Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

James Pearce joins Tony Evans to assess Liverpool’s business after deadline day and ask whether the Reds have done enough to challenge this season.

Bradley Barcola arrived for a huge fee but Liverpool chose not to sign a specialist No.6 or another full-back. Was that the right call? Can Andoni Iraola fix Liverpool’s defensive problems through coaching and structure, and was rejecting Manchester City’s £80m offer for Cody Gakpo the right decision?

Plus the guys look ahead to Friday night’s trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town.

What did you make of Liverpool’s transfer window? Let us know in the comments.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to look back on the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest and ask what we’ve learned from Andoni Iraola’s first two games in charge. Is his style beginning to take shape, and why are Liverpool starting matches so slowly?

The panel discuss an encouraging first Anfield start for Victor Muñoz, Alexander Isak’s first goal of the season, as well as the controversial penalty decision.

There’s also plenty of transfer talk, with Bradley Barcola’s arrival confirmed and uncertainty continuing around Cody Gakpo. Could Liverpool really sell Gakpo to Manchester City, and should we be worried about the full-back positions?

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool’s huge move for Barcola and whether the France international could be the attacking signing that transforms their season.

How big a boost is Barcola? Does his arrival change Liverpool’s plans for Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr? And with Cody Gakpo attracting interest, has his status suddenly changed from one of Liverpool’s most expendable attackers to an essential member of the squad?

The panel also discuss Andoni Iraola’s impact around the AXA, how his approach differs from Arne Slot’s, and look ahead to Saturday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to dissect an eventful night at St James’ Park and assess Liverpool’s opening weekend.

With a £60m bid for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton, the big question is whether Liverpool need more reinforcements — and if so, where? Is midfield now the biggest concern, particularly defensively?

The panel also discuss Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle, how he handled the pressure, and how Liverpool’s new signings fared on their Premier League debuts.

Plus, they look across the opening weekend, ask whether second place really is up for grabs this season, and reflect on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s comments about the abuse he received following his departure from Liverpool.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producer: Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Hughes & James Pearce join Tony Evans for the latest episode of Walk On as Liverpool prepare to kick off the new Premier League season away at Newcastle.

The panel discusses the latest twist in Liverpool’s ownership story, with the consortium including Jeff Bezos now revealed to hold around 38% of the club — significantly more than initially reported.

There’s also plenty to discuss on the transfer front, with Curtis Jones heading to Inter Milan, Liverpool still looking for reinforcements and a number of young players heading out on loan. Is the squad ready for the new season?

Finally The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon joins the guys to look ahead to Sunday’s emotional trip to St James’ Park, where Liverpool and Newcastle will pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, before discussing Alexander Isak’s return to his former club.

Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.com

Also, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel. Our first video episode will be published on Monday 17th August 2026: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFC

Host: Tony Evans
With: Dan Sheldon, Simon Hughes & James Pearce
Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.