Muhammad Asif’s quest for a gold medal at the World Games came to an end on Wednesday as he was defeated 2-0 by China’s Zhao Guodong in the snooker semi-finals.
Despite a valiant effort, the 36-year-old from Pakistan was unable to overcome Zhao, ranked 14th in the world, who clinched a straightforward win.
Asif, who had been in excellent form throughout the competition, will now shift his focus to the bronze medal match. Although this semi-final defeat marked the end of his hopes for a final appearance, Asif’s performance up until this point had been nothing short of impressive.
Earlier in the week, Asif had shown his skill and resilience in the quarter-finals, where he comfortably dispatched Britain’s Zac Cosker. Asif dominated both frames, securing a 79-15 win in the first and following it up with an 89-31 victory in the second, thanks to a powerful break of 51 points.
The World Games, taking place in Chengdu, China, have brought together over 4,000 athletes from across the globe, competing in 34 disciplines.
Snooker, which has been part of the Games since 2001, continues to provide a platform for top cueists to showcase their talent, with 12 players vying for the coveted gold medal this year.
Asif, a seasoned campaigner and former IBSF World champion, had earned his place at the World Games after a stellar performance in the IBSF World Men’s Snooker Championship last year in Doha.
His success continued with a victory in the IBSF World Masters Snooker Championship in Bahrain last month, where he triumphed 4-3 over India’s Brijesh Damani to secure his sixth world title.
Asif will now look to finish strong in the bronze medal match, aiming to add to Pakistan’s medal history in the sport.
The universe is dynamic and constantly moving, and so are the galaxies enclosed in it. But what if two huge spiral galaxies draw closer, due to their gravity and pull everything around them into detailed orbital patterns? This is not just fiction; it teaches us about the grand future awaiting our own Milky Way.Recently, astronomers studied this distant “dance” of the Milky Way and a neighbouring galaxy that helps us understand how galactic structures form and evolve.
Galaxies are doing their cosmic ‘dance’, but for what?
According to the study is published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, under a collaboration between the University of Queensland and the Australian National University, astronomers Delegate survey, have turned their telescopes toward a cosmic neighborhood inhabited by two spirals, NGC 5713 and NGC 5719. These galaxies are currently in the late stages of merging, roughly 3 billion years ahead of the collision we forecast between the Milky Way and Andromeda.Dr. Sarah Sweet, leading the survey, says in the study, “The Milky Way will merge with Andromeda and their respective smaller dwarf galaxies in the next 2.5 billion years … we don’t know how typical it is,”. To examine this, the team studied NGC 5713 and NGC 5719, observing how their dwarf satellite galaxies dance around them. According to Dr. Sweet, “This paper shows these galaxies—NGC5713 and NGC5719—combine as if they were dancing with the closely located dwarf satellites rotating around them” , as reported by the Australian National University.
Why does that matter
Dr. Sweet also says, “Without such a merger, the galaxies might remain in a randomly distributed cloud, not arranged in beautiful, coherent planes like those around the Milky Way and Andromeda”. This structured arrangement among satellites tells about a pattern that might surface in our own Local Group.Professor Helmut Jerjen of Australian National University says to the University reporter, “We will test whether the Milky Way and Andromeda Local Group is a poster child or a cosmic outlier”. He says that current models struggle to replicate how dwarf galaxies align in satellite planes, suggesting our simulations may need a serious update.
Why do galactic mergers happen
Galaxy mergers happen simply because of gravity. Galaxies move through space, and when two drift close enough, their mutual gravitational pull draws them together, eventually leading to a collision or merger. According to NASA, as the galaxies merge, gravitational forces simultaneously change their shapes, release streams of stars and gas or “tidal tails”, and compress gas clouds.If the colliding galaxies don’t pass through cleanly, they coalesce into a single larger galaxy, often changing spirals into elliptical or irregular shapes. Such mergers also funnel gas toward their centers, feeding central black holes and sometimes triggering dramatic changes.
Known for his signature typographic style, Goodman’s work explores themes of love, vulnerability, and human connection; Hyperthalamuscorp is digital visual artist whose vibrant 3D art reflects personal growth and emotional resilience. A street artist blending Canadian references with comic-inspired visuals, Whatisadam explores themes of transformation and nostalgia. And Sami is a multidisciplinary artist inspired by her home city, celebrating heritage through symbols like the palm tree.
From sneakers featuring ALDO’s Pillow Walk comfort technology to standout statement bags and wearable art, each piece is a canvas that sparks conversation and creativity.
Fostering innovation and creativity
“At Apparel Group, we are passionate about fostering innovation and creativity across our brand portfolio,” says Neeraj Teckchandani, CEO of Apparel Group. “The ALDO Artist Series is a testament to our commitment to offering customers more than just fashion; it’s about bringing culture, art, and individuality into every retail experience.”
Jennifer Lawrence’s summer-in-the-city style is unmatched—the last run of looks, photographed out and about in NYC, make it indisputable, from bopping about in skants to reviving past celebrity it-bags. So leave it up to J-Law to show us how the flash of a bra underneath a bright white tank can really, really work.
Rather than looking uncoordinated or Regina George-esque, a considered glimpse of colorful lingerie can break up a textbook summer all-white look, and act as a much-needed accessory that won’t weigh you down in the heat. Catch the cool girls summering in Marseille throwing white linens over their neon and print bikinis, and now, Lawrence walking the streets of New York with her own, laidback take.
Photographed yesterday (August 12) in NYC, the No Hard Feelings actor headed out into the heat with a relaxed, monochromatic look. She wore a high neck white tank with a pink bra just showing through, sheer white jogger-style pants with a matching belt, brown strappy Manolo Blahnik sandals, and an aquamarine beaded pendant. She accessorized further with a wine red leather shoulder bag and oversized black sunglasses, keeping her long blonde hair loose and tousled. Overall, an easy breezy, textbook Jenner Lawrence off-duty look for summer.
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Photo: BACKGRID
For the true Jennifer-Lawrence-in-the-city styling experience, it’s all in the details and accessorizing. Be it a glimpse of a bra, or a fleet of archival handbags Lawrence has in her rotating wardrobe, like a slouchy leopard Prada tote or an ultra rare Fendi doctor’s bag. An elevated accessory is a fail-safe for any Lawrence outfit, who loves a novelty baseball cap, a controversial shoe, and most recently, the scarf-over-trousers trend. A pop of color, too, is a J-Law calling card: usually, a cobalt blue knit via The Row or a red flip-flop. The glimpse of a pink bra is just the next summer update.
So before you next throw on that white tank, consider the brighter side of your intimates drawer.
IDF chief of staff approves ‘main concept’ for new Gaza attack plan
The Israeli military said that chief of staff Eyal Zamir has approved the “main concept” for an attack plan in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. There are no further details yet, but we bring you updates when we get them.
On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected to complete the new Gaza offensive “fairly quickly”.
Last week Israel’s security cabinet approved the plans to seize control of Gaza City. The plan was met with international criticism and from Israel’s opposition. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the decision to send Israeli forces into Gaza City a disaster, saying it defied the advice of military and security officials.
Key events
Hamas says Israel making ‘aggressive’ incursions into Gaza City
A Hamas official said that Israeli forces were making “aggressive” incursions into Gaza City on Wednsday, after the military approved the framework for a new offensive in the territory.
“The Israeli occupation forces continue to carry out aggressive incursions in Gaza City,” Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, told AFP.
“These assaults represent a dangerous escalation aimed at imposing a new reality on the ground by force, through a scorched earth policy and the complete destruction of civilian property.”
Israeli planes and tanks bombed eastern areas of Gaza City heavily overnight, residents said, with many homes destroyed in the Zeitoun and Shejaia neighbourhoods, Reuters reports.
Al-Ahli hospital said 12 people were killed in an airstrike on a home in Zeitoun.
Tanks also destroyed several houses in the east of Khan Younis in south Gaza, while in the centre Israeli gunfire killed nine aid-seekers in two separate incidents, Palestinian medics said. Israel’s military did not comment.
Last night in a TV interview Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated an idea – also enthusiastically floated by US president Donald Trump – that Palestinians should simply leave the territory housing more than 2 million people after nearly two years of conflict.
“They’re not being pushed out, they’ll be allowed to exit,” he told Israeli television channel i24NEWS. “All those who are concerned for the Palestinians and say they want to help the Palestinians should open their gates and stop lecturing us.”
Arabs and many world leaders are aghast at the idea of displacing the Gaza population, which Palestinians say would be like another “Nakba” (catastrophe) when hundreds of thousands fled or were forced out during a 1948 war, news wire Reuters says.
Israel’s planned re-seizure of Gaza City – which it took in the early days of the war before withdrawing – is probably weeks away, officials say. That means a ceasefire is still possible though talks have been floundering and conflict still rages.
Britain, France and Germany have told the UN they are ready to reimpose UN-mandated sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme if no diplomatic solution is found by the end of August, according to a joint letter obtained by AFP.
The letter to UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and the UN security council says the three European powers are “committed to use all diplomatic tools at our disposal to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon” unless Tehran meets the deadline.
All three have stepped up warnings to Iran about its suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
That came after Israel launched a 12-day war with Iran in June, partly seeking to destroy its nuclear capability. The US staged its own bombing raid during the war.
Iran’s top security chief vowed in Lebanon that his government would continue to provide support for Hezbollah, AFP reports, after the Lebanese government ordered the army to devise a plan to disarm the Tehran-backed militant group.
Ali Larijani’s trip to Lebanon comes after Iran expressed opposition to a government plan to disarm Hezbollah, which before a war with Israel last year was believed to be better armed than the Lebanese military.
“If … the Lebanese people are suffering, we in Iran will also feel this pain and we will stand by the dear people of Lebanon in all circumstances,” Larijani, the head of the National Security Council, told reporters after landing in Beirut.
Dozens of Hezbollah supporters gathered along the airport road to welcome Larijani. He briefly stepped out of his car to greet them as they chanted slogans of support.
In Lebanon, Larijani is scheduled to meet president Joseph Aoun and prime minister Nawaf Salam, as well as parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is close to Hezbollah.
Iran has suffered a series of blows in its long-running rivalry with Israel, including during 12 days of war between the two countries in June.
Hezbollah’s grip on power has slipped since a war with Israel ended in a November 2024 ceasefire and the new Lebanese government, backed by the United States, has moved to further restrain it.
New Zealand PM says Benjamin Netanyahu has ‘lost the plot’
New Zealand’s prime minister has said that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost the plot”, accusing him of going too far in his efforts to wage war on Gaza, AFP reports.
“What’s happening in Gaza is utterly, utterly appalling,” said prime minister Christopher Luxon.
“Netanyahu has gone way too far. I think he has lost the plot,” added Luxon in unusually candid comments.
“He is not listening to the international community and that is unacceptable.”
New Zealand on Monday hinted it could join the likes of Australia, Canada, France and Britain in recognising a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if,” foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said.
“Cabinet will take a formal decision in September over whether New Zealand should recognise a state of Palestine at this juncture – and if so, when and how.”
The approval of the new Gaza plan by IDF chief of staff, Eyal Zamir comes amid a rift between Israel’s political leaders and its military commanders.
Israel’s decision to approve a plan to occupy the Gaza Strip has reportedly deepened tensions between the government and the country’s military leadership, while also exposing fresh fractures within the army’s senior ranks and straining relations with reservists summoned for what could become the most dangerous phase of the war, the Guardian’s international corespondent Lorenzo Tondo wrote on Sunday.
In the seven days leading up to the pivotal meeting of Israel’s security cabinet at which the plan was approved, the chief of staff Zamir, had repeatedly voiced his misgivings over the move to fully occupy the territory, warning that taking over Gaza would plunge Israel into a “black hole” of prolonged insurgency, humanitarian responsibility and heightened risk to hostages.
Zamir’s dissent ignited a political storm, with the son of the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing the army’s chief of staff of mutiny. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, urged the chief of staff to “clearly state he will fully comply with the political leadership’s instructions, even if the decision is to occupy Gaza”.
Some Israeli reports suggested Zamir could resign, though he now appears to have approved the new plans.
IDF chief of staff approves ‘main concept’ for new Gaza attack plan
The Israeli military said that chief of staff Eyal Zamir has approved the “main concept” for an attack plan in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. There are no further details yet, but we bring you updates when we get them.
On Sunday, Benjamin Netanyahu said he expected to complete the new Gaza offensive “fairly quickly”.
Last week Israel’s security cabinet approved the plans to seize control of Gaza City. The plan was met with international criticism and from Israel’s opposition. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the decision to send Israeli forces into Gaza City a disaster, saying it defied the advice of military and security officials.
Cogat, the Israeli military agency that deals with humanitarian logistics in Gaza, has posted an update on aid deliveries into the territory:
“Close to 320 trucks entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.
Aid collection: Close to 320 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations.
Fuel: 3 tankers of UN fuel entered for the operation of essential humanitarian systems.
Airdrops: 97 pallets of aid were airdropped in cooperation with the UAE, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and France.
Humanitarian personnel: A rotation coordination of humanitarian personnel has been successfully completed. We will continue expanding our efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Gaza.”
Yesterday foreign ministers from 25 countries signed a statement calling for a “flood” of aid to be let into Gaza, which is suffering from an acute shortage of food because of Israel’s blockade.
IDF says it struck militants disguised as aid workers
The Israeli military said it struck a group of militants in Gaza who were disguised as aid workers and using a car with the logo of international charity World Central Kitchen, AP reports.
The army said it carried out an airstrike on the men after confirming with the charity that they were not affiliated with it and that the car did not belong to it.
World Central Kitchen confirmed that the men and the vehicle were not affiliated with it. “We strongly condemn anyone posing as World Central Kitchen or other humanitarians, as this endangers civilians and aid workers,” it said in a statement.
The military shared video footage showing several men in yellow vests standing around a vehicle with the charity’s logo on its roof. The military said five of the men were armed.
The charity, founded in 2010, dispatches teams that can quickly provide meals on a mass scale in conflict zones and after natural disasters.
In a TV interview with an Israeli broadcaster last night, Benjamin Netanyahu revived calls to “allow” Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip, as the military prepares a broader offensive in the territory, AFP reports.
Past calls to resettle Gazans outside of the war-battered territory, including from US president Donald Trump, have sparked concern among Palestinians and condemnation from the international community.
Netanyahu told Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS that “we are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave”.
“Give them the opportunity to leave, first of all, combat zones, and generally to leave the territory, if they want,” he said, citing refugee outflows during wars in Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Israel has tightly controlled Gaza’s borders for years.
“We will allow this, first of all within Gaza during the fighting, and we will certainly allow them to leave Gaza as well,” Netanyahu said.
Opening summary: Netanyahu indicates truce talks focused on release of all hostages
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that ceasefire efforts in Gaza are now focused on a comprehensive deal that would release the remaining hostages all at once, rather than in phases.
Arab officials told the AP news agency last week that mediators Egypt and Qatar were preparing a new framework for a deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages in one go in return for a lasting ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal.
The long-running indirect talks appeared to break down last month, but a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for fresh talks on Tuesday.
In an interview with Israel’s i24 News network on Tuesday, Netanyahu was asked if the window had closed on a partial ceasefire deal.
“I think it’s behind us,” Netanyahu replied. “We tried, we made all kinds of attempts, we went through a lot, but it turned out that they were just misleading us.”
“I want all of them,” he said of the hostages. “The release of all the hostages, both alive and dead – that’s the stage we’re at.”
He added that Israel’s demands haven’t changed, and that the war will end only when all hostages are returned and Hamas has surrendered.
Other key updates include:
The United Nations has warned that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at the highest levels since the war began. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric reported the warning from the World Food Program and said Gaza’s Health Ministry told UN staff in Gaza that five people died over the last 24 hours from malnutrition and starvation. The ministry says 121 adults and 101 children have died of malnutrition-related causes during the war.
The foreign ministers of 25 countries including the UK, Australia, France, Spain and Japan as well as two signatories from the EU released a joint statement saying that “humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels”. The statement called for the government of Israel to let in a “flood” of aid.
The World Health Organization said Israel should let it stock medical supplies to deal with a “catastrophic” health situation in Gaza, before Israel enacts plans to seize control of Gaza City.
Gaza’s Hamas-run government media office has said Israel is blocking the entry of more than 430 food items into the territory, despite allowing some aid trucks through last month under international pressure.
Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday revived calls to “allow” Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip, as the military prepares a broader offensive in the territory. Israel tightly controls Gaza. It is not clear where Gazans would go should they be allowed to leave the territory.
Australia prime minister Anthony Albanese said his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu was “in denial” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, a day after announcing Australia would recognise a Palestinian state for the first time.
It may have been a vow renewal ceremony on the astronomical Peltz estate in Westchester, New York, but for all practical purposes, it was a whole another second wedding for Brooklyn Beckham and wifey Nicola Peltz Beckham. The hot sauce connoisseur, 26, and the actor, 30, said all but I do to each other surrounded by family — of course only Nicola’s.
Victoria Beckham is the reason behind Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz renewing their wedding vows just 3 years into marriage — and not in a good way(Photos: Instagram, X)
If you’ve been living under a rock, footballing legend David Beckham, 50, and voice of fashion Victoria Beckham, 51, have been at very publicly voiced odds with their first-born Brooklyn, the sentiments definitely being stronger from Beckham Jr.’s side. A huge part of this, as per multiple media reports, has been Nicola and Victoria not getting along very well.
While Nicola initially tried to play the dutiful daughter-in-law marking her presence along side Brooklyn and the OG Beckhams for several high profile events, her appearances started waning as did her hubby’s. Now while most thought the Victoria-Nicola undercurrent was fairly fresh, new reports brought to light how the mother of the groom had apparently hijacked the couple’s first dance at the wedding, bringing the bride to tears.
And incidentally, this is supposedly the reason Brooklyn and Nicola essentially re-did their wedding (sans his parents) last weekend. Entertainment Tonight quoted a source as telling them, “Nicola was thrilled to marry Brooklyn, but because their wedding didn’t go the way she imagined due to family drama, their vow renewal was important”. Not just this, the report also suggests that Nicola reportedly wanted to wear a Victoria Beckham design for the vow renewal (something she had apparently refused to do for the actual wedding) but was told: “the atelier said it wasn’t possible.”, and so she went with her mother Claudia Heffner Peltz’s wedding dress.
Brooklyn and Nicola first met in 2017 at Coachella, though at the time, both were in separate relationships. They reconnected at a Halloween party hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio and started dating soon after. They got engaged within a year, in 2020, eventually tying the knot on April 9, 2022.
And now, they have just renewed their commitment to each other, a mere 3 years into their marriage.
Which Beckham do you find yourself siding with in this very obvious family feud?
Nasa unveiled a striking black-and-white image that rekindled global fascination with the possibility of life on Mars. Captured on July 24, during Curiosity’s 4,609th Martian day, the high-resolution photograph revealed a 2.5-centimeter-wide (1-inch-wide) rock with intricate, branching structures reminiscent of earthly coral reefs.
Mars’ surface (NASA)
Nasa geologists emphasized that the rock’s appearance is misleading. Its delicate extensions are fossilized mineral veins, sculpted by wind over billions of years after softer surrounding material eroded. “Wind and sandblasting over eons shaped these rocks into the forms we see now. These ‘coral-like’ shapes are purely the result of prolonged geological processes,” a Nasa spokesperson clarified.
The formation process started when mineral-laden water infiltrated tiny cracks in the rock. As the water evaporated, it left behind solidified mineral veins. Over billions of years, sand-heavy winds stripped away the softer material, exposing the complex, branching network.
“Curiosity has encountered numerous rocks like this, shaped by ancient water and wind over billions of years,” Nasa officials noted. Online reactions were swift, with many claiming the rock as evidence of fossilized life. “This is the fossilized proof of alien life on Mars we’ve been waiting for,” one X user declared. Another wrote, “Coral-like structures and ancient rivers point to real signs of past life. This is a game-changer.”
Since its 2012 landing, following a 566-million-kilometer (352-million-mile) journey, Curiosity has covered 35 kilometers (22 miles) across the 154-kilometer-wide (96-mile-wide) Gale Crater. Its deliberate pace allows the rover to drill, sample, and analyze promising deposits.
NASA has captured an image of a coral-like rock on Mars estimated to be several billion years old. https://t.co/u6hJm5iI7h pic.twitter.com/J3gzAxAUPL
Early in its mission, Curiosity detected chemical and mineral traces of environments potentially suitable for microbial life, including 3.7-billion-year-old carbon chains. Each discovery, such as a flower-shaped deposit in 2022, deepens our understanding of Mars’ history.
“Curiosity’s ongoing mission is to gather data and samples to uncover more about Mars’ past, particularly when it may have supported microbial life. We’re excited for what’s next,” a Nasa spokesperson stated.
Today, Mars is a frozen wasteland with water mostly trapped as ice, but Curiosity’s images continue to suggest a vibrant, wetter past.
The 2023-24 season finished at Anfield with Jurgen Klopp singing Arne Slot’s name, the following campaign with the Dutchman returning the compliment. Well he might. It always appeared that Slot’s inheritance at Liverpool was an enviable one. It turned out it was even better than most realised. After a summer of transfer market inactivity last season, defined by an inability to recruit Martin Zubimendi, Slot cruised to the title.
Of the 418 Premier League starts for Liverpool in the campaign, just one – by Federico Chiesa in May’s defeat to Brighton – was made by anyone signed in Slot’s reign. And even then, not really by Slot.
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In some ways, there will not be a repeat. In others, there could be. Liverpool were third favourites 12 months ago. Now, after a summer of spending and following a campaign when they lost just two league games before becoming champions, they are. If the crown is retained, it will be Slot’s side.
Last year, in contrast, Klopp’s successor seemed to follow in the footsteps of Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish, who all won their first league titles with the aid of continuity and with groups broadly assembled by others.
Now the scale of the overhaul is such that Liverpool 2.0, to borrow Klopp’s phrase, may only be a two-season affair: the German’s last and the Dutchman’s first. This looks something different, albeit shaped by a recruitment team who are a throwback to Liverpool’s recent past, with the sporting director Richard Hughes handpicked by the returning Michael Edwards and a strong Bundesliga influence.
For owners Fenway Sports Group, austerity can permit expenditure. Neither they nor Slot can be accused of a lack of ambition this summer. It remains to be seen if it produces Alexander Isak, who would give them a scarily good forward line. A £110m offer would make for a club record deal. As it is, Liverpool have already made a signing that, if add-ons are triggered, would break the current British record, with Florian Wirtz’s £100m move having the potential to come to £116m. Besides bringing in a player who could prove Anfield’s creator-in-chief for a decade, there was a significance in one of Germany’s leading talents rejecting Bayern Munich for Liverpool.
Liverpool won a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in 2024/25 (Getty Images)
There have been times when Liverpool had looked to be shopping in cheaper markets than some of the European elite. Not now. The pecking order had seemed entrenched when Trent Alexander-Arnold followed the familiar path from Anfield to Real Madrid. There is now a legitimate question where Liverpool figure among the continental superpowers: after all, they topped the Champions League group stage last season, beating Real, only to exit the competition in the last 16, albeit to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
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But Alexander-Arnold’s replacement Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez constitute a pair of new full-backs; evidence of Andy Robertson’s decline came even amid the team’s outstanding form. Whether or not Isak arrives, Liverpool have a searingly quick striker who should make them still more devastating on the break, in the £69m Hugo Ekitike, who has made a hugely encouraging start. Such moves have been funded in part by Hughes’ capacity to command excellent prices for departing players like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton.
Florian Wirtz was a statement signing from Arne Slot (PA Wire)
But the rebuilding started with two who stayed, the makeover with the constants. Liverpool lingered in limbo last year, unsure if they would lose Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as well as Alexander-Arnold. There was a scenario in which they were substantially weaker now and much of the transfer budget had to be devoted to a right winger and a centre-back. Instead, they kept both and if it may be unfair to expect the Egyptian to replicate last season’s contribution of 28 goals and 19 assists in the Premier League alone, he and Van Dijk can continue to defy the years.
That said, a squad with enviable talent in some departments may look slightly short of depth in others. Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen leaves Liverpool with only three specialist centre-backs, which cost them the last time they tried to defend the Premier League title. While Rio Ngumoha’s emergence has been a highlight of pre-season, the winger is still only 16. In attack, Liverpool have quality, but perhaps not quantity.
Rio Ngumoha, 16, has been a highlight of pre-season (Getty)
It reflects the tragedy of their summer, one that is both inescapable and yet which, for obvious reasons, feels difficult to discuss. A beloved husband, father and figure around the club first and foremost, the loss of Diogo Jota in a car crash also robbed Liverpool of a very fine footballer with a priceless ability to find space in the penalty box. No one can say what psychological effects there will be from the sudden loss of him. It would be understandable if they take a toll on individuals or the team as a whole.
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Many of the footballing questions look answered. A few others remain: if Liverpool can show the consistency they did when going 25 games unbeaten in the top flight last season or if Slot, who operated with a small core, can rotate more if they need to peak later in the campaign or how Dominik Szoboszlai responds to the arrival of Wirtz. Another was added by the Community Shield: if Liverpool are too open defensively and too likely to concede as they search for a new blend to include their attacking additions.
But past Liverpool sides used to marry transition with glory. This one looks to record a rare feat. Apart from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, no one has retained the English title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 2009. No Liverpool side has since Fagan, following Paisley, did so in 1984. That team won the European Cup, too. And, fresh from their buying, that will be a target for Liverpool now.
