Category: Liverpool

June 12th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Bernardo Silva as a free agent. The Portugal international will depart Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the month and Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to secure the services of the midfielder.

Manchester United have added Antonee Robinson to their shortlist as they look to sign a new left-back this summer. United are also interested in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall but Fulham’s Robinson is a potential alternative.

Nathaniel Brown has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich with the German international closing in on a move to the Bundesliga giants. There was significant Premier League interest in the Frankfurt defender but he’s opted to remain in his homeland.

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Liverpool-based housing association Riverside is investing more than £1.4 million to refurbish 29 long-term empty homes in the Smithdown area, making them available to social housing tenants.
The refurbishment works centre on properties on Holmes Street, Longfellow Street, Wendell Street and Whittier Street. On-site works began in March and are expected to be completed by the end of July.
Riverside’s in-house repairs service is leading the refurbishment programme to bring the empty homes back into use. This includes vital structural work such as roof replacements and improvements to external walls, as well as internal improvements, from painting and decorating to recarpeting.
The extensive programme of works is being supported by more than £750,000 from Liverpool City Council’s Local Authority Housing Fund, alongside a £1.4m investment from Riverside.
The new programme follows on from Riverside repairing and reletting five former empty homes on nearby Greenleaf Street and Cullen Street. Riverside will also restore a further five empty properties in the neighbourhood later this year.
Ian Gregg, chief property officer at Riverside, says: “We are delighted to be working with Liverpool City Council to bring these much-needed homes back into use.
“These essential works will make an important contribution to reducing the city’s social housing waiting list. We will be providing safe, high-quality homes for families and helping to bring a renewed sense of optimism and stability to the local area.”
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, cabinet member for communities, neighbourhoods & streetscene at Liverpool City Council, adds: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Riverside on this project and I am delighted to see more homes being made available for those in need of social housing.
“These vital renovations form just one part of the wider programme of improvements that we are carrying out to revitalise the local area. It has also been fantastic to work closely with Riverside in recent months to install new CCTV cameras and I look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the years ahead.”

June 11th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

PSG will reportedly make an attempt to sign Michael Olise this summer, according to L’Equipe. The French international has been a revelation since joining Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga side won’t entertain any offers this summer.

Arsenal could reignite their interest in Nico Williams this summer. It’s no secret that the Gunners are long-term admirers of the Athletic Club winger and they could make their move after the World Cup.

Mamadou Sangaré is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United. The Old Trafford club’s priority in the market this summer is to strengthen their midfield options. Sangare enjoyed an excellent season with Lens and his market value is currently €40m.

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A landmark new report has revealed that the region’s music industry contributes £780 million annually to the economy, supports more than 14,000 jobs, and is on a clear trajectory to become a £1 billion sector by 2035.The Liverpool City Region Music Economy: Toward a £1 Billion Sector provides the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of the region’s music industry. It reveals a sector that is significantly larger, more productive and more globally competitive than previously understood.Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its music industry development pilot, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council and builds on five years of sector development by the Liverpool City Region Music Board. Its findings were delivered by partners at the University of Liverpool, a key academic and research partner on the industry development programme.Drawing on detailed analysis of registered businesses, freelancers and the “portfolio” workforce that defines the modern creative economy, the report shows a music sector that outperforms national datasets — supporting more than 7,200 full-time equivalent roles, generating £406 million in GVA, and delivering a total annual economic impact of £780 million.Beyond the headline figures, the research highlights a distinctive and highly specialised industrial cluster, with strengths in live performance, technical production and music rights. This ecosystem is anchored by globally recognised organisations, including Sentric Music, Adlib Audio, Ditto Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, alongside a dense network of venues, studios and micro-businesses.Together, they position Liverpool City Region as one of the UK’s most important music economies outside London.Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:“Music runs through this city region like a heartbeat — it always has. But this research shows it’s also a sophisticated, export-driven industry creating good jobs and powering growth right here, right now.“The pathway to a £1 billion music economy is within reach, and this report sets out how we get there. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we’re committed to backing this world-class sector for the long term.”Jon Collins, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and CEO of LIVE, said:“Liverpool is rightly celebrated for its musical heritage and vibrant present, but for too long we’ve lacked the robust data to fully demonstrate the scale of the opportunity. This report changes that.“Over the past five years, we’ve seen how targeted support can strengthen the sector’s foundations. There is significant headroom for growth, and with continued investment and coordinated action, we can unlock even greater economic and cultural impact.”Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:“This report underlines just how vital our music sector is – not just to Liverpool’s identity, but to our economy and future growth. From grassroots venues to global music businesses, we have a thriving ecosystem that supports thousands of jobs and attracts investment from around the world.“We’re proud to work alongside partners across the city region to nurture this success. By continuing to back talent, innovation and infrastructure, we can ensure Liverpool remains one of the UK’s leading music cities – and a place where creativity drives opportunity for everyone.”A growing, globally significant music clusterThe findings confirm Liverpool City Region as a nationally significant music powerhouse, with:Publishing and licensing employment nearly seven times the UK averageA thriving live music ecosystem of 500+ venuesA highly skilled freelance and technical workforce driving innovation and exportsThe report also identifies clear opportunities to:Strengthen artist value captureExpand music business and management servicesAccelerate music-tech and innovation activityAddressing these areas will help retain more value within the region and support long-term sector growth.Reaching the £1 billion milestone would require annual growth of just 2.5% — below historic UK creative industries growth rates — making the ambition both credible and achievable.The report provides a robust evidence base for future investment, planning and national policy engagement — reinforcing the case for music as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.The full report can be downloaded here.

Music flows through our veins in Liverpool City Region and today it’s been unveiled that the impact of the industry is much bigger than anyone realised, with a clear trajectory to become a £1 billion sector by 2035.
A new report has revealed that the region’s music industry contributes £780 million annually to the economy and supports more than 14,000 jobs. And if the report is anything to go by, it’s on track to be bringing in £1 billion within ten years.
Jay Hynd spoke with Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region to find out just how big this news is, and how he plans to grow the industry even further.

The Liverpool City Region Music Economy: Toward a £1 Billion Sector provides the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of the region’s music industry. It reveals a sector that is significantly larger, more productive and more globally competitive than previously understood.
Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its music industry development pilot, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council and builds on five years of sector development by the Liverpool City Region Music Board. Its findings were delivered by partners at the University of Liverpool, a key academic and research partner on the industry development programme.  
Drawing on detailed analysis of registered businesses, freelancers and the “portfolio” workforce that defines the modern creative economy, the report shows a music sector that outperforms national datasets — supporting more than 7,200 full-time equivalent roles, generating £406 million in GVA, and delivering a total annual economic impact of £780 million.

Beyond the headline figures, the research highlights a distinctive and highly specialised industrial cluster, with strengths in live performance, technical production and music rights. This ecosystem is anchored by globally recognised organisations, including Sentric Music, Adlib Audio, Ditto Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, alongside a dense network of venues, studios and micro-businesses.
Together, they position Liverpool City Region as one of the UK’s most important music economies outside London.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Music runs through this city region like a heartbeat — it always has. But this research shows it’s also a sophisticated, export-driven industry creating good jobs and powering growth right here, right now.
“The pathway to a £1 billion music economy is within reach, and this report sets out how we get there. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we’re committed to backing this world-class sector for the long term.”
The grand piano in a recording areas at Soundhouse

Jon Collins, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and CEO of LIVE, said:

“Liverpool is rightly celebrated for its musical heritage and vibrant present, but for too long we’ve lacked the robust data to fully demonstrate the scale of the opportunity. This report changes that.
“Over the past five years, we’ve seen how targeted support can strengthen the sector’s foundations. There is significant headroom for growth, and with continued investment and coordinated action, we can unlock even greater economic and cultural impact.”

The findings confirm Liverpool City Region as a nationally significant music powerhouse, with:

Publishing and licensing employment nearly seven times the UK average
A thriving live music ecosystem of 500+ venues
A highly skilled freelance and technical workforce driving innovation and exports
The report also identifies clear opportunities to:
Strengthen artist value capture
Expand music business and management services
Accelerate music-tech and innovation activity

Addressing these areas will help retain more value within the region and support long-term sector growth.
Reaching the £1 billion milestone would require annual growth of just 2.5% — below historic UK creative industries growth rates — making the ambition both credible and achievable.
The report provides a robust evidence base for future investment, planning and national policy engagement — reinforcing the case for music as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
The full report can be downloaded here.

Get the latest music news for Liverpool City Region HERE.

Manchester City are facing a last-ditch scramble to try and secure the longer-term services of primary Academy talent Xavier Parker amid Liverpool interest.While senior figures have spent time tackling first-team market objectives – such as fending off rival interest from Manchester United for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – retaining their finest teenage talent remains a core objective.Xavier Parker’s development has made him a prized target across youth circles, notably maintaining a goal or assist every 73.9 minutes for City in the Under-18 Premier League last season.However, with his terms rapidly ticking down toward an expiration on June 30, the power dynamic has dramatically shifted toward the player’s camp with Liverpool looking to execute a major youth coup before City have opportunity to persuade otherwise.Now, according to the information of The Secret Scout, Liverpool have started contractual negotiations with the representatives of highly-rated Manchester City attacking midfielder Xavier Parker, with both parties wanting the move and the player being an Anfield fan.The 16-year-old talent is reportedly expected to leave the City Football Academy for Merseyside at the end of June when his contract expires amid ongoing interest from other clubs. As for City, they are said to have already targeted ‘top talent’ replacements.However, according to follow-up reporting from Fabrizio Romano, City officials are ‘actively working hard’ to reach an agreement with Parker’s camp over new deal, with no firm decision made on the teenager’s future.Rather than panicking over a potential exit, the youth recruitment team at the Etihad Stadium has already run scouting operations on alternative prospects, ensuring the academy’s production line of talent across positions remains steady.If Manchester City can successfully persuade the midfielder to snub his boyhood club in favour of a long-term progression path in East Manchester, it will mark a significant statement of intent and highlight the club’s standing in English football’s academy system.

June 9th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Manchester United and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Marc Cucurella, according to reports in Spain. The 27-year-old is reportedly unhappy at Chelsea due to their failure to qualify for the Champions League and could be sold this summer with Real Madrid also interested.

Real Madrid have reportedly made contact with Chelsea over Enzo Fernández. Like Cucurella, Fernandes is another player considering his future at Stamford Bridge and the Argentina International has spoken on his desire to live in Madrid.

Bayern Munich hold an interest in Marcus Rashford with the England international destined to leave Manchester United this summer. Barcelona have a €30m buy-option that remains active until June 15th but they are hesitating over the costs involved.

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June 8th 

©IMAGO

The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer stories

Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona are all weighing up a move for Darwin Núñez this summer, according to reports in Spain. The Uruguay international is unhappy at Al-Hilal after several disagreements and wants a return to European football.

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Marc Casadó. The 22-year-old is expected to leave Barcelona this summer due to a lack of minutes with Monaco currently favourites to sign the midfielder.

Real Madrid are expected to join the race for Mateus Fernandes. Man United, Arsenal and PSG all retain an interest in the 21-year-old, who is certain to leave West Ham United after their relegation to the Championship.

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Peaches and Cream has grown into one of Liverpool’s most recognisable brandsPeaches & Cream owners Kate Donnelly (left) and Nicola Smith“It was New Years Eve, we got a phone call and it was Pamela Anderson in the theatre wanting her nails done,” says Nicola Smith. Nicola, 38, from Crosby, alongside co-owner Kate Donnelly, 43, from Aigburth, are behind one of Liverpool’s biggest beauty brands, Peaches and Cream.Since 2005, the friends have grown their business from a stand at a wedding fair into a global success, with their makeup products being bought by customers across the world. Their Dale Street store has been a firm fixture of Liverpool’s beauty industry for 16 years, remaining one of the city’s most popular and well-known makeup studios all these years later.This popularity has led the business owners to welcome people from all over to get ‘peached’ at their Dale Street location. Unfortunately, that time around, the Baywatch star wouldn’t be one of them. “We had to be like, ‘Sorry Pammy, we can’t fit you in,’” Nicola adds.It’s just another tale of many in Peaches and Cream’s two-decade long story, which includes celebrity clientele, products going viral on TikTok and even an in-store proposal. Now, the beauty business is beginning its latest chapter after reopening the doors to the newly renovated Dale Street store on June 5.Peaches & Cream on Dale Street(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)But it all began more than 20 years ago at Hugh Baird College when the then students paired up for competitions. “Nicola knew me and my mum did good costumes,” says Kate.Their tutors told them that bridal was their “bread and butter,” convincing Kate to enquire about a stand at a St Georges Hall bridal fair. After learning it would cost £500, Kate sent out a text to see if any of her college classmates wanted to join her. Fortunately, Nicola was on board.Kate told the ECHO: “The wedding fair organisers said we needed a name, and that’s where Peaches and Cream came from. Funnily enough, [the name] all just comes from the fact we both like coral. We had peach shirts, we wanted business cards that matched, it was all done back to front really, there was no clever business plan.”From there, they started doing makeup for friends, mobile clients and weddings, eventually getting their first salon together on Garston Old Road in 2008. But as they grew in size and Kate’s mum spent her Saturdays directing people to the Garston shop, they knew it was time to move onto something new: Dale Street. “It just grew to the point where I was doing makeup out the kitchen,” Kate adds.Ever since, the store has welcomed thousands of people wanting to get ‘peached’ and the shop holds many special memories for the team, making Nicola teary eyed as she shares them with the ECHO. She said: “You’re making people look the nicest they’ve ever looked and making their dreams come true.”Kate added: “We’ve gone on journeys with our clients. We’re with them for the happy times, we’re there for the sad times. Although everything in here is about feeling good, people still have other stuff going on in the background. Here, you can talk about them, and we’ll cheer you up.”Now, Peaches and Cream has entered a new chapter after closing the doors of their Dale Street shop for a huge renovation. Kate told the ECHO that it was a “big decision” for the business owners to renovate, but they knew if they were going to do it they “really needed to do it big.”Customers will walk into a new retail space, which has been “kitted out” with a new swatching station, showing off the brand’s range of products. Their makeup stations have been given a “glow-up” and customers will now find tiered seating where staff will host masterclasses and educational sessions.The designs along the walls are a nod to Peaches and Cream’s previous chapters, featuring a tile pattern similar to the shop’s old tiled floors and Liver Birds to honour their roots in the city.Speaking ahead of the opening, Kate told the ECHO: “I think when you’ve been like that focused on getting all the jobs done, you can’t see past the jobs. Now they’re getting ticked off, I’m like, ‘Oh, God, like this has actually all happened.’”I’m just looking forward to seeing the client’s reactions because the last time we closed the door in January, I was actually feeling like I was about to set fire to everyone’s favourite makeup salon. I’m just now feeling confident.”Actually, I’ve done it justice. It’s better than any of us ever imagined. I am looking forward to basking in it.”

Pressure to open a station has existed for years, but Liverpool FC’s home ground expansion has increased calls for better public transport12:54, 07 Jun 2026Updated 13:10, 07 Jun 2026Outside Anfield Stadium ahead of the Premier League match(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty)There are fresh hopes a new train station could be opened in Anfield, more than seven years after officials said they were exploring plans to upgrade transport links in the area. This included the potential for new rail infrastructure projects, designed to improve travel to-and-from Anfield, and to serve Liverpool FC’s stadium during match days.In December 2019, the Liverpool ECHO reported on the possibility of a new Anfield train station, but since then, there has been no further updates on the proposal.Pressure to open a station has existed for years, but Liverpool FC plans to expand its home ground increased calls for better public transport around the stadium.Following the completion of the £80m Anfield Road Stand, LFC’s home ground now has a 61,000 seat capacity, which has bolstered the rationale for improved transport infrastructure, including rail upgrades and a new station.Liverpool fans outside Anfield stadium(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)Mayor Steve Rotheram told the ECHO in October 2019 he was ‘optimistic’ a new train station, serving Anfield football stadium, could be delivered, and confirmed the combined authority would start work to establish how the Bootle branch line could be reopened, as well as the costs of doing so.Since then, Mayor Rotheram, as part of the government’s continued devolution plans, no has a range of powers, and the authority to direct the region’s transport plans, and associated infrastructure projects. The closest train stations to the ground are currently Bank Hall and Kirkdale, but both are around a 30 minute walk from the stadium.If the Bootle Branch line was to be reopened, it would mean the nearest, and seemingly most viable option for a new Anfield train station, would be the old Breck Road station, previously located on the London & North Western Railway’s Canada Dock branch, and on the north side of Townsend Lane.Breck Road Station opened in 1870, and closed more than seventy years later on 31 May 1948. By 2017 the only trace of the station appeared to be a bricked-up entrance at street level, but it’s believed freight trains still pass through the station site, and over the bridge.The ECHO reached out to Liverpool City Council and Merseyrail, but were told all updates about the proposals are being handled by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA).Responding to questions about the possibility of reopening Breck Road Station, providing a rail link to Anfield Stadium, and previous reports which indicated the plan would be progressed, a spokesperson for LCRCA provided us with an update.The spokesperson said: “Transport planning for the Anfield area has developed significantly in recent years, with a focus on delivering the most effective and future-proof solutions for the area.“As part of this, Anfield has been identified as one of the key priority corridors for the Liverpool City Region’s proposed rapid transit network, and this is now the primary focus for improving connectivity.“We are also continuing to progress a number of rail expansion projects across the region, including Liverpool Baltic, Carr Mill, Daresbury and Woodchurch.”