Category: Liverpool

An exciting pop-up has arrived in Liverpool city centreBig Boy Bakery queue spotted today(Image: Liverpool Echo)Dozens of people were spotted queuing as a new pop-up arrived in Liverpool city centre. The queue was pictured at around 10.45am today (May 24) as customers waited to get their hands of baked goods from Big Boy Bakery. Liverpool John Moores University student Sara Al-Janabi is the brains behind Big Boy Bakery – a brand that has become popular on TikTok.Her business is currently on show in a pop-up at The Coffee ザ・コーヒー, an international coffee brand found on the ground-floor unit at the Grade I listed Oriel Chambers on Water Street in the city centre.The chain, which operates more than 150 cafes across 28 countries, has already established sites in major cities including Barcelona, Paris, Sydney and Dubai. However, this is the first and only Liverpool venue.The ECHO was outside the coffee shop today as people could be seen waiting for the pop-up to open at 11am.People waiting for the Big Boy Bakery pop-up today(Image: Liverpool Echo
)Big Boy Bakery owner Sara started making cookies when she was 18, after having meniscus surgery.Sara previously told the ECHO: “When I was back home, I was selling them, but then I stopped because I wanted to move out and do that typical university experience.”I kind of felt a bit slummy at uni, I felt like there’s something more than this. Then I had the kind of ‘f**k it’ moment, because I’m in my last semester at uni studying digital marketing with business and I was like this is clearly what I’m interested in.Sara makes the cookies from her mum’s house(Image: Supplied/Sara Al-Janabi)”It’s constantly like the seed is in my brain. Why am I like scared of doing it? I think maybe just because I’d done it before and stopped.”Sara made the decision to start baking again, starting her business, Big Boy Bakery. Like many small businesses starting out, her first thought was to try and draw attention to it on social media.More information on Sara and the pop-up can be found here.

Andy Robertson departs after nine years as a Liverpool legend.The Scotland captain’s decorated career at Anfield will officially come to an end when he makes his 378th and final appearance for the club he has represented with distinction since signing from Hull City in 2017 on Sunday against Brentford.At a mere £8m Robertson has proven himself to one of the greatest bargains in Liverpool’s history and he walks away with an honours list that has seen him win two Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2019 alongside two League Cups, the FA Cup and a first-ever Club World Cup.But it is Robertson’s down-to-earth nature that has appealed to supporters just as much as his ability on the pitch across most of the last decade, and in an end-of-season address to the city’s people, the 32-year-old has opened up to the ECHO on what it means to him and his family to become honorary Scousers.—Dear ECHO reader,It feels a bit self-important writing a letter like this, if I’m honest. But when I was asked, I didn’t want to miss the chance to say thank you to a city and a community that has made me and my family feel like one of their own from day one.Let me start with something that probably sounds more suited to a letter in The Herald back in Glasgow.I’m a proud Glaswegian. I always will be. I love telling people where I’m from. It’s part of who I am. It’s where I was born, where I was raised and it’ll forever be in my blood.But after nine years here, I’ve realised there’s room in my heart for two cities.Liverpool will forever define a huge part of my life.Honestly, I think the reason me and my family settled so quickly is because Liverpool reminded us so much of home. The humour, the people, the mentality — it all felt familiar straight away. At times it genuinely feels like Glasgow and Liverpool are only separated by two different accents.Both cities have that working-class spirit. Pride. Defiance. People who say what they think. No airs and graces. What you see is what you get.And more than anything, both places value honesty. There’s something real about Liverpool. People here can spot nonsense a mile off, and I’ve always respected that.I know from the outside my connection to this city will always be tied to the football club and everything we achieved together. Of course I’m immensely proud of that. How could I not be?But for me and my wife, our bond with Merseyside goes much deeper than football.Rachel and I arrived in 2017 as a young couple expecting our first child. Like me, Rach is fiercely proud of being from Glasgow. We actually went to school together, which probably tells you how long she’s had to put up with me.Looking back now, we probably underestimated how daunting it was — moving to a new city, away from family, about to become parents for the first time.But Liverpool instantly made us feel comfortable. And the incredible people at Liverpool Women’s Hospital made us feel safe at a time in our lives where that meant everything.Over the nine years, two became five. Liverpool is where our little team was built.A lot of teammates — mainly James Milner to be fair — loved winding me up about being captain of Scotland while having three kids born in England. But I’m always quick to correct them. They’re not English. We’ve got three proper little Scottish Scousers.And honestly, we couldn’t be prouder of that.The kids probably sum us up best really — Glaswegians with a Liverpool passport.My wider family feel exactly the same way about this city.My mum and dad come down all the time, even when Liverpool aren’t playing. They love the place. My brother and his family get here whenever they can. And my pals — most of whom I’ve known since school — absolutely love any excuse for a weekend in Liverpool.They enjoy the nights more than the mornings these days — mainly because they’ve usually overindulged the night before. Age probably doesn’t help either, to be fair.One of the nicest things for me has been watching the people closest to me fall in love with this city the same way I did.The reality of football is that a lot of the time you experience places through the people around you because your own life can become so focused on training, games and recovery. So seeing my family and friends feel so welcomed here has genuinely meant a lot to me.It probably feels strange to have gone this far without properly mentioning football.The supporters are what make Liverpool Football Club what it is. They are the club. The connection I’ve built with them is something I’ll carry with me forever.To be part of a team that delivered success for them will always mean everything to me. The special days and nights, the trophies, the celebrations, the parades — those memories will stay with me forever.But honestly, I think the difficult moments matter just as much too. The ones where we fell short, where we suffered together, where the whole city felt the disappointment alongside us.Because that’s what made the bond so special. We won together, we lost together, we laughed, celebrated, cried and mourned together. We went through all of it together.There was always a feeling that the supporters and the team were pulling in the same direction, fighting for each other. I’ll forever be grateful I got the chance to be part of that.And while we’re here, I should probably mention the blue half of the city too.Getting booed at the Hill Dickinson while playing for Scotland recently was honestly one of the highlights of my year.But seriously, the rivalry in this city is special. It matters. I’ve met plenty of Evertonians over the years and I’ll genuinely miss the arguments, the humour and the constant digs flying back and forth.That’s football in this city. Passionate, emotional and never dull.I’ll finish the only way that feels right — by simply saying thank you.Thank you for welcoming a skinny wee lad from Glasgow who kicks a bag of air around for a living and making him feel part of something much bigger than football.I said earlier that I’ve always loved saying, “I’m from Glasgow.”What always struck me about Scousers was they said “I’m from Liverpool” in exactly the same way — chest out, proud as anything, with that look in their eye.After nine years here, I understand that feeling far better than I ever could have imagined.And in my own way, I share it.Liverpool, it’s been an absolute pleasure.The privilege was all mine.Love,Andy and the Robertson family.

Ironically, the violent swish of Erling Haaland’s left boot which gave Manchester City a last-gasp equaliser at Bournemouth on Tuesday night meant more to Liverpool than it did for Pep Guardiola’s men. City had to win to stop Arsenal claiming the title so a 1-1 draw was no good.
But the goal denied Bournemouth two extra points and means Liverpool are just about into next season’s Champions League. Without Haaland’s strike, a Bournemouth win at Nottingham Forest and Liverpool failing to beat Brentford would have seen the Cherries claim the prized UCL spot. As it is, Arne Slot’s men can lose here and still qualify as long as there isn’t a six-goal swing in goal difference.
Ninth-placed Brentford have incentive too. If they can go above Chelsea and Brighton, they’d qualify for the Europa League. Nudging up a spot to eighth secures Conference League football and ninth could be enough for European participation too if Crystal Palace win the Conference League. Yes, it’s complicated!
Liverpool v Brentford kick-off time
Liverpool v Brentford kicks off at 4pm BST on Sunday, May 24 at Anfield.
Liverpool v Brentford how to watch
The game will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports+. Coverage begins at 3pm.
Liverpool team news
After his thinly-veiled criticism of Arne Slot on social media, will Mo Salah start the game which brings the curtain down on his glorious Liverpool career? Benching him would not go down well.
Alongside Salah, Andy Robertson is also set to make his final appearance for the club.
Alexander Isak could return after missing the 4-2 loss at Aston Villa while goalkeeper Alisson and right-back Jeremie Frimpong will all be assessed nearer kick-off.
Hugo Ekitike is a long-term absentee, as are defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni.
Brentford team news
Brentford have a relatively clean bill of health for the season-finale but Rico Henry is unlikely to feature.
Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo had already been ruled out a while ago.
Liverpool v Brentford odds
Liverpool are 4/5 favourites to sign off a difficult season with victory. Three points could even see them nick fourth place off Aston Villa.
The Draw, which also guarantees Champions League qualification for the Reds, is 3/1 while Brentford are 11/4 to complete a league double over the Merseysiders.
Liverpool v Brentford prediction
Liverpool are limping to the finish and clearly aren’t a happy camp.
Their hopes of making the Champions League would have looked in real jeopardy had Haaland not scored late at Bournemouth but now they can just about fall over the line.
However, the Reds don’t warrant being backed at odds-on in their current state and Brentford look more than capable of getting a point.

After drawing 1-1 at home with both Spurs and Chelsea, that scoreline again appeals for Liverpool’s latest attempt to beat London opposition. A goal apiece pays 8/1.
Surely the home side will be doing everything they can to set up Mo Salah for a farewell goal and the Egyptian is 13/8 to score anytime.
He goes into the match having scored 257 times in 442 games for the Reds.
Igor Thiago, who has scored 22 Premier League goals this season, is 19/10 to find the net again.

May 22nd 

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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

Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Junior Kroupi. The 19-year-old has been a revelation since in his maiden season at Bournemouth with 13 goals in the Premier League. Kroupi is viewed as one of the best young strikers in Europe with Arsenal and Barcelona also monitoring him.

Anthony Gordon is expected to join Bayern Munich this summer for around €80m. Newcastle United are resigned to losing the England international this summer with talks already underway with the Bundesliga champions.

Arsenal have been linked with Tijjani Reijnders. The 27-year-old only joined Manchester City last summer from AC Milan but he’s struggled to nail down a regular starting role. Juventus are also keen.

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The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) has announced that the 2026 Youth & Student Travel Summit (YSTS) will take place in Liverpool from 5–6 October 2026, bringing together key decision-makers from across the global youth, student and educational travel sector.
Following successful events in Manchester (2023), Bristol (2024) and Leeds (2025), the Summit continues BETA’s commitment to showcasing destinations across the UK and supporting the dispersal of international youth travellers beyond London.
A key feature of the 2026 Summit will be BETA’s international hosted buyer programme, which will bring 25–35 international buyers from key global markets to Liverpool. These buyers collectively send significant volumes of youth and student travellers to the UK each year and will take part in:

A dedicated business day at Liverpool Football Club on 6 October, featuring inspiring speakers, sector insights and a full programme of pre-arranged 1:1 business meetings with UK suppliers
A Welcome Reception at the iconic The Cavern Club on 5 October, offering delegates the opportunity to connect and experience one of Liverpool’s most famous cultural landmarks
A week-long familiarisation and stakeholder programme designed to showcase Liverpool’s cultural, educational and visitor experiences, while introducing buyers to the wider region and surrounding destinations

Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:
“Liverpool has a strong international reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich destination, making it a natural fit for the Youth & Student Travel Summit.
The city offers a compelling mix of experiences for young travellers, from its world-famous musical heritage and iconic waterfront to major sporting venues, museums, and cultural attractions, providing rich opportunities for educational and youth-group itineraries.
We look forward to welcoming international buyers and industry leaders to experience the city first-hand, and to working with partners across the Liverpool City Region to create new opportunities that will bring more youth and student travellers to the area.”
The Summit will attract over 150 delegates, including educational travel providers, tour operators, destination marketing organisations, accommodation providers and policymakers. Through a combination of expert discussions, networking and targeted business meetings, the event aims to generate new partnerships and support the continued growth of the youth and student travel sector.
Emma English, Executive Director of the British Educational Travel Association, said:
“We are delighted to bring the Youth & Student Travel Summit to Liverpool in 2026. Liverpool is a city with a powerful global brand, rich cultural heritage and an exciting visitor offer that resonates strongly with young travellers.
By welcoming international buyers to experience the destination first-hand, alongside our focused business programme, we can help create new itineraries and partnerships that will bring more youth and student groups to Liverpool and the wider region in the years ahead.”
For more information and to register, click HERE.
 

Plans to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families across the city have been unveiled by Liverpool City Council and its partners.

The Dementia Strategic Action Plan aims to strengthen support services, improve awareness of dementia, and ensure people living with the condition can stay active and connected to their communities. It also highlights the importance of supporting carers and loved ones who play a vital role.

In Liverpool, there are currently around 3,500 people living with a diagnosis of dementia. It is estimated that a further 1,600 people may be living with the condition without a formal diagnosis. By 2040, this number is expected to rise to over 7,000 people.

In response to the challenges a new strategy has been developed in partnership with health organisations NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance, people with lived experience, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Primary Care.

The strategy is built around five key priorities:

Preventing Well – Raising awareness of dementia and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Diagnosing Well – Improving timely access to diagnosis so that people can understand their condition earlier, access the right support.

Supporting Well – Ensuring people and their carers can access high-quality, coordinated support services, information and advice, particularly at key transition points.

Living Well – Helping people with dementia to remain active, independent and connected to their communities.

Dying Well – Making sure people receive person-centred end-of-life care that respects their wishes and supports families during difficult times.

As part of the official launch, the council also hosted a moving photography exhibition featuring people living with dementia alongside their carers and loved ones. It includes participants from Sedgemoor Dementia Care Hub in Norris Green, which is owned by the council, and Active Minds in Toxteth, a care provider working in partnership with the council.

Together, they have co-created an exhibition that captures powerful images alongside personal stories and honest reflections on life with dementia, highlighting both the positives and the challenges.

The exhibition will become part of Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance’s ongoing awareness-raising work across the city.

Councillor Angela Coleman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This Action Plan sets out our commitment to making Liverpool a place where people living with dementia feel understood, supported and valued. It’s about helping people to live well for as long as possible, while also ensuring carers and families have the support they need.

“The scale of the challenge is significant. That’s why it’s so important we work together. No single service or organisation can do this alone, and this plan brings together partners across health, social care, the council and the voluntary sector to make a real difference.”

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health, added: “Dementia affects many people across the city, and, for me, it’s something I have seen the impact of personally. Raising awareness is key to breaking down stigma and encouraging earlier access to support. This plan brings partners together with a shared focus on prevention, early diagnosis and helping people remain connected to their communities.”

Stephen Boswell visits Sedgemoor Dementia Care Hub and took part in the exhibition. #

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the photography exhibition. It’s given me the chance to share my story and show that life doesn’t stop with dementia, we can still live full lives. There are challenges, but there are also many good days, and its important people see the person, not just the condition.”

May 21st 

©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

Barcelona will move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero this summer, according to reports in Spain. It’s widely expected that the 28-year-old will depart Spurs regardless of whether they avoid relegation from the Premier League and Barca are leading the race for his signature.

Bayern Munich are weighing up a move for John Stones. The 31-year-old will depart Manchester City after a trophy-laden spell when his contract expires and Vincent Kompany is a huge admirer of the centre-back from their time playing together tin England.

Chelsea are reportedly considering offering Dušan Vlahović a contract with his deal at Juventus expiring this summer. The Italian club want him to pen an extension but a move to the Premier League appeals to the 26-year-old – Newcastle United have also been linked.

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Liverpool have been encouraged to sack head coach Arne Slot and appoint departing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as his replacement.
Earlier this week, several notable outlets reported that Guardiola will leave Man City at the end of this season, and it’s also emerged that Enzo Maresca has agreed to replace him at the Etihad. 
A subsequent report has revealed three reasons behind Guardiola’s decision to leave Man City after ten years, and he is now expected to have a break from management.
But ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has called for him to replace Slot, who remains under immense pressure at Anfield after losing most of his backing among the fanbase.
Liverpool’s results and performances under Slot have fallen off a cliff since winning their 20th Premier League title last season, and Pennant thinks Guardiola would welcome a move to Anfield.
“Of course, who wouldn’t?” Pennant said on talkSPORT when asked whether he would welcome Guardiola to Anfield.
READ: Liverpool: Mohamed Salah decides to give ‘green light’ to ‘surprise’ transfer for three reasons
“Every team on the planet would like Pep as their manager.”
And when asked whether Guardiola’s 10-year stint at Man City should put off Liverpool, he added: “Couldn’t care less.
“If you’re going come over here, play attractive football – as you do, win. Yeah, come here mate. Open arms pal, come on!”
He continued: “He’d love to [manage Liverpool]. Look at the Kop when you walk out.
“100%. The atmosphere – he’d love to play in that.”
READ MORE: Slot, Maresca and more Premier League managers who won’t survive the post-Pep 2026/27 season
Guardiola is yet to publicly confirm his decision to leave Man City, but he suggested after Tuesday’s draw against Bournemouth that he will speak to club chiefs regarding his future in the coming days. 
And a report from an insider on X has shed light on what was discussed during the “emergency talks” between Guardiola and Man City.
They said on X: ‘Exclusive: Pep Guardiola emergency talks.
‘This morning, Manchester City owners had some serious last-minute emergency talks with Pep Guardiola, trying to convince him to stick around for another season. It was intense.
‘Just last week, Pep dropped the bombshell that he wanted to leave. Now, the club is scrambling, hoping for a miracle that he might change his mind.
‘They’re set to release a statement in the next 48 hours to clarify his plans, but honestly, it’s looking more likely that Pep will be heading out the door unless the unthinkable happens.’
READ NEXT: Liverpool told fearless manager is best of four targets as ‘shocking’ Arne Slot must be sacked

Woman in tears after conversation in Liverpool pub led to her dreams ‘coming true’14:26, 20 May 2026Updated 14:50, 20 May 2026Maria Boner, 22, will be representing Liverpool in the 2026 Mary From Dungloe International Festival(Image: Liverpool Echo)For generations, Liverpool and Ireland have shared family ties, humour and culture across the Irish Sea, and now a Liverpool midwife will represent both at a festival watched by thousands. Maria Boner, 22, is hoping to put the city at the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest cultural festivals after being chosen to represent Liverpool in a competition she has dreamed of entering since childhood.The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival is a 10-day celebration of Irish culture, music and community spirit held annually in Donegal. As well as hosting a wide variety of musical, cultural, children’s, sporting, arts, and novelty events, at the heart of the festival is a contest where young women, endearingly titled “Marys”, represent different communities from around the world.Every year, the festival hosts 20 women from all over the world who have been nominated to represent their area during local contests before travelling to Dungloe to compete for the Mary from Dungloe crown.During the 10 days of the festival, the “Marys” tour around Donegal, get involved in various community and charity events, attend festival events with young and old, and spend their evenings among the Dungloe community.Rather than a traditional beauty pageant, competition judges evaluate the contestants based on their personality, community spirit, and ability to act as goodwill ambassadors for the festival and promote Irish culture.The winning “Mary” is crowned on the final Sunday of the festival andwill act as a goodwill ambassador for Dungloe as well as the city that she represents. The chosen winner holds the title for the year, receives prizes, travels globally to promote the festival and Irish heritage, and acts as an good will ambassador for the festival, Dungloe, and Donegal.Originally from Fintown in Donegal, but now living in Liverpool city centre, Maria said becoming a Mary is something she has dreamed of since she was a little girl.She told the ECHO: “I grew up around the festival. I went every year, and I idolised being a Mary, and now I am one. It’s very surreal and very special.”The festival, which began in 1967, sees women from cities around the world represent their communities during 10 days of events, interviews, charity appearances and celebrations before one contestant is crowned the “Mary” for the year ahead.Representatives travel from places including New York, Philadelphia, Dubai, Dublin and London, but this year Liverpool will have its own Mary for the first time in more than 10 years.Maria said becoming a Mary is something she has dreamed of since she was a little girl(Image: Liverpool Echo)Maria said: “During the festival, all the Marys get together. We travel around Donegal, get involved with small businesses and community events and make ourselves known around the festival.“The atmosphere is like no other. People travel from America and Australia just to be there for the festival.”Maria moved to Liverpool five years ago to study midwifery and quickly fell in love with the city.She said: “I thought I was going home after university, but I fell in love with Liverpool when I came here.“It’s become a home away from home. When you walk down the street, and you hear someone who is Irish, it makes you so proud of the community here.“I definitely feel like I’m representing both Donegal and Liverpool because I’m so proud of where I come from and so proud to live here.”Despite now calling Liverpool home, Maria said Donegal remains deeply important to her identity, and she is proud to represent the two places through the festival.She said: “You can’t explain Donegal until you’re in it. It’s insane. It’s such a special place.“I think Irish culture is still very strong in Liverpool because there are so many people like me who came over to study and never went back home. It’s important for us to keep that culture alive.”Maria first became involved after being encouraged to apply by staff at Molly Malone’s, where the Liverpool selection event was held earlier this year(Image: Liverpool Echo)Maria first became involved after being encouraged to apply by staff at Molly Malone’s, where the Liverpool selection event was held earlier this year and who are also sponsoring Liverpool’s Mary.She competed against eight other women by taking part in an interview process before being chosen by festival organisers and the current reigning Mary to represent Liverpool.She said: “There was tears in my eyes when I found out I was going to be Liverpool’s Mary. The first thing I thought of was my dad. A couple of weeks before, he’d asked me why I was doing this because it’s a bit out of my comfort zone.“But I wanted to do it for myself and because I knew how proud he’d be.“I rang him straight away afterwards. My mum and dad had no words. My dad is so proud that I can finally call myself a Mary.”Alongside preparations for the festival, Maria is balancing shift work as a midwife at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.She said: “Everyone at work calls me Mary now.“It is hard juggling both, but work has been really supportive. The good thing with shift work is I can plan around it.”Despite now calling Liverpool home, Maria said Donegal remains deeply important to her identity(Image: Liverpool Echo)Outside work, Maria has also launched an Instagram page to help promote Irish culture in Liverpool, support local businesses and raise awareness of the festival ahead of July.She hopes to work with Liverpool organisations, charities and independent businesses over the coming months.She said: “I feel like I have a role to promote this festival. I want people in Liverpool to know what it’s all about because it’s not very well known here at the moment. Then hopefully in years to come it will become something we’re proud to represent.”Maria also said she hopes younger girls watching this year’s competition might see themselves in her journey, just as she once looked up to previous Marys as a child.She said: “There are little girls involved now, and that was me years ago. I still remember sitting watching the crowning on television and dreaming about it. To think I’m now in this position is unbelievable.“It’s going to be such an amazing experience even to just be involved in this level. I’ve looked up to the Marys for so many years. If I did bring the title back, I’d be so proud to be the Mary from Dunlough for 2026. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of.The festival begins on July 26 and runs for 10 days across Donegal, featuring live music, sports days, fashion shows, Irish language events and community celebrations before the final crowning ceremony.