One Liverpool star has made a U-turn on his future after the appointment of Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot as manager.

The future of some of Liverpool’s stars heading into the summer transfer window could change after their recent managerial switch.

Some players may have been looking for exits under Slot, but we’ll be hoping for a fresh start under Iraola.

With a new manager comes new ideas, and that could see some players given a fresh chance and a revival following Iraola’s appointment.

There may have been a number of players who were looking to leave the club in the summer transfer window, but situations will have changed over the last few weeks.

Liverpool Star Performs U-Turn

Hannah Mckay Via Reuters

According to a report from Tutto Juve journalist Mirko Di Natale, Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa’s situation has changed after the departure of Slot.

Chiesa has now changed his mind about leaving the club, and he wants to establish himself under Iraola, determined to turn things around at Anfield.

If Liverpool want to get rid of the Italian international in the summer transfer window, Chiesa will happily move on. For now, he wants to prove himself and get back on track.

Whether Iraola and Liverpool will want to keep him remains to be seen, as it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see them offload him this summer.

Time for Liverpool to Move On

It could be time for Liverpool and Chiesa to shake hands and go their separate ways during the summer transfer window.

The Italian international has struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter for the Reds, and that doesn’t feel like changing heading into the 2026/27 season.

Liverpool are likely to be linked with a host of different wingers to improve their squad, meaning Chiesa could fall further down the pecking order.

Although he is undoubtedly a decent squad player, Chiesa needs to move on for the good of his career, as he is going to continue to struggle to play regular minutes at Anfield.

South Korea captain Son Heung-min has been caught in the middle of a 2026 World Cup row after being mocked in the build-up to his country’s opening game vs Czechia.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star captained his nation to a 2-1 victory to put them in a good position to reach the Round of 32. However, the veteran forward then declined to speak to members of the media from his own country.

It’s become a massive talking point in his home country after footage emerged which allegedly leaked ‘derogatory’ comments about the LAFC forward.

Amanda Perobelli via Reuters

The accidentally posted footage shows two reporters allegedly mocking Son’s military exemption during South Korea’s recorded training session before the World Cup. After captaining his country to 2018 Olympic Gold, Son was legally excused from the standard 21-month service.

In response, the 33-year-old opted against speaking to media members from his own country following the victory against Czechia. His teammates have also decided to show solidarity and join him in the media blackout.

A statement has now been made by the Korean Football Association, which has condemned the comments made. They said (per The Telegraph):

“The Korea Football Association expresses regret over the inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel during the national football team’s training at the Guadalajara base camp.

“With a sense of responsibility to represent South Korea on the global stage of the World Cup, the Taegeuk Warriors are doing their best to repay the support and expectations of the people.

“However, the recent leak of inappropriate conversations between some media officials at a training site caused great shock and disappointment to the team.”

Son Receives Apology But Boycott Could Continue

Paul Childs via Reuters

Son has reportedly received a face-to-face apology from members of the South Korean delegation in Mexico. The ex-Premier League attacker is said to have accepted, but it remains to be seen whether his national team end their media boycott.

The previous press delegation leader resigned over the controversy. While Son was asked whether his team would resume media duties, he refrained from giving a definitive answer until an internal decision had been reached.

Further adding to the ill-feeling between both parties, critical comments were made about manager Hong Myung-bo, which have only raised tensions within the South Korea camp.

The 2026 World Cup has been marred by many travel issues, with fans, officials and players having problems gaining entry into the United States of America and Canada for various reasons.

Supporters from several nations have been denied the opportunity to follow their teams to the States, from an England fan finding out live on air that he couldn’t travel to Scotland fans having their travel permits withdrawn at the last minute.

Controversy was also sparked when Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry into the US. But now a player’s future at the competition is in doubt due to an expired visa.

‘Single-Entry’ Visa Casts Doubt Over World Cup Player

Luis Cortes via Reuters

The biggest issue heading into this year’s competition was, by far, Iran’s participation. The Middle Eastern nation have been forced to prepare in Mexico due to the ongoing conflict with the US.

They were forced to travel to the States on the day of their opening-day clash against New Zealand, and informed they had to go back to Mexico immediately after the 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium. It’s just the latest issue Iran have faced after many of their delegation were denied visas, with only players and select staff members allowed into the US.

After the first group game, Iran revealed that one of their players may not get back into the country for the next match against Belgium. Mehdi Torabi’s visa has now expired following his trip for the New Zealand fixture. State news agency IRNA stated:

While his Team Melli colleagues were granted multiple-entry visas for the World Cup, Torabi was instead only given single-entry authorisation. The Iranian Football Federation is said to have ‘taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, so that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming matches.’

Gianni Infantino ‘Trying to Help’ Iran

Following the end of Iran’s opening game, where the national anthem was booed, FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the dressing room to offer support to the players and staff.

The nation’s star striker Mehdi Taremi claimed the Swiss boss is attempting to help with the issues Iran are facing. It has been reported that Infantino is trying to resolve the ongoing visa issues.

Taremi said: “For sure, he wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too. You know, everyone knows. (I don’t) need to mention that, because you know where we are.”