Liverpool FC is gearing up for a major squad overhaul after a frustrating campaign.

Despite investing heavily last summer, the Reds have struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League and now face crucial decisions.

Sporting director Richard Hughes defended the club’s recruitment strategy, stating: “These are players who have already achieved a lot in their individual careers… we also want to try and win right now.” However, results on the pitch have not matched those ambitions.

As a result, several big names are now on the transfer list. According to reports, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez could all leave Anfield this summer. The situation becomes even more delicate with Mohamed Salah already set to depart at the end of his contract, marking the end of an era for the club.

Uncertainty also surrounds several other players, while pressure is mounting on manager Arne Slot. His future could depend on upcoming results, with Xabi Alonso already mentioned as a potential successor. Liverpool appears ready to make tough and possibly unexpected choices to rebuild and return to the top.

The World Cup 2026 playoffs have delivered their final verdict, and while many nations celebrate qualification, others face bitter disappointment. Among the biggest shocks is Italy’s elimination against Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-1, 4-1 on penalties), marking a third consecutive absence from the tournament.

“It’s a devastating blow,” many observers noted, as captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will miss yet another World Cup at 27. The list of absent goalkeepers also includes Jan Oblak, André Onana, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, all denied a place on football’s biggest stage.

Federico Dimarco (Italy)

Several global stars will also be watching from home. Robert Lewandowski headlines the list after Poland’s elimination against Sweden. “Football can be cruel… it hurts because we were so close,” he admitted after the match. Alongside him, names like Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Serhou Guirassy will miss out, as will creative forces such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dominik Szoboszlai. Even promising talents like Rasmus Højlund and Benjamin Sesko failed to secure qualification, highlighting the fierce competition across continents.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Injuries have also played their part in shaping this list of absentees. Rodrygo is expected to miss out despite being in contention, while Neymar Jr. still hopes for a late call-up after a long absence from the national team. Jack Grealish, sidelined with a stress fracture, also faces a race against time. As the tournament approaches, the absence of these major names serves as a reminder of how unforgiving international football can be, even for the game’s biggest stars.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary)

A Nigerian national has been arrested in Bengaluru, India, for allegedly running a major drug distribution network, with authorities recovering MDMA crystals (ecstasy)worth about Rs 2 crore (over N290 million).

The arrest forms part of a wider crackdown on narcotics operations targeting both students and the general public in the city.

According to the Indian Express on Tuesday, the suspect, Samuel Ikkena, 44, was apprehended by the Yelahanka police in Bengaluru, Karnataka State, for allegedly running an MDMA racket disguised as a clothing business.

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug often sold illegally for recreational use.

Ikkena reportedly “procured MDMA near Bannerghatta for Rs 50,000 (around N3.5 million) and sold it at higher rates through a structured illegal network.”

He arrived in India in 2012 on a business visa, initially trading garments in Delhi and Mumbai before moving to Bengaluru in 2025.

Police said investigators recovered 2 kg of MDMA crystals, valued at around Rs 2 crore (N140 million), along with 31.396 kg of cannabis (ganja), 220 g of hydro ganja, additional heroin, and a two-wheeler used for transporting the drugs.

Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh described the total contraband as “estimated at Rs 2.57 crore (N180 million), with a potential street value of approximately Rs 5.14 crore (N360 million).”

Ikenna’s arrest was part of a larger operation that led to 11 arrests, including two foreigners and eight locals, at locations across Bengaluru, including Yelahanka, Adugodi, Bharathinagar, Jalahalli, and Pulakeshinagar. The Adugodi police also arrested Baljit Singh, from Uttar Pradesh, and Arjun Joshi, a Nepalese national, for allegedly supplying heroin in the city.

Police said Joshi, who initially consumed drugs, began selling heroin after sourcing it from Baljit Singh. Authorities recovered 162 g of heroin worth Rs 55 lakh (N3.85 million) and three mobile phones from the duo.

Police said the accused procured drugs from both foreign and interstate suppliers and sold them at inflated prices. Investigators have registered cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and are working to trace the main kingpins behind the network.