impress whilst Tanaka struggles, he won’t be doing his chances any harm when it comes to being a regular part of the starting XI next season.

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Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead in spectacular fashion as Leeds won the final match of both teams’ United States tour 4-2.It was all one-way traffic in the first half for Andoni Iraola’s side as Luke Chambers and the returning Florian Wirtz put Liverpool into a two-goal lead. Wirtz’s goal came from a superb Liverpool move involving the impressive Trey Nyoni and Jeremie Frimpong.

Image:
Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring Liverpool’s second goal vs Leeds

But Leeds brought on their better attacking players at half-time in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Wilson – and the tide turned – with three goals in 13 second-half minutes.
Brenden Aaronson benefitted from Milos Kerkez’s mistake to pull one back, before Calvert-Lewin levelled from Ethan Ampadu’s dangerous long throw.Sean Longstaff completed the comeback with a scuffed finish just two minutes later- before Calvert-Lewin got his second via a carbon copy goal of his first.

Both sides now return to England to begin the final part of their pre-season preparations, with the start of the season less than three weeks away.
The key moments from Chicago…7: GOAL! Liverpool take an early lead as Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner is flicked on by Milos Kerkez, allowing Chambers to smash home.

Image:
Luke Chambers celebrates giving Liverpool the lead

14: WHAT A SAVE! Lucas Nmecha nearly equalises for Leeds but his header from inside the box is kept out brilliantly by Giorgi Mamardashvilli.26: JUST WIDE! Nmecha has another good chance but drags wide from the edge of the box after good work from Dan James.40: GOAL! Liverpool show their clinical edge as Wirtz equalises after a great team move from Frimpong’s cross – after a glorious ball across the pitch from Nyoni.54: WIDE! Leeds bring on Calvert-Lewin and he gets in behind the Liverpool backline, but cannot convert from inside the box.60: GOAL! Kerkez gifts Leeds possession cheaply and Ampadu feeds Aaronson to tuck home a goal back for Leeds.71: GOAL! Calvert-Lewin heads home unmarked at the back post as Joe Rodon headed on Ampadu’s long throw.73: GOAL! Longstaff completes the stunning turnaround as he scuffs home a finish from inside the box, beating Curtis Jones to the ball.84: GOAL! Deja vu! Calvert-Lewin nods in at the back post from another Ampadu long throw.Szoboszlai: We have to take care of set piecesLiverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to LFCTV:”Now we know we conceded two goals from set pieces, we have to take care of them more.”Last season was one where everything started to be really important on corners, long throws. We have to take care of it, or next season will be the same as last season.”Set pieces, everyone has to do their job, or we won’t concede. We’re also human beings, we are allowed to make mistakes. We have to react, that’s important. We have two games more before the season starts.”Analysis: Iraola has lots to do to get Liverpool readySky Sports’ Sam Blitz:Look, it’s pre-season. Liverpool and Leeds won’t read too much into this. But there are concerns for Andoni Iraola at both ends of the pitch.Yes, Liverpool had a young team out by the time their collapse came – especially given Leeds put their best attackers on the pitch.But it was very much the story of last season. Two of Leeds’ goals came from Ethan Ampadu’s long throws, after they conceded 20 goals from set pieces in the Premier League last season, more than any other side.The goal that allowed Leeds back into the contest came from a Milos Kerkez mistake. Again, mistakes and uncertainty at full-back was another narrative that emerged last season.There were positives for Liverpool. Florian Wirtz looked sharp in his first 45 minutes back and Trey Nyoni looks like a real gem in the making. He can push Ryan Gravenberch for minutes this season.But once Wirtz and Alexander Isak came off at half-time, Liverpool never looked like scoring. With a big injury list at both ends of the pitch, Iraola has a lot of work to do to get ready for the season opener in three weeks’ time.Remaining pre-season fixturesLiverpoolAugust 9: Liverpool vs Monaco – Anfield, 2.30pmAugust 16: Liverpool vs Como – Anfield, 6pmLeedsAugust 8: Leeds vs RB Leipzig – Elland Road, 2pmAugust 12: Leeds vs Man Utd – Dublin, 7.30pm

Two Premier League sides clash in the USA this Sunday as part of their pre-season campaign, as Liverpool face off with Leeds United in Chicago. This match is part of a US series of friendly matches that also includes Sunderland and Wrexham, who have played both Liverpool and Leeds already this pre-season.

So, which of these two sides will come out on top in the Windy City?

Thanks for the submission!

Liverpool vs Leeds United Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
Last season saw Liverpool and Leeds involved in one of the best games of the entire campaign, as they drew 3-3 in a thriller at Elland Road in early December. Their second game, however, was less exciting and ended 0-0.Liverpool’s most recent friendly saw Andoni Iraola pick up his second win as Reds boss, as his side overcame Wrexham 1-0 thanks to a goal from Rio Ngumoha. However, the main talking point from this game has been the argument between Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai, bringing into question the unity of the Liverpool squad.Leeds also picked up a win in their last friendly game, as they edged out Sunderland thanks to a goal from Lukas Nmecha. It was an impressive way for Daniel Farke’s men to bounce back from an earlier friendly loss to Wrexham.Liverpool are likely to come face-to-face with a former player in this game, as new signing Harry Wilson is expected to be involved for Leeds. Likewise, Liverpool could hand their new signing Jeremy Jacquet a debut, as Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will be available for this one.Liverpool only have three more pre-season matches after this one, as they face Monaco before two games in the same day – one behind closed doors – against Como. Leeds, on the other hand, are still set to face Manchester United, RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg before their full campaign begins.

Liverpool vs Leeds United Prediction
Both of the matches between these sides last season were close to call, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one end in a similar fashion too.
Leeds are perhaps in slightly better shape than Liverpool right now, as their squad is more in tune with Daniel Farke’s methods while the Reds are still getting used to Andoni Iraola’s style.

However, Liverpool have enough talent to take this game to Leeds, meaning it should be an entertaining one that ends with honours even.Prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Leeds UnitedLiverpool vs Leeds United Betting TipsTip 1: Result – Draw.Tip 2: Game to feature more than 2.5 goals – Yes.Tip 3: Liverpool to score first – Yes.

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Head to HeadSkip to form guideKey, Feyenoord v AtalantaSkip back to season so farFeyenoordAtalantaWFeyenoord wonv Sporting Charleroi3Club Friendlies3Club FriendliesWFeyenoord wonv Club Brugge31Club FriendliesDAtalanta drawv Fiorentina11Serie AWFeyenoord wonv Dordrecht6Club Friendlies01Serie AWFeyenoord wonv PEC Zwolle2Eredivisie23Serie A11Eredivisie00Serie APlease note: All times are UK. Some content is provided by third parties, is subject to change, and is unverified.

Sunderland conclude their three-game US tour when they face Championship side WrexhamRobin Roefs will make his first appearance of the pre-season campaign when Sunderland face Wrexham in the final friendly of their US tour on Sunday.The Black Cats face Phil Parkinson’s side in Pennsylvania (5pm KO BST) and will welcome back their goalkeeper following his World Cup commitments with the Netherlands earlier this summer. Having missed Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds United, Wilson Isidor will also miss Sunday’s game. Head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed that Isidor had flown back to the UK to deal with a personal issue but should be back in training on Wearside next week.Le Bris is set to follow a very similar formula with his starting XI and subs to the Leeds United game, with a similar starting XI heavily rotated either at half time or the hour mark.“Yeah, Robin will play tomorrow,” Le Bris said.“Wilson has had a personal problem issue, not a major one at this stage but he had to come back to England. He will join the team early next week.“And for the lineup we’ll keep the same principles more or less, trying to manage the game time according to different situations. So we are a bit further along now. So probably tomorrow we’ll have a strong XI to start again from an experience perspective in the Premier League and in the squad, progressively, we’ll manage 45 if needed or 60 if it’s possible. And it’s still possible to check during the half-time, if it’s good to go further or if it’s needed, to stop.”Le Bris says he expects there to be some fatigue in his team’s performance on Sunday having had a heavy workload in training of late, but is pleased with the progress they are making ahead of the start of the Premier League this season later this month.“We have this season the privilege to build on something,” Le Bris said.“Because last season, we created, I think, a strong culture throughout the year. We started with the idea to stay in the league and we were really focused on our defensive shape, with the ability to counter-attack, to create a situation for fast attacks after our regains and we were good on set-pieces as well. “And progressively, we built other layers,” he added.“And I think at the end of the season, we were really balanced with the ability to manage different situations properly. So we have this advantage this season and even with the World Cup players [absent], we felt from the beginning that this culture is stronger. And with their comeback, gradually, they will get more game time. Then we’ll be back in England with four or five new players, Granit, Chemsdine and so on. We build progressively the reconnection“So it’s very positive from the beginning of the season. I think the fitness level is getting better, the energy is stronger now and e might be a bit tired tomorrow because the camp was focused also on the energy. So maybe the tank won’t be full tomorrow but it’s still positive.”Continue Reading

Leeds United corner flag. Credit: Imago

Leeds United fans were hit with bad news on Friday night, as one of the club’s main targets joined another team. Early in the summer, it was made clear that the Whites had some targets in mind.

Southampton’s Shea Charles and free agent duo Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt were on their radar.

Most Read on The Leeds Press

The club were able to land Wilson, who made it clear that he chose the club that made him feel wanted. He will now provide a serious attacking edge to a team that felt a bit blunt last season.

A deal for Shea Charles has yet to materialize after weeks of trying.

It was believed that the Whites would be patient and see out this deal, but things seem to have changed. Graham Smyth revealed the club sources have left their final offer on the table for the midfielder.

The Saints are holding out for £30 million, and Leeds have offered around £23 million.

Leeds United revive interest in £30m forward

On Friday night, Ajax announced that they had signed Julian Brandt.

The news came a bit out of nowhere as initial reports suggested that the attacking midfielder preferred a move to England. Ajax were named as suitors alongside Leeds United a few weeks ago.

And now the Dutch club have landed the 30-year old.

The deal will have definitely disappointed some Leeds fans who had hope that the former Dortmund man would join.

Leeds United have been evaluating other attacking options particularly since Julian Brandt didn’t sign prior to the US tour. They have several and among that number is Igor Paixão. #lufc

— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 31, 2026

Brandt’s decision now seems to have sparked another transfer move at Elland Road. Graham Smyth has mentioned that the 49ers have been assessing other targets before they went on the US tour.

This was just in case a move for Brandt failed.

One of those names is a Leeds target from last year; Brazilian winger Igor Paixao.

READ MORE: Leeds snubbed as major free agent chooses European giants – talks had been going on for months

A move for Paixao should be a no brainer

Last season saw this Leeds team prioritize being solid defensively over being a great attacking unit.

And that worked very well in the Whites favour, as Daniel Farke set this team up not to lose games. In attack, the club have lacked that cutting edge out wide and it has shown in games.

There was just little to no production from Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto last season.

Igor Paixao did not exactly have an incredible season with Marseille in France, but he still got 12 goals and six assists in all competitions. He is explosive and can take his man on in dangerous areas.

If there is a slight chance he is available, the 49ers should take it.

Downing Street has announced that the next Bishop of Leeds will be the Bishop of Bradford, Dr Toby Howarth.

Bishop Toby, who will take up the role in the autumn, has been acting diocesan Bishop since Rt Rev Nick Baines retired in November.

He said he feels a “deep sense of joy” to have been called to serve a diocese he has “grown to love” since he became Area Bishop in 2014. He added that it was “Joy to be working with such a rich diversity of churches and cathedrals, schools and chaplaincies, faith and community partners, businesses, institutions and statutory services filled with people of goodwill working in often challenging contexts.” 

“Joy to be part of such a committed and talented diocesan staff team.”

“But also longing. Longing for us all to experience more and more of God’s abundant love in Jesus transforming our lives, our homes and our communities.”

Bishop Toby was born in Kenya and went to school at Haverstock Comprehensive in North London. He received scholarships to study at high school and Yale University in the United States, including a summer working with Afghan refugees in northern Pakistan. On coming back to Britain, he was a research assistant for Rev Dr John Stott for two years before becoming a postman in the East End of London.

After training in Oxford, Birmingham and Uganda, combining Christian theology with an MA in Islamic Studies at the University of Birmingham, Toby was ordained and served in an inner-city parish in Derby. He then moved to India with his family for five years, during which he did research in Islamic preaching for a PhD from the Free University of Amsterdam.

Returning to Europe, he served with a Dutch church in Rotterdam before moving back to Birmingham where he taught Islamic studies and worked as a tutor and then at Crowther Hall in Selly Oak.

In 2004 he took up parish work again as vicar of St Christopher’s, Springfield and was then called to become the Bishop of Birmingham’s Adviser on Inter-Faith Relations. In 2011 he became Interreligious Affairs Secretary for the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop Toby is married to Henriette, who is also ordained, and they have three adult children. He will be confirmed in the role in the autumn by the Archbishop of York at York Minster. Three services of welcome and installation will follow at Bradford Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral and Wakefield Cathedral.

Commenting on the appointment, the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said: “Leeds is a remarkable Diocese, shaped by a rich history, extraordinary diversity and a deep commitment to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ in every community. Bishop Toby knows and loves this Diocese so well. I am delighted that he will lead the next chapter of the life and witness of the church in this place.

“Bishop Toby’s passion for sharing the good news of the Gospel alongside his profound commitment to interfaith dialogue equip him to serve all those who call these communities home.”

An exterior view of Soldier Field – Photo via IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

Liverpool have been marking the beginning of the Andoni Iraola era with a tour of the United States this summer, and are set to draw their stateside pre-season schedule to a close on Sunday, when they face Premier League rivals Leeds United at Chicago’s Solider Field.

The Reds kicked off their friendly action with a 4-2 victory over Sunderland at Nashville’s GEODIS Park, before going on to beat Championship promotion-hopefuls Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in New York on Wednesday night.

Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch linked up with Iraola’s squad in Chicago prior to the Wrexham clash, but did not feature, so expect to see them – along with Jeremy Jacquet – this weekend.

Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to watch Sunday’s clash against Leeds in-person at Chicago Field, but if you don’t have a ticket yourself, there are plenty of great spots around town to watch the game.

Read on as Football Ground Guide takes a look at some of the Liverpool pubs in New York, and some of the best places for fans to watch the Wrexham match.

Back in Chicago ahead of our final US Tour fixture this weekend 🛬— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2026

Liverpool vs. Leeds United: Best places to watch in Chicago

A.J. Hudson’s Public House – 3801 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

A.J. Hudson’s Public House is the home of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club Chicago (OLSC Chicago), who host screenings of every Reds match on the bar’s huge array of TVs.

This spot is well-known to sports fans in the windy city, and features a calendar for sporting events being shown live prominently on their website, so expect to see the place packed with plenty of Liverpool fans on Sunday.

The Globe Pub – 1934 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613-2408

The Globe Pub is another venue popular with sports fans in Chicago, thanks to its 15 TVs and carefully curated range of beers to suit all tastes.

The food at the Globe is also worth checking out, with matchday staples such as curried sausage and chips being served along with steak and quesadilla.

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro – 3905 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro has been a core part of Chicago’s North Centre since opening in September 2005, and is a regular, cosy spot for those that enjoy sports and live music.

This Irish pub opens early on weekends when Liverpool are playing, and stocks an extensive range of more than 70 whiskeys, not to mention its scratch-made food and grocery full of harder-to-find Irish favourites like Barry’s Tea!

The Albion Manor – 1480 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

The Albion Manor is a classy English-style pub that welcomes sports fans on matchdays, and with Liverpool in town, expect to see plenty of Reds jerseys at the bar.

The food and drink at the Albion is highly-rated, and visitors heading over to watch the game might want to know that brunch is served on weekends between 10am and 2pm.

Cleo’s Bar and Grill –1935 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-5541

As a specialist sports bar, Cleo’s is sure to be buzzing on matchday, and with a closing time of 4:00am on Sundays, the place will be full of energy long into the night.

Liverpool fans looking for a vibrant atmosphere should consider watching the game here, and those hoping to make a day of it could do a lot worse than basing their evening at Cleo’s.

We’ll see you in the States this summer 🤩🇺🇸Liverpool will play matches against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United on pre-season tour as part of preparations for 2026-27 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YPy2Ci6aC7— Liverpool FC USA (@LFCUSA) March 4, 2026

Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States

Liverpool 4-2 Sunderland – GEODIS Park, Nashville – July 25

Liverpool 1-0 Wrexham – Yankee Stadium, New York – July 29

Liverpool vs. Leeds United – Soldier Field, Chicago – August 2 – 3:00pm (local time)

Liverpool squad in full

Iraola opted to hold Isak, Wirtz and Gravenberch back from his matchday squad against Wrexham, preferring instead to give the trio more time to get up to speed with his demands before throwing them into a game, so expect to see all three take to the pitch at Soldier Field.

New arrival Jacquet has yet to make his Liverpool debut since arriving from Rennes, sitting out the Reds’ first two friendlies as a precautionary measure, but the manager has indicated that the 20-year-old centre-back is in line to play this weekend.

On that front, Iraola also confirmed that Joe Gomez is set to miss the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season after suffering an injury against Sunderland.

Alexis Mac Allister and summer signing Victor Munoz are not part of the Merseysiders’ contingent in the United States having reached the World Cup 2026 final, while Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alisson Becker remain at the club’s Kirkby training base.

Goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Vitezslav Jaros, Bailey Hall, Harvey Davies.

Defenders: Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Calvin Ramsay, Calum Scanlon, Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

Midfielders: Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, Harvey Elliott, Trey Nyoni, Josh Abe, Stefan Bajcetic, James McConnell, Kieran Morrison.

Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha, Will Wright, Josh Sonni-Lambie.