Liverpool FC secured their first Premier League win of the 2026-27 season on Friday, beating Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The victory lifts the Reds to sixth in the Premier League table with five points from three games, a position detailed in the current standings.
Alexander Isak was the hero, scoring twice inside the opening nine minutes to take his personal tally to three goals in three games. This win followed two opening draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The team now prepares for a busy week, hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday before welcoming Fulham to Anfield on Saturday for their next league match.
Off the pitch, a significant change occurred over the weekend as sporting director Richard Hughes stepped down. Hughes, who joined from Bournemouth in 2024, oversaw a massive £450 million spending spree that summer, including the club-record signings of Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Alexander Isak for £125 million. His departure leaves a key vacancy.
Liverpool are considering both internal and external candidates to fill the role. Internal options include Julian Ward, who was appointed technical director in 2024 after serving as sporting director. Ward originally joined as a scout in 2012 and was responsible for signings like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. Assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG's director of football development Pedro Marques are also in the frame.
In squad news, Liverpool have firmly rejected an £80 million bid from rivals Manchester City for forward Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international has started the season strongly, contributing one goal and three assists in his first three appearances. Despite links to Tottenham and City, he is expected to have a prominent role under manager Andoni Iraola this campaign.
Former player Jason McAteer commented on the situation. "It's been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn't say it's like that at all," McAteer said. "He's had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool's best moments in their games so far."
A key question is Gakpo's best position. He started on the right wing against Nottingham Forest, but the role remains open with no player having cemented it. McAteer noted, "Barcola predominantly plays on the left..."
With Bradley Barcola, a £123 million signing, also favouring the left side, Gakpo's versatility across the front line will be important. Liverpool's attack has scored six goals so far this season while conceding four, giving them a +2 goal difference. They currently sit four points behind early leaders Manchester City in the title race.
The immediate focus returns to the pitch. After the midweek European fixture, Liverpool host 19th-placed Fulham at Anfield on September 12th, looking to build momentum from their first win.
