Share
Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
What will Hugo Ekitike bring to Liverpool?
•
James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans prior to Liverpool completing the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike.
The Athletic's Bundesliga correspondent Seb Stafford-Bloor is also back to give us the lowdown on what to expect from the imminent arrival who looks set to supplement the forward options available to Arne Slot.
The panel also discuss what other transfer business the Reds could look to conduct or sanction, with a centre-back high on the priority list while Luis Diaz has been the subject of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.
James brings us up to speed on the tour of Asia with the Reds currently in Hong Kong ahead of taking on AC Milan on Saturday, there's also analysis of the record-breaking sale of Olivia Smith by Liverpool Women to Arsenal with The Athletic's Women's Football Writer Megan Feringa before Tony pays tribute to the late Joey Jones.
Email: walkon@theathletic.com
Host: Tony Evans
With: James Pearce, Andy Jones, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Megan Feringa
Producer: Guy Clarke
More episodes
View all episodes
Have set-pieces taken the joy out of the Premier League?
34:51|Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a goal-fest at Anfield, where set-pieces once again proved decisive — prompting a wider debate sparked by Arne Slot’s claim that dead-ball dominance may be taking some of the joy out of football.The panel dig into standout performances from Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike, ask why Liverpool look so dangerous from corners all of a sudden, and question the consistency of VAR decisions after yet another controversial weekend.There’s also a deep dive into Liverpool FC’s newly released financial accounts — record revenues, a Premier League-high wage bill and what it all means for future spending — plus a look ahead to Wolves under the lights on Tuesday night.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonHow do Liverpool fix their injury issues?
37:12|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans as they look ahead to West Ham at Anfield and assess where Liverpool really are after a free week on the training ground.The panel discuss the upcoming Champions League last-16 draw, and dig into Liverpool’s injury list — who could we see back on Saturday?There’s also a deep dive into Liverpool’s improving set-piece record and the guys share their thoughts on an in-form Premier League player who could be available to Liverpool on a free this summer!Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonLate joy by the Trent but questions remain
37:13|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a chaotic final act in Nottingham, from VAR confusion and Alexis Mac Allister’s stoppage-time strike to a worrying first-half display that raised familiar concerns. Did the late winner at the City Ground just paper over the cracks?The panel discuss Florian Wirtz’s late withdrawal, and the impact of Rio Ngumoha off the bench. There’s also no avoiding the Mohamed Salah conversation: a growing goal drought, a smirk when substituted, and a renewed debate over his future and relationship with Arne Slot.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonFlying full-backs and cutting Forest down to size
39:50|Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to react to Arne Slot’s latest press conference, assess the ongoing right-back crisis, and dig deeper into the form of Curtis Jones and Milos Kerkez.Next up Liverpool head to Nottingham Forest with confidence growing — but questions still swirling.The panel also discuss Liverpool’s excitement — and concern — over teenage talent Josh Abe and debate shock transfer links involving bitter rivals!Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonFA Cup joy — plus we need to talk about Mo
38:58|Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to break down the 3–0 win at Anfield, asking what the strong line-up tells us about Slot’s priorities and whether the FA Cup now carries extra importance this season.Then comes the big conversation. Mohamed Salah’s overall numbers are still strong, but his game looks different. The panel dig into his post-AFCON form, his creative output, his relationship with Slot, and where he could be playing football next season if this is to be his last with Liverpool.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonReds win on the road but right-back curse deepens
36:54|Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to discuss Liverpool grinding out a crucial 1–0 win at Sunderland, breaking the Black Cats unbeaten home record this season.The guys analyse Virgil van Dijk’s match-winning goal, a more resilient defensive display, and the growing injury crisis at right-back after Wataru Endo’s setback.There’s a discussion on Ibrahima Konaté’s form and future. Surely the club can’t allow him to leave for free in the summer?The panel also tackle Arne Slot’s latest comments on Champions League qualification and a look ahead to Brighton in the FA Cup. Is this an important competition this season?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & Simon HughesProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonSix wins in 20: how deep is Liverpool’s slump?
42:41|James Pearce and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to dissect the chaotic defeat to Manchester City — from Szoboszlai’s stunning opener to VAR controversy, a red card, and two late City goals.The panel debate whether Liverpool were hard done by or simply running out of steam, before attention turns to a worrying league table. Is Champions League qualification starting to look unlikely?There’s also discussion on Caoimhin Kelleher’s candid comments on Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones’ contract situation, Harvey Elliott’s loan dilemma, fresh injury concerns — and whether Liverpool can steady themselves with a crucial run of fixtures ahead. Next up, a daunting trip to the Stadium of Light.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonYouth vs urgency: Liverpool’s transfer gamble
41:21|James Pearce and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to assess what a quiet deadline means for Arne Slot’s squad, including what to expect from summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet and whether Liverpool are taking a risk on depth. Does Liverpool’s January transfer window close with more questions than answers?The panel dig into Richard Hughes’ recent comments on patient long-term recruitment, debate concerns around centre-back options and squad management, as well as respond to criticism over Slot’s rotation and youth development.Finally, attention turns to a huge clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughs & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick ThomsonComebacks, contracts & Richard Hughes goes Jacquet shopping
42:25|Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to react to Liverpool’s 4–1 victory over Newcastle, a game transformed by Hugo Ekitike’s two goals in two minutes and an emotional night for Ibrahima Konaté, who capped his return with a goal.There’s also some deadline day activity to discuss, with Richard Hughes making late moves in the January window, plus the guys discuss Dominik Szoboszlai’s eyebrow raising comments on his Liverpool future.Finally, with Manchester City coming to Anfield next weekend, are Liverpool finally back — or is caution still required?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony Evans With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson