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“Carragher Warns Liverpool Star Could Be Done as Reds Eye £40m January Signing”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s Concerns Over Andy Robertson’s Form and Transfer Plans

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has expressed concerns that a player he holds in high regard has become a liability, and TEAMtalk understands that the club is looking to bring in a ready-made replacement for him in January.

Since Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool, the team’s on-field performance has largely been positive, with Slot’s coaching methods bringing out the best in players like Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz. However, one notable decline has been in the form of left-back Andy Robertson. At 30, Robertson is no longer the reliable defensive force he once was, and his dip in form has prompted Carragher to call for a new addition to the squad.

In an interview with Sky Sports following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Carragher remarked, “Liverpool need to sign a full-back. I think they need a left-back.” He continued, “Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor [against Man Utd]. He will be a lot better than that and Conor Bradley is fantastic. I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game. I don’t think Kostas Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him.” Carragher concluded, “I think if Liverpool could get a left-back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league.”

Liverpool’s Pursuit of a £40m Left-Back

Despite reports from The Athletic’s James Pearce on Boxing Day suggesting that Liverpool are willing to wait until the summer to find Robertson’s successor, TEAMtalk’s transfer expert Fraser Gillan has learned that Liverpool are actively considering opportunities in the January window, particularly in the left-back position.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is reportedly a target for the Reds, with ESPN’s Mark Ogden confirming the club’s interest earlier this month. When discussing why Liverpool has only “minimal interest” in Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Ogden said, “The name that has been put to me is Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth. He would fit the profile much better than Antonee Robinson.”

Kerkez, who recently signed with Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports agency, is expected to move out of Bournemouth at some point in 2025. This move could be accelerated by Bournemouth’s deal to sign his potential replacement, Julio Soler, from Lanus for a fee of £6m, which could rise to £12m with add-ons.

TEAMtalk understands that Kerkez is currently valued around £40m, although his price could increase if Liverpool faces competition from Manchester United. The Red Devils have identified the Hungarian as a potential fit for their left-wing-back role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Should United increase their pursuit of Kerkez in January, Liverpool may have to act sooner than planned.

Liverpool has a history of acting quickly in January when a rival shows interest in a target. In 2022, they moved swiftly to secure Luis Diaz after Tottenham showed interest, and in 2023, they acted fast to sign Cody Gakpo after Manchester United explored a move for him.

Other Transfer News: Darwin Nunez and Tyler Dibling

In other developments, Football Insider reports that Liverpool may be willing to sell Darwin Nunez if offers of £50m-£60m are made. This follows comments from transfer expert Rudy Galetti, who told TEAMtalk that Liverpool is open to parting with Nunez in 2025, with a summer exit being more likely than a January departure.

Additionally, Liverpool is reportedly in pole position to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, but only if they make a concrete move. Failure to do so could see interest from other clubs, with Newcastle and Manchester United both tracking the winger closely.

January 7, 2025
Liverpool Eye Mohamed Salah’s Successor as Contract Talks Stall

Liverpool may already be preparing for life without Mohamed Salah, as the Egyptian forward enters the final six months of his contract. Reports suggest that the Reds are closely monitoring Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa as a possible successor.

Salah recently suggested that this could be his last season at Anfield unless persuaded to stay, leaving both fans and the club uncertain about his future.

Although contract discussions are ongoing, there has been little progress. Salah continues to be a major target for the Saudi Pro League, while Liverpool explores potential alternatives.

According to Football Insider, one such option is Moussa, a promising talent who has made a strong impact in his first season at Feyenoord. Signed for just £2.9 million ($3.6 million), the Algerian winger has emerged as a key player in both domestic and European competitions.

Why Liverpool are interested in Hadj Moussa as Salah’s replacement
Moussa has been a revelation since joining Feyenoord in 2023. The 22-year-old has scored six goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances, including vital goals in three consecutive UEFA Champions League matches.

One of his most notable moments was scoring in Feyenoord’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Manchester City.

The Algeria international, who has earned three caps for his country, has quickly become Feyenoord’s first-choice right-winger. Although Moussa’s contract runs until 2027, Feyenoord could demand a substantial fee if Liverpool decides to pursue him.

Meanwhile, Liverpool continues to negotiate contracts with Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk.

While Salah’s future remains uncertain, Alexander-Arnold is reportedly attracting significant interest from Real Madrid, adding another challenge for Liverpool in retaining their star players.

More news…..

Fabrizio Romano Shares Optimistic Transfer Update for Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano has shared an exclusive update regarding the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, indicating that Liverpool is feeling optimistic about securing their contracts.

In his comments to CaughtOffside via the Daily Briefing, Romano revealed that while there is still work to be done to retain these two key players, discussions are ongoing.

The situation appears less promising for Liverpool in terms of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold, but there is still confidence that the club can convince both Salah and Van Dijk to remain at Anfield.

Similar to Alexander-Arnold, both Salah and Van Dijk are set to be out of contract this summer, which means Liverpool is racing against time to get them to sign new deals.

At this point, things seem to be progressing in the right direction, though a resolution may not be immediate.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to stay at Liverpool?

“Liverpool maintain their stance – they are confident to make it happen with Salah and Van Dijk, but there is still no breakthrough in talks.

“So, there is more work for them to do on those deals.”

Liverpool fans may feel disappointed by the lack of progress with Alexander-Arnold, but holding on to two iconic figures like Salah and Van Dijk would likely ease that frustration.

Salah, in particular, has been one of the top performers globally in recent months, making it crucial for Liverpool to avoid losing the Egyptian international on a free transfer.

Van Dijk, the club’s captain, continues to perform at a high level despite his age, so Liverpool fans will be hoping he extends his stay at Anfield as well.

January 7, 2025
Jeremiah Donati’s Top Two Priorities as South Carolina’s New AD
Jeremiah Donati officially started his tenure as South Carolina’s athletic director on Thursday, stepping into a promising role during a challenging period.

After spending 13 years at Texas Christian University (TCU), including the last seven as athletic director, Donati accepted an offer to move his wife and two daughters across the country to a state where he had no prior experience working.

“We would have been happy there for a long, long time,” Donati shared. “It really was going to take what we felt like was the perfect situation to move our family.”

The “perfect situation” was a position in the SEC, offering a $1.9 million contract—$600,000 more than his salary at TCU. It’s a role where his predecessor, Ray Tanner, stepped down with respect, and there are no scandals or vacant coaching spots to fill.

South Carolina is a place where no head coach for the four major programs—football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball—is under pressure. All four of these teams are coming off postseason appearances. The women’s basketball program, led by Coach Dawn Staley, continues to thrive, while football, South Carolina’s most lucrative program, is showing growth under young, dynamic head coach Shane Beamer.

Additionally, the school is guided by President Michael Amiridis, who places great importance on athletics. Amiridis, during the interview process, asked Donati, “Can we raise our profile, our brand and win football games?” Donati explained to The State, “Competing in the SEC at the highest level was important (to him).”

Of course, that optimistic outlook can shift unexpectedly. Donati is all too familiar with that reality. When he took over at TCU in 2017, things seemed ideal at first, but within months, a former football player filed a medical negligence lawsuit, and Donati had to fire the head swimming and diving coach due to serious allegations.

“I’m hoping it’s a little smoother than that,” Donati remarked last week. “But I also understand in the world of college athletics, there’s no guarantees.”

Thus, while Donati has landed in what appears to be an ideal situation, he is stepping into a complex and unpredictable environment.

The NCAA is facing a wave of lawsuits, and revenue sharing, as a result of the House v. NCAA settlement, will soon begin. With NIL deals reshaping the landscape, fans are helping fund rosters, while the transfer portal continues to introduce chaos every December. Meanwhile, eligibility rules are shifting so quickly that players, like South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, aren’t sure if they’ve played their final college game.

In the weeks before officially taking the South Carolina job, Donati worked to familiarize himself with the department. He said in his introductory press conference that the first few months would be focused on listening and learning, and he has followed through on that.

“The team has done a tremendous job in the transition to kind of arm me with a lot of factual information about the departments and how the athletic department is set up, and so I know a lot going in,” Donati noted.

From what he has learned so far, there are several key areas that need immediate attention.
1. The House Settlement
  The $20.5 million salary cap will soon take effect, but it remains unclear how that money will be divided among athletes. Donati acknowledged that SEC presidents are deliberating whether to implement a conference-wide solution or allow each school to determine how the funds are distributed. While the Big 12 left the decision to individual schools, Donati said that TCU had already finalized its plan, which could give him an advantage if the SEC follows suit.
“I know, directionally, more or less how this is going to shake out,” Donati said. “But we don’t have it exactly finalized.”

CBS Sports reported that an informal survey of the industry suggests most schools will use a 75-15-5-5 formula for the distribution, allocating 75% of the money to football, 15% to men’s basketball, 5% to women’s basketball, and 5% to other sports.
1. The Williams-Brice Stadium Renovation
  In October, South Carolina announced significant plans to upgrade its football stadium, with Phase 1 set to begin after the 2025 season. Further phases will focus on adding more suites to Williams-Brice, which is far behind other SEC stadiums. While much of this has been in the works for a while, Donati will be responsible for leading fundraising efforts, managing logistics, and making key decisions.
“We have kind of a tight timeline there,” Donati explained. “We really need to understand the next steps, figuring out who’s going to be the architect, and getting this thing designed and start putting a plan around it.”

These are just two of Donati’s immediate priorities. He is also considering longer-term issues, such as what to do with the 800 acres of land surrounding Williams-Brice and how to develop land on floodplains. He will also need to negotiate two major deals in the coming years: South Carolina’s multimedia rights agreement with Learfield, which expires in 2026, and its apparel contract with Under Armour, also ending in June 2026.

Donati is tasked with balancing the need to make critical decisions in the present while ensuring that those choices align with the department’s long-term vision. This aligns with the qualities Amiridis sought in his search for an athletic director.

“He was concerned about: How do you manage change?” Donati said. “And how are you gonna prepare us for the future?”

“We want to make sure that we’re built for the next five to 10 years,” Donati added. “This is not a fixer-upper, but there’s areas where we can probably make some adjustments.”
January 7, 2025
Gamecocks’ 2025 recruiting news heats up with the latest updates
The recruiting year for South Carolina kicked off with excitement on January 2, as highly rated wide receiver Donovan Murph from Irmo publicly committed to the Gamecocks.

Murph (6-3, 180) had narrowed his options to Clemson, Ole Miss, Colorado, and Tennessee, although Clemson had been out of the picture for several weeks, as reported by Paul Strelow of TigerIllustrated. He made his decision during the Under Armour All-American Game broadcast in Orlando.

Originally part of the 2026 class, Murph announced on October 1 that he would reclassify to the 2025 class. After a remarkable season with 96 receptions for 1,328 yards and 12 touchdowns, Murph made official visits only to USC and Clemson.

Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer and wide receivers coach Mike Furrey made Murph a top priority in recruiting, and their efforts paid off.

“Right now, they are building something special over there,” Murph said on ESPN2 after his announcement. “I definitely want to go and be a part of that. Coach Beamer and coach Furrey, I’m close with the whole staff, and they continue to show me love. Show love to who shows love to you, so I’m staying home.”

Murph also mentioned that the chance to play early at USC was a key factor in his decision. “They tell me I’m a priority, especially in their receiver position,” he said. “(Quarterback) LaNorris (Sellers) is getting better every week. It’s just, come and be a part of something special. They always say when South Carolina was winning and competing for national championships, it was in-state guys. Keeping those in-state guys home is going to bring Carolina back.”

Murph’s commitment adds to the Gamecocks’ impressive 2025 class, which now includes six high school wide receivers, such as Jayden Sellers from South Florence, Malik Clark from Rock Hill, and Jordon Gidron from Ridge View, who also reclassified to 2025. The class now stands at 34 total newcomers.

In other recruiting news, former Alabama linebacker/defensive end Jeremiah Alexander is set to visit Clemson on Tuesday, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3. Alexander, who was a finalist for Clemson out of Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., three years ago before signing with Alabama, was a teammate of current Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. He recently visited Auburn and has upcoming visits planned to Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Alexander has yet to live up to the hype surrounding his recruitment, totaling only nine tackles and no sacks in 28 games over three seasons at Alabama.

Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams is transferring to Michigan, while former wide receiver Troy Stellato is considering Kentucky, West Virginia, and Michigan.

Additionally, 2026 Bluffton wide receiver Carnell Warren committed to Virginia Tech during the Under Armour All-American Game. His other finalists were Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and Duke.

Other USC recruiting updates include the Gamecocks offering Texas State transfer defensive tackle Terry Webb (6-3, 314), who had 43 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks over two seasons at Texas State. USC also extended an offer to Texas State defensive tackle Tavian Coleman (6-1, 300). Coleman, who began his career at Trinity Valley JC in Texas before transferring to Utah State and later to Texas State, has accumulated 53 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and six sacks over the past two seasons. Colorado has also extended an offer to Coleman.
- USC has extended an offer to Louisiana Tech transfer wide receiver Tru Edwards (6-3, 201). Edwards previously played at Navarro JC in Texas from 2019 to 2020, then transferred to Hawaii for the 2021 season. He joined Louisiana Tech in 2022 but redshirted. Over the course of his career, Edwards has caught 112 passes for 1,307 yards and eight touchdowns.
- Limestone graduate transfer placekicker James Potts visited both S.C. State and USC this week to kick for coaches. He made his only field goal attempt this season, which was from 24 yards. Potts, originally from York, had Mike Furrey, USC’s receivers coach, as his coach at Limestone before Furrey joined the Gamecocks this season.
- Former USC backup quarterback Robby Ashford announced on Sunday that he has signed with Wake Forest, marking his fourth college stop. Ashford has previously attended Oregon and Auburn. This past season, he played a limited role as the backup to LaNorris Sellers.
- USC wide receiver Payton Mangrum is transferring.
- S.C. State offensive tackle Tray Franklin is transferring to Coastal Carolina.
- Former Miami wide receiver Robby Washington (5-11, 180) is also transferring to Coastal Carolina. In two seasons with the Hurricanes, Washington caught two passes for 27 yards.
- Former Coastal Carolina defensive lineman Will Whitson is transferring to Mississippi State.
- Last week, South Carolina extended an offer to 2026 quarterback Brady Smigel (6-5, 205) from Newbury Park, Calif. Smigel has been committed to Florida State since June. This season, he threw for 3,521 yards, 49 touchdowns, and three interceptions, and rushed for 11 more scores. Other schools that have offered him include North Carolina, Auburn, Louisville, TCU, Arizona, Washington, Ohio State, Florida, Cal, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Ole Miss.
- North Augusta offensive tackle Malcolm Gaston has scheduled a visit to Florida State for January 18.
- Cornelius, N.C., cornerback Samari Matthews has set junior day visits to USC on January 11, Florida State on January 18, Tennessee on January 25, and Clemson on February 1.
January 7, 2025
Federico Chiesa’s Agent Addresses Napoli Transfer Speculation Amid Liverpool Challenges

Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool has been a topic of intense speculation in recent weeks.

After facing difficulties securing playing time following his summer transfer from Juventus, rumors emerged suggesting a potential January loan move to Napoli.

However, Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, has squashed these rumors, confirming that the Italian forward will remain at Liverpool.

Chiesa, who joined Liverpool in August for £12 million, has struggled to break into Arne Slot’s starting lineup. He has made just one Premier League appearance—coming on as a substitute in September—and has featured in only four games across all competitions.

His most recent appearance came during Liverpool’s 2-0 Carabao Cup quarterfinal victory over Southampton in December.

What Federico Chiesa’s agent said about his Liverpool future and Napoli loan

In an interview with 365scores, Ramadani firmly ruled out any possibility of Chiesa leaving Anfield in January.

“Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of letting go of the player,” he explained.

“The player is continuing with Liverpool and is seeking the opportunity to participate in the coming period. This is what I can confirm now.”

Despite his limited game time, Chiesa was included in Liverpool’s squad for the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, though he remained an unused substitute.

With Liverpool involved in several competitions, including a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, Chiesa could still play a vital role in the team’s season.

Federico Chiesa’s second chance at Liverpool

Liverpool signed Chiesa hoping he could replicate the form that saw him contribute over 20 goals and assists in multiple seasons at Juventus.

Although injuries and fitness struggles have hindered his progress, there is still optimism that the 27-year-old can find his form and justify the club’s investment in him.

As Liverpool competes for trophies on multiple fronts, Chiesa’s contributions in the second half of the season could prove crucial.

January 7, 2025
South Carolina Secures Tough, Battle-Tested Transfer Portal O-Lineman

On Monday, South Carolina football secured its third transfer portal offensive lineman of the offseason with the commitment and signing of Boaz Stanley, a 12-game starter at Troy this past season.

Stanley, a junior college All-American at Georgia Military in 2022, was sidelined for much of the 2023 season due to injury. However, in 2024, he emerged as a starter for Troy, contributing significantly at both center and right tackle.

In his first year at the FBS level, Stanley allowed only two sacks and committed no penalties in nearly 800 snaps. Although somewhat overlooked in rankings, the 6’4”, 310-pound lineman is a valuable addition.

Stanley, a native of Georgia, is versatile enough to play any position on the offensive line for South Carolina, and his adaptability could lead to competition for multiple starting spots. Given the players the Gamecocks have pursued in the portal, it is likely he will initially play on the interior of the offensive line.

Stanley has two or three years of eligibility remaining, depending on how the NCAA handles former junior college players in the future.

South Carolina’s offensive line had an inconsistent 2024 season, though it showed improvement as the year progressed. The Gamecocks will lose their three interior starters (Vershon Lee, Torricelli Simpkins, and Kamaar Bell) to graduation.

Stanley becomes South Carolina’s ninth transfer portal commitment this cycle. He joins fellow offensive linemen Nick Sharpe (Wake Forest) and Rodney Newsom (Western Kentucky), defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (Texas A&M), linebacker Shawn Murphy (Florida State), tight end Jordan Dingle (Kentucky), EDGE Jaylen Brown (Missouri), defensive back Myles Norwood (Ball State), and quarterback Air Noland (Ohio State).

With Stanley’s commitment, the Gamecocks have successfully met their goal of adding three offensive linemen during this portal cycle.

January 7, 2025
Mohamed Salah’s Impact Unavoidable as Unspoken Liverpool Worries Become Reality

The contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk had largely been a non-issue for Liverpool on the pitch, but this may now be about to change.

Football supporters are famously obsessive, often scrutinizing every detail, and Mohamed Salah recently provided plenty to dissect following Liverpool’s frustrating draw with Manchester United. On Monday morning, as is customary, the Egyptian posted on social media, sharing reflections on the match. However, the post highlighted an image of Salah preparing to take a second-half free-kick, which sparked particular interest due to the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. The trio, as the only players visible in the image, are also the three senior Liverpool members whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, potentially leaving the club on free transfers.

Liverpool fans, eager for updates on contract negotiations with the trio, have inevitably drawn conclusions from Salah’s post. The timing has only added to the speculation, especially with the opening of the January transfer window, which allows the three players to officially discuss potential moves with foreign clubs and sign pre-contract agreements for the summer.

This situation was always likely to unfold, with the looming contract uncertainty now starting to shift the focus away from Liverpool’s on-field success. What had been a recurring topic of discussion is now threatening to become a tangible distraction, both in terms of the team’s performance and the wider atmosphere surrounding the club.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s subpar display against United added to the uncertainty, especially since it followed reports that Real Madrid had expressed interest in acquiring the 26-year-old, potentially for a relatively low transfer fee. With Liverpool still in contention for silverware on multiple fronts, weakening the squad by selling Alexander-Arnold in January seems unappealing, given his crucial role when fit.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid’s confirmed interest could become a growing distraction for Alexander-Arnold and the team. However, there has been no significant indication so far that the contract situations of Van Dijk and Salah have negatively impacted their performances. Van Dijk was one of Liverpool’s standout performers against United, and Salah continued his excellent form, scoring his 21st goal of the season from the penalty spot.

A key distinction remains, though, as Salah and Van Dijk have both indicated a willingness to address their contract situations publicly, even if only to acknowledge they are far from reaching new agreements. In contrast, Alexander-Arnold has not yet spoken about his situation, which could suggest he is still undecided on his future. If that’s the case, publicly discussing his contract might be premature, but once he makes a decision, it would benefit everyone if he clarified his intentions. This would help bring clarity in the final months of the season, allow the focus to return solely to football, and put an end to speculation.

Ultimately, should Real Madrid become a more serious option, Alexander-Arnold wouldn’t be the first homegrown player, nor the first exceptional talent, to leave Liverpool on a free transfer. Additionally, any sustained criticism from fans is unlikely to convince him to stay, although some dissatisfaction with his performance against United would be justified.

Liverpool, of course, cannot escape blame for allowing the contracts of three key players to reach this stage. However, it’s important to recognize that the club has made offers to all three, and despite Van Dijk and Salah’s declared commitment to the club, including Van Dijk’s “calm” approach to his situation, no agreement has yet been reached. All three players, like Alexander-Arnold, have their own sense of value, which has influenced the negotiations.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have positioned themselves strongly to compete for trophies both domestically and internationally, making it a memorable season under the Dutch manager. How Real Madrid and any other interested parties handle their pursuit of the three players is beyond Liverpool’s control. However, allowing the contract issues to linger without resolution would be unwise, as it threatens to undermine the team’s prospects over the coming months. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining how much of a distraction these contract talks will ultimately become.

January 7, 2025
Arne Slot Losing Faith as Liverpool Set Price for Star Player

Liverpool are not anticipating a busy January transfer window as Arne Slot sets his sights on a Premier League title challenge.

The Reds resumed their EPL campaign over the weekend with a 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United, but Slot’s side still leads the title race by six points.

The primary focus at Anfield remains on ongoing contract negotiations with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Slot is reportedly content with his current squad, although there is a possibility of a significant sale to generate funds for future acquisitions.

According to Football Insider, Darwin Nunez could be one player moved on by Slot after a mixed start to his tenure under the Dutch coach.

Nunez’s Liverpool contract, transfer value

Nunez’s existing deal keeps him at the club until 2028 after joining for £64m ($71m) from Benfica in June 2022.

The Uruguayan has struggled with consistency on Merseyside, having scored just 20 EPL goals across his first two seasons under Jurgen Klopp.

Slot has used him even less in the 2024/25 season, with just seven league starts and two goals by the midway point of the campaign.

Reports suggest that Liverpool are willing to entertain offers around £45m ($55m), a significant loss on their initial investment in the 25-year-old.

Slot’s stance on Nunez seems clear, with Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo all ahead of him in the attacking hierarchy, and the former Feyenoord manager losing confidence in his ability to adapt to the new system at Liverpool.

Newcastle United may be tempted to make a bid, either in January or the summer, particularly if they receive a substantial offer for star striker Alexander Isak.

More news….

Fabrizio Romano Shares Optimistic Transfer Update for Liverpool

Fabrizio Romano has shared an exclusive update regarding the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, indicating that Liverpool is feeling optimistic about securing their contracts.

In his comments to CaughtOffside via the Daily Briefing, Romano revealed that while there is still work to be done to retain these two key players, discussions are ongoing.

The situation appears less promising for Liverpool in terms of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold, but there is still confidence that the club can convince both Salah and Van Dijk to remain at Anfield.

Similar to Alexander-Arnold, both Salah and Van Dijk are set to be out of contract this summer, which means Liverpool is racing against time to get them to sign new deals.

At this point, things seem to be progressing in the right direction, though a resolution may not be immediate.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to stay at Liverpool?

“Liverpool maintain their stance – they are confident to make it happen with Salah and Van Dijk, but there is still no breakthrough in talks.

“So, there is more work for them to do on those deals.”

Liverpool fans may feel disappointed by the lack of progress with Alexander-Arnold, but holding on to two iconic figures like Salah and Van Dijk would likely ease that frustration.

Salah, in particular, has been one of the top performers globally in recent months, making it crucial for Liverpool to avoid losing the Egyptian international on a free transfer.

Van Dijk, the club’s captain, continues to perform at a high level despite his age, so Liverpool fans will be hoping he extends his stay at Anfield as well.

January 6, 2025
5 Key Takeaways from Liverpool vs Man Utd – Van Dijk Lashes Out at Teammate as Arne Slot’s Prediction Comes True

Liverpool was held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United, despite being six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah both found the net for the Reds, while Lisandro Martinez scored for United, and Amad Diallo equalized to complete the stalemate.

While Arne Slot had previously emphasized Manchester United’s ability to perform even when struggling in the league, it became evident during the match. Here’s what we noted as the game progressed.

Contract Situation Sends a Message, but Alexander-Arnold Struggles A new banner on The Kop now reads, “Give Mo And Co Their Dough”, a reference to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, who are nearing the end of their contracts. As speculation about Alexander-Arnold’s future intensifies, especially with Real Madrid reportedly interested, the right-back’s struggles were apparent during the match. He failed to make a significant impact going forward and was often caught out defensively. Roy Keane humorously suggested Alexander-Arnold was more likely to end up at Tranmere Rovers than Real Madrid, but concerns over his form and potential distractions are becoming hard to ignore. Van Dijk visibly expressed his frustration when Alexander-Arnold took too long over a throw-in, but it was his lax defending that raised more serious concerns.

Manchester United Impressed Ahead of the game, many expected a dominant Liverpool performance, especially after their 7-0 victory over United in 2023 and the sizeable points gap in the standings. However, Manchester United defied expectations. In the first half, they created the better chances and played with confidence. Their 3-4-3 formation allowed them to build play effectively from the back while nullifying Liverpool’s press, with Luis Diaz often isolated. After Martinez put United ahead in the second half, Gakpo quickly responded, but Amad Diallo’s strike ensured the game ended in a draw. Liverpool were fortunate not to lose, as United’s performance was more than commendable.

Alexis Mac Allister Shines In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister was exceptional. Despite a slow start to the match, it was Mac Allister who played a pivotal role in getting Liverpool back into the game. He was instrumental in orchestrating their play, setting the tempo and threading clever passes through United’s press. His ability to think and move quickly set him apart from the other midfielders, with Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch struggling to make an impact. Mac Allister’s display once again highlighted why he remains one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season.

Arne Slot’s Insight Proves Accurate Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, had warned about Manchester United’s potential danger before the match, recognizing the quality of their squad. “I think every game we play is a serious test,” Slot said. “Manchester United has much more quality than some other teams, so we know, not only because of the rivalry but also the quality players, it is a challenging game.” His foresight proved correct, as United showcased their resilience, earning a valuable point at Anfield. Slot had predicted that United could spring a surprise, and while Liverpool avoided defeat, it was two points dropped considering the gap in the standings.

Premier League Lead Remains Intact Despite the draw, Liverpool still leads the Premier League by six points, with a game in hand. That game could be crucial, as it’s a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. However, this result will be seen as a missed opportunity, and Liverpool will be disappointed not to have capitalized on the chance to extend their lead further. While the performance was not disastrous, it was far from convincing, and Slot will be keen to quickly move on from this result and focus on the next challenge.

January 6, 2025
Liverpool Face Immediate Trent Alexander-Arnold Dilemma as Conor Bradley’s Role is Highlighted

Ian Doyle reviews the key points after Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future had once again been a major topic of discussion during the week, but now his present is what deserves attention.

The right-back’s performance against Manchester United was always going to attract scrutiny, especially after Real Madrid’s recent failed attempt to convince Liverpool to let him leave this month. Although no new contract is in the works, the Spanish club remain favorites to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

Rather than demonstrate his usual composure amid speculation, Alexander-Arnold had an abysmal game. His passing radar was off, he lacked the usual desire to track back, and his decision-making left much to be desired. The issues were evident early on when Alexander-Arnold failed to notice United’s Kobbie Mainoo returning to the field from treatment, walking behind him to challenge for possession. He was easily caught out of position in the first half and was partly responsible for United’s opening goal. It was telling that in the 86th minute, Conor Bradley, his replacement, made a successful tackle within just a minute of coming on. As Arne Slot pointed out, difficult games are part of every player’s career, but the timing of this poor performance couldn’t have been worse. With Bradley now fit, the competition for his spot has become more intense.

Mac Allister steps up

Alexis Mac Allister, who missed last season’s meeting with Manchester United due to injury, was eager to make an impact in this match. While several of his teammates struggled under difficult conditions, Mac Allister, with his gloves on and sleeves metaphorically rolled up, emerged as one of Liverpool’s best performers.

The Argentina international nearly opened the scoring in the first half with a superb first-time shot, which was saved by United goalkeeper Andre Onana’s leg. He later played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s equalizer, delivering a precise pass for Cody Gakpo to score. Mac Allister also won the penalty that allowed Mohamed Salah to level the all-time Premier League scoring chart alongside Thierry Henry by forcing Matthijs de Ligt into a handball.

Ryan Gravenberch, alongside him, came close to scoring but wasn’t quite as solid defensively as he had been in previous matches. Curtis Jones, on the other hand, struggled to make a consistent impact throughout the game. With Dominik Szoboszlai absent, it was somewhat surprising that Harvey Elliott only made a brief appearance late on. Given the upcoming League Cup semi-final and FA Cup tie, Elliott and other fringe players are likely to see more minutes in the coming matches.

Konate’s welcome return

Conor Bradley wasn’t the only player making a return to Liverpool’s defense. Ibrahima Konate also started for the first time since suffering a knee injury against Real Madrid in late November.

While Joe Gomez has done admirably in Konate’s absence, the Frenchman’s partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been a key foundation for Liverpool’s title push. Konate showed his strength early in the game, but it was clear he wasn’t fully ready to play the full 90 minutes. Though he was solid in aerial duels, he tired as the match wore on and was slow to close down Alejandro Garnacho, which contributed to United’s equalizer.

With Liverpool struggling for control, Van Dijk—celebrating seven years since his debut—was forced to make several crucial interceptions and blocks. He almost snatched a late winner, but Onana denied him. It was yet another frustrating moment for Slot’s team on a challenging afternoon.

January 6, 2025