Liverpool moves to tackle Anfield queues as security overhaul, Gomez injury update and FSG windfall loom

Liverpool is accelerating changes to address long queues at Anfield that have disrupted kick-offs and drawn criticism from supporters. The club says it is dedicating extra resources and working with Spirit of Shankly to balance safety with a smoother entry for fans.

Supporters have described the entry process as lengthy and frustrating due to thorough security checks that stretch wait times, with some arriving early but still facing long queues outside the turnstiles. Liverpool has urged fans to arrive 10 minutes earlier than normal, though supporters say that would not be sufficient to clear security and reach their seats before kick-off.

The changes are part of a broader push to raise fan safety standards in line with Martyn’s Law, the 2025 legislation named after Martyn Hett. Liverpool has said it will update fans on safety procedures and is preparing guidance for the team’s upcoming travels, including the trip to Marseille. In the French city, supporters have been warned not to wear club colours or anything that identifies them as Liverpool fans, and to travel together with a police escort from a designated metro station. On match day, supporters are expected to be held back at full time for around 40 minutes and are urged to book accommodation in the Place de la Joliette region. The club is coordinating with local authorities, and wheelchair users will be contacted before the game. The safety plan echoes concerns raised by other clubs after high-profile European fixtures.

Injury updates: Gomez is likely to miss the trip to Tottenham on Saturday after a hamstring injury sustained against Brighton last week. Dominik Szoboszlai should be fit to play after going down with an ankle issue in the 2-0 win, though he is one yellow card from a one-match ban. Jeremie Frimpong is hopeful of joining full training in the coming days after missing nearly two months with a hamstring problem.

Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old on Liverpool’s bench, played for Rob Page’s Under-21s in a friendly against Nice on Wednesday, his first action for some time. His last appearance off the bench came on November 22, and the academy prospects Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are finding first-team minutes harder to come by since Liverpool’s Carabao Cup exit. Left back Luke Chambers also returned to action off the bench in that friendly, though his longer-term prospects will depend on fitness after a back injury.

In academy news, Shamal George — the 27-year-old keeper from Birkenhead — has enjoyed a standout week, helping St Mirren win the Scottish League Cup. George spent 11 years in the Liverpool system before stints at Tranmere, Marine, Livingston and now the Paisley-based club. Former Reds youngster Harry Wilson continues to shine for Fulham, with three goals and three assists in recent matches. James Milner and Jordan Henderson remain influential figures for their clubs. Ex-Liverpool forward Ranel Young has agreed to join Bristol City after a brief spell in Serbia, while Reading have signed Reds academy midfielder Scofield Lonmeni from the U21 ranks.

Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are set for a major financial windfall after agreeing in principle to sell the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL. A sale to Hoffmann Family of Companies could value the franchise at around £1.35 billion and would come after a £450 million summer outlay by FSG on other ventures. If completed, the deal would provide the Red Sox owner with a sizeable cash lift ahead of potential January activity, while the group continues to oversee Liverpool alongside their other holdings.

Liverpool’s ownership and management say they will keep fans updated as plans progress, including the safety measures for away trips and how the January transfer window might be affected by the broader financial landscape. As always, club officials stress that safety remains the priority, while supporters seek a smoother matchday experience that preserves the atmosphere at Anfield.