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Liverpool’s position on two midfielders reveals Arne Slot’s January transfer focus

Liverpool can further strengthen their title prospects in January.

It seems that bolstering the defence will be Arne Slot’s main focus next month as his Liverpool team aim to maintain their momentum in the Premier League. Sunday’s 0-5 victory over west Ham United temporarily placed them 8 points clear at the top, with the Dutch coach continuing to impress in his first season in England.

This success has come despite a quiet summer transfer window, with only Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joining on a permanent deal before being loaned back to Valencia for the season.

Liverpool did activate a release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard chose to decline the move.

The club had been expected to revisit their interest in Zubimendi in January, with Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton both tipped for departures to free up funds. However, according to The Athletic, Slot is not willing to part with either player.

Endo, who has made just seven league appearances this season, has struggled to establish himself since his move from Stuttgart ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Marseille made an offer just below £12million for him in the summer, but it was turned down, and Liverpool are reportedly not planning a discounted sale in January.

Meanwhile, Morton has seen little playing time since returning from his loan spell at Hull City six months ago. Liverpool is reportedly not considering sending him out on loan again, and they won’t entertain permanent offers below £20million.

Bayer Leverkusen has recently been linked with the 22-year-old, but their interest appears to have cooled due to Liverpool’s stance. With both Endo and Morton likely to remain at Anfield, and Slot satisfied with his existing squad, Liverpool will likely focus on adding defensive reinforcements.

Both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are currently sidelined due to injury, and Andy Robertson’s performances continue to be under scrutiny after his latest mistake against Leicester. While Virgil van Dijk remains a key figure, his contract, which expires in June, has not yet been extended.

Doubts are also growing over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future, as, like Van Dijk, he will be free to leave in the summer and can start negotiating with overseas clubs in January.

Liverpool have already been linked with players such as Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies, although the latter is likely a summer target when his contract expires.

Slot will be eager to deepen his squad, having seen Liverpool’s title rivals suffer from a series of injuries. He has publicly cautioned his players about Manchester City’s current struggles, with their form having dipped due to key players being sidelined.

December 29, 2024
Arne Slot reveals when Liverpool rotation is likely to happen next – “Not worried yet”

Liverpool’s demanding schedule is set to become even more intense with the addition of a fourth competition, and Arne Slot has hinted at when rotation may be needed.

Slot has been encouraged to adjust his starting lineup when possible, especially considering Liverpool’s past struggles with player fatigue late in the season. Excluding changes made before or after League Cup matches, Slot typically makes 2.3 changes to his lineup per game. However, this figure rises to 3.8 when cup games are included.

The Dutch manager acknowledged that he didn’t “rotate a lot” during his time at Feyenoord but has quickly realized that rotation is a key concern, particularly during the busy festive period.

Liverpool will wrap up their 2024 schedule on Sunday, followed by eight matches in four competitions throughout January. Slot has already suggested when we might see lineup changes.

Before the Boxing Day victory, Slot discussed potential fitness issues with Prime Video, stating: “Not worried yet, but it’s also the first time for me that we play during Christmas.”

He continued, “It’s not a different month December than it was November or October because there were international breaks, but the players played the same amount of games. It just keeps on adding up. Normally, after six or seven months you feel more tiredness than after three or four.”

Slot acknowledged the possibility of resting players in certain games, saying, “But if you look at some games, I could have rested a few times – in league games I could have rested a few – but there’s a possibility maybe in the FA Cup as well.”

For now, he added, “it’s tough for the players but they manage to cope with the schedule really well.”

Liverpool will face League Two side Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round on January 11, with three matches scheduled beforehand. This presents an ideal opportunity for rotation, with players like Jarell Quansah, Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa likely to feature.

Slot will also be hoping Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are fit to return, as this match could offer a gentler reintroduction to action.

This season, Slot has made an average of 8.3 changes for League Cup fixtures, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a similar approach is taken in the FA Cup, depending on how long Liverpool remains in the competition.

Currently, Liverpool’s injury list is limited to Konate and Bradley, but rotation will be crucial to preventing further injuries in the early part of 2025.

December 29, 2024
Liverpool Transfer News LIVE – Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Move to Real Madrid ‘Confirmed’ Amid Ongoing Contract Negotiations

The latest updates from Liverpool include transfer rumors, with reports from Spain suggesting Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided to join Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Although the January transfer window is still days away from officially opening, speculation has already intensified during the festive period.

For Liverpool, names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah have dominated the headlines, as they are just days away from being able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs. As of New Year’s Day, they will officially enter the final six months of their contracts at Anfield.

In Alexander-Arnold’s case, Spanish publication Marca reports that the 26-year-old has informed Liverpool of his wish to join Real Madrid after this season. It is well-known that the Spanish and European champions highly regard Alexander-Arnold and are eager to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

Here, the ECHO brings you the latest updates on Alexander-Arnold and other transfer news related to Arne Slot’s team.

Kelleher in demand, with overseas club interested in ‘keeper

Newcastle United are said to be interested in Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of the goalkeeper’s anticipated departure from Anfield next summer.

According to TEAMtalk, Eddie Howe is looking for a younger option to compete with or potentially replace Nick Pope, who will be 32 next season. Kelleher is reportedly on their radar alongside Burnley’s James Trafford, whom they bid £15million for during the summer window.

In addition to Newcastle, Fiorentina is also said to be eyeing Kelleher. The Serie A club, who currently have veteran Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea as their number one, is also monitoring Leeds United’s Illan Meslier, who stayed with the club after their relegation to the Championship.

Reds may have already found an Alexander-Arnold replacement thanks to Slot’s decision

If Trent Alexander-Arnold were to leave Anfield, Liverpool would face a significant challenge in replacing him.

This is a potential issue that Arne Slot hopes to avoid, but it’s one Liverpool cannot afford to overlook.

The good news for the Reds is that they may already have a replacement for Alexander-Arnold in place, without needing to make any signings in the transfer market.

Antonee Robinson’s transfer in January is reportedly a “realistic possibility,” with interest from Liverpool.

According to Football Insider, the club is closely monitoring the Fulham left-back, and they suggest that a significant deal in January remains likely. The report claims Robinson may be inclined to seek a move next year, whether during the midseason window or in the summer, with a January departure being particularly noteworthy.

However, Fulham may demand a hefty fee for the player, as he is under contract for another three and a half years. Robinson extended his deal until the summer of 2023 before the start of last season.

December 28, 2024
Liverpool’s response to Luis Diaz after he expressed a strong desire to join Barcelona

Liverpool are performing well on the pitch, but Arne Slot still faces some challenges regarding the future of several key players.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah are all set to become free agents next year, with ongoing discussions between the club and these players about contract extensions.

In addition to them, Luis Diaz’s future has been called into question recently, especially after rumors linked him to a potential move to Barcelona this summer.

It seems the situation is developing, with the Colombian reportedly keen on joining the Catalan club.

Luis Diaz wants to leave Liverpool for Barcelona

Earlier in the season, Diaz was rumored to be moving to Barcelona, though the transfer never materialized as he opted to stay at Liverpool.

That decision appears to have worked out well for him, as he has seamlessly adapted to Slot’s playing style, becoming an important figure under the Dutch manager.

Liverpool are eager to offer Diaz a new contract, but the 27-year-old seems to have other plans.

According to Caught Offside, both Barcelona and PSG are competing for his signature, with the Colombian reportedly displaying a “clear willingness” to join the Spanish club.

However, Liverpool have made it clear that Diaz is not for sale and have directly informed him that a transfer will not be facilitated.

The report also notes that Slot is pleased with Diaz’s performances early in the season, indicating he wants to keep him at the club.

Neither Barcelona nor PSG have made an offer yet, but PSG is reportedly ready to offer £51m plus a player in exchange—a deal that Liverpool currently has no interest in pursuing.

Diaz’s stats this season

Alan Shearer praised Diaz’s exceptional performance in Liverpool’s 6-3 victory over Tottenham, where he played as a center-forward and scored twice.

While he has primarily played on the left flank alongside Cody Gakpo, the Colombian has also impressed as a central striker, notably scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the season.

Diaz is clearly valued by Slot, and with a contract running until 2027, Liverpool are in a strong position regarding his future and are in no rush to make a decision.

More news……

Liverpool’s Ideal Line-Up Following January Transfer Window and £40m Signing

Liverpool Transfer News: January Window Could See Strengthening of Squad

From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem that Liverpool’s squad doesn’t require any reinforcements based on their performance so far this season. The Reds are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand, and also lead the Champions League group stages.

However, with the January transfer window approaching, speculation is starting to build about possible signings. Liverpool have not hesitated to invest in the market during previous January windows when needed.

Several players have already been linked with moves to Anfield, and one area that has been identified as in need of bolstering is left-back. One player who has emerged as a potential target is Milos Kerkez. The Hungary international has been a standout performer for Bournemouth this season, contributing significantly to their rise to fifth place in the Premier League. Kerkez is reportedly valued at around £40 million, though his importance to Bournemouth could see that price rise.

If Liverpool were to pursue Kerkez, he would compete for the left-back spot with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Reds’ manager Arne Slot has frequently rotated between Robertson and Tsimikas this season, but multiple reports suggest that signing a new left-back remains a priority in the coming weeks.

Another player still on Liverpool’s radar is Martin Zubimendi, following the failed attempt to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder last summer. While it remains unclear whether Zubimendi is still a primary target, more clarity is expected as the January window nears.

The forward positions have also seen Liverpool linked with a number of names, including Omar Marmoush, Joao Pedro, and Viktor Gyokeres. Given the strength of Liverpool’s current attacking options, these rumours could be speculative at this point.

Liverpool’s potential strongest lineup after the January transfer window could look like this:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

December 28, 2024
Jurgen Klopp has already delivered the ideal message to guide Trent Alexander-Arnold on what to do.

For Trent Alexander-Arnold, the decision he makes in 2025 will not only shape the course of his career but potentially impact his life as well. As he waits for updates on a new contract at Liverpool, speculation continues to swirl.

According to the Spanish publication MARCA, Alexander-Arnold has already decided and plans to join Real Madrid. While Arne Slot has consistently avoided commenting on the matter in public, and the player himself has preferred to keep negotiations private, an announcement seems inevitable soon.

By early 2025, Alexander-Arnold will have to make his choice. In just three days, he will be able to speak freely with foreign clubs (with Real Madrid being the likely destination) regarding a potential free transfer. If no changes occur by the season’s end, his current contract will expire.

Despite Liverpool fans likely expecting one of their own to stay at a club arguably at its peak, joining Real Madrid has its advantages. The lifestyle and climate in Spain are more appealing, and the prospect of experiencing a new challenge could be enticing.

Jamie Carragher recently pointed out that Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool on a free transfer would be perceived differently compared to Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk. While all three share the same contract situation, neither Salah nor van Dijk are local academy products.

There’s an expectation surrounding Alexander-Arnold to either remain at Liverpool or, if he leaves, ensure the club receives compensation to reinvest in a replacement. Whether fair or not, his departure would be framed differently from that of his peers, given his status as a local talent and a key player for Liverpool.

Steve McManaman’s move to Real Madrid on a free transfer, where he won two Champions League titles in four years, left a lasting impact on his reputation among Liverpool supporters. His departure was never fully forgiven, and Alexander-Arnold would have to consider if he’s willing to face similar scrutiny.

Jurgen Klopp once said, “Stay here [at Liverpool] and they will end up building a statue in your honor. Go somewhere else — to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid — and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more,” as he addressed Philippe Coutinho in 2017. This sentiment applies equally to Alexander-Arnold, with the choice between the allure of Real Madrid and the unique legacy he could build at Liverpool.

Had Arne Slot’s appointment not gone smoothly or if Manchester City were set to dominate yet again, leaving Liverpool might have been easier to justify. However, with the current state of affairs, Alexander-Arnold has just as much chance of winning another Champions League at Liverpool as he would at the Bernabeu.

While trophies matter, Alexander-Arnold has frequently emphasized his desire to leave a “legacy” and how he wants to be remembered in football. His decision regarding his future will significantly impact how he is viewed by the Liverpool supporters—arguably the most important group in his career. Klopp’s words to Coutinho seem particularly relevant now, especially since his departure didn’t go as he envisioned. If Alexander-Arnold leaves, as a local hero, his legacy on Merseyside would undoubtedly change.

December 28, 2024
Liverpool’s position on Tyler Morton and Wataru Endo transfers ahead of January

Liverpool are not anticipated to sell Tyler Morton or Wataru Endo in the January transfer window, despite neither midfielder securing a regular starting spot.

Arne Slot has established a core group of four midfielders who regularly start, a group that even Harvey Elliott has found difficult to break into.

Among these are academy graduate Morton and Endo, the fourth-oldest player in the squad, who have played just 162 and 261 minutes respectively.

However, despite their limited playing time and significant summer interest, Liverpool are not planning to allow either player to leave in January.

This information comes from two reliable Merseyside journalists. James Pearce of The Athletic has provided details on Morton, while David Lynch, now writing on Substack, offered an update on Endo.

Pearce explained that Liverpool will not allow Morton to go on loan. He added that, with clubs unwilling to meet their £20 million asking price in the summer, “unless a midfielder is added, that stance is likely to remain unchanged.”

Meanwhile, Lynch reported that Liverpool won’t move Endo in the middle of the season, although his situation may be reassessed at the season’s end.

In July, Marseille had an £11.8 million bid for Endo rejected, and no further offers came forward. While several European clubs showed interest in Morton, no permanent bids were made. Bayer Leverkusen were seen as the closest to signing the 22-year-old, but with Liverpool unwilling to loan him out again, he remained at the club.

Pearce noted that Morton’s “attitude and application in training have been second to none,” with Slot and his staff clearly impressed by his dedication.

With Liverpool advancing to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and likely to progress deep into the FA Cup – having drawn League Two’s Accrington Stanley in the third round – there will be more opportunities in 2025.

It’s reasonable to assume that Liverpool would not be open to weakening their squad in January, despite the limited roles played by both Endo and, in particular, Morton.

Both players are expected to accept this stance, especially with Liverpool in an exceptional position at the close of the year, leading both the Premier League and Champions League.

More news……

Liverpool gets major update on contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool awaits decisions from Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold regarding their futures, but there is encouraging news for the former two.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are reportedly “very likely” to sign new contracts with Liverpool. The two, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are approaching the end of their current contracts, which expire at the season’s conclusion. All three players have received offers to extend their stays, but no decisions have been made yet.

The coming week could be crucial, as the trio may begin negotiating pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting in January unless they commit to new deals before then.

Although a final decision before the year’s end seems increasingly unlikely, positive news has emerged regarding Van Dijk and Salah. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, stated that the pair are “very likely” to stay at Anfield.

Sheth also suggested that while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain, he has been less vocal about it compared to his teammates.

This update follows Van Dijk’s recent comments hinting at his desire to remain at Liverpool. Ahead of the Boxing Day match against Leicester, the captain told Amazon Prime: “I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me and it is a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level. We will see what the future brings.”

Liverpool.com notes that it has always seemed likely that Van Dijk and Salah would extend their contracts, while Alexander-Arnold might require more persuasion, particularly with the allure of Real Madrid. Hopefully, Sheth’s prediction holds true, and there will be no long wait for Van Dijk and Salah to sign new deals. With January just around the corner, it seems they might consider other offers, but the hope is they will ultimately remain with Liverpool.

December 28, 2024
Premier League issues two statements following Liverpool’s VAR reviews against Leicester City

Curtis Jones netted Liverpool’s second goal of the match, but had to wait for VAR to confirm it, following a disallowed strike from Cody Gakpo.

The Premier League has confirmed that Darwin Nunez was in an offside position when Gakpo’s potential second goal for Liverpool against Leicester City was ruled out at Anfield. Gakpo’s powerful shot into the net would have put Liverpool 3-1 up after coming from behind, but the goal was disallowed after a prolonged delay.

Assistant referee Matthew Wilks immediately raised his flag when Gakpo scored, but after reviewing the situation, it was determined that Mohamed Salah, whose cross was deflected to Gakpo, was onside. The next check focused on Nunez.

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre on X (formerly Twitter) read: “The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Nunez was in an offside position in the build-up.”

This was the second VAR intervention of the evening, as officials had previously reviewed Salah’s position during the build-up to Curtis Jones’ goal, which gave Liverpool the lead. Jones’ goal came just four minutes into the second half, but it also required a long wait for confirmation.

It was unclear exactly what the VAR officials at Stockley Park were reviewing. While Nunez was clearly offside, both Virgil van Dijk and Gakpo were also potentially in an offside position, though neither was interfering with play at that moment. The focus was on Salah, who initially appeared to be onside. Salah had passed to Alexis Mac Allister, who then crossed for Jones to score.

An earlier statement noted: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Salah was in an onside position in the build-up.”

Liverpool had to fight hard to level the match against the struggling Foxes, who took the lead early on, with Jordan Ayew scoring inside the first four minutes. However, Gakpo’s curling shot from outside the box brought Liverpool back on level terms just before halftime, and Jones’ goal on his 100th Premier League appearance gave Liverpool the edge.

More news……

Liverpool gets major update on contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool awaits decisions from Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold regarding their futures, but there is encouraging news for the former two.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are reportedly “very likely” to sign new contracts with Liverpool. The two, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are approaching the end of their current contracts, which expire at the season’s conclusion. All three players have received offers to extend their stays, but no decisions have been made yet.

The coming week could be crucial, as the trio may begin negotiating pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting in January unless they commit to new deals before then.

Although a final decision before the year’s end seems increasingly unlikely, positive news has emerged regarding Van Dijk and Salah. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, stated that the pair are “very likely” to stay at Anfield.

Sheth also suggested that while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain, he has been less vocal about it compared to his teammates.

This update follows Van Dijk’s recent comments hinting at his desire to remain at Liverpool. Ahead of the Boxing Day match against Leicester, the captain told Amazon Prime: “I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me and it is a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level. We will see what the future brings.”

Liverpool.com notes that it has always seemed likely that Van Dijk and Salah would extend their contracts, while Alexander-Arnold might require more persuasion, particularly with the allure of Real Madrid. Hopefully, Sheth’s prediction holds true, and there will be no long wait for Van Dijk and Salah to sign new deals. With January just around the corner, it seems they might consider other offers, but the hope is they will ultimately remain with Liverpool.

December 28, 2024
Ruud van Nistelrooy assesses Liverpool’s odds of winning the Premier League title

Ruud van Nistelrooy shared his thoughts on Liverpool following their encounter at Anfield, where Arne Slot’s side claimed a comfortable 3-1 win in the Premier League.

Despite his team’s defeat, Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was impressed by Liverpool. Now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, Slot’s team is in a strong position.

“You never know in the Premier League and many things have happened before,” Van Nistelrooy said during a live broadcast on Amazon Prime. “But looking at this team and how stable they are and the depth of their squad, they have a great chance.”

He added, “It is up to us to keep developing and creating game plans for every opponent. The game plan was there, the players knew what to do and acted on it, but today was the maximum possible. Anfield is not the place where we usually collect points, but for our development, we have to do it, as the points need to be collected.”

Leicester’s only shot on target resulted in a goal, but they were otherwise outplayed. A stunning goal from Cody Gakpo leveled the game for Liverpool, before Curtis Jones put them ahead with a close-range finish early in the second half.

“We know when you come here, you want the start that we wanted,” Van Nistelrooy said. “We knew we had to be compact and defend well, which we did, and we had a couple of breaks. We were in the game for a long time, and at 2-1 we had the Patson Daka chance — these are moments.”

“In these games, you have to take them. When you are 1-0 up and we had a break with Stephy Mavididi on the counter, which led to a goal kick. A quick take from Alisson Becker and they combined into Gakpo. Him coming onto his right foot can be dangerous.”

More news…..

Liverpool star prefers Barcelona move if contract negotiations with Reds break down

The futures of several Liverpool players are currently uncertain due to their contract situations at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all in the final year of their contracts with the club. However, there is another player whose future at the club is also in doubt due to a lack of agreement over a new deal.

According to Spanish outlet Antena 2, Liverpool are facing difficulties in their efforts to extend the contract of winger Luis Diaz. The report indicates that if a new contract cannot be agreed upon, Diaz may prefer a move to Barcelona, although other prominent clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Diaz has been a key player for Liverpool, with his attacking contributions playing a major role in the team’s success this season. He has helped the team reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League standings.

The report also mentions that Liverpool value Diaz at approximately €80 million (£66.2m/$83.5m), a sum that financially-strapped Barcelona would find difficult to afford. Despite this, Diaz is reportedly keen on joining the Spanish giants, though Barcelona would face challenges in negotiating a transfer.

Luis Diaz has been an integral part of Liverpool’s squad, scoring nine goals and providing three assists so far this season. He has firmly established himself as the first-choice left-winger for the club.

Liverpool would prefer to retain Diaz and are likely to make every effort to ensure he remains at Anfield for the long term. With Salah approaching the final years of his career in the Premier League, it is crucial for the team to hold on to key players like Diaz, who can both score and create goals.

The Colombian international still has much room for growth in his career, and his potential is high. However, it remains to be seen whether his future will be at Liverpool or elsewhere.

In addition to Diaz’s situation, teammate Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to leave the club in the near future, while Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been linked with a move to Anfield.

December 27, 2024
Michael Owen identifies the sole team capable of preventing Liverpool from winning the title

Liverpool are heavy favourites to win the Premier League this season, and former Reds star Michael Owen has identified the “only danger” to their title hopes.

Owen believes Arsenal pose the “only danger” to Liverpool’s challenge for the Premier League title.

Currently, Liverpool lead the table by seven points, having only lost once this season under their new manager, Arne Slot. Arsenal are in fourth place but could move up to second if they defeat Ipswich at the Emirates tonight.

This would bring them to within six points of Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. Owen, however, sees them as the only team with a realistic chance to threaten Liverpool’s lead. He does acknowledge, though, that Liverpool are “streaking clear” of the competition and says he would be “astonished” if they failed to win the league.

“They’re [Liverpool] absolutely loving it aren’t they, you can only imagine that dressing room,” Owen said to Premier League Productions after Liverpool’s 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester on Boxing Day.

“People will say, they [Liverpool] will come out and say, ‘we don’t look at other teams, we just concentrate on ourselves,’ and they’re right to do that. They are concentrating on themselves, and they are motoring along really well.

“But everyone around them is falling away at the same time—Chelsea lost today, Manchester City dropped points again, and they’re probably out of it now. When I look at the league table, I’d be astonished if Liverpool don’t go on to win it now.

“I think their only danger could be Arsenal. I don’t fancy Chelsea, I think they are too young, too inexperienced. Forest are having a great season but they can’t sustain that. Newcastle are too far behind, even though they are coming into good form at the moment. Bournemouth can’t challenge either.

“For me, it’s Arsenal and Arsenal only in terms of danger to them [Liverpool]. But I think they’re only a danger to themselves, the way they are playing, unless they implode themselves, unless they have a Manchester City moment, it looks like they’re streaking clear.”

More news…..

“He will depart and I’m certain” – Transfer expert reveals major Liverpool update

Liverpool have undergone a complete transformation under Arne Slot this season. They are currently at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings, seemingly unstoppable.

Key players such as Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been performing excellently, with each of them reaching new heights under the Dutch manager’s guidance.

However, one player has drawn criticism from fans for his performances this season. Darwin Nunez has scored just two goals in 11 Premier League matches, a disappointing return for a striker playing in a team challenging for titles.

Transfer expert David Lynch believes that Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. He shared his thoughts with Sports Mole:

“It’s essentially settled now. I just don’t think there’s a debate there around Nunez. I think the die’s cast now. I think Nunez is what he is – two-and-a-half seasons in now, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, so the job is now to get the best out of him that you can between now and the end of the season, and then he will leave and I’m sure he’ll find somewhere else where [he will] fit better and [be] more appreciated.”

“It’s not been a very good signing, but as I say, it’s just important now to refocus on what he can do and what he can contribute between now and May.”

Liverpool require additional goals from Darwin Nunez

Liverpool need more goals from Nunez, as while his work rate has been commendable, his finishing has been a significant concern for the team.

His lack of awareness in front of goal and failure to capitalize on chances has cost Liverpool points this season, especially in the recent match against Newcastle United.

To address this, Liverpool are reportedly considering Brighton’s Joao Pedro as a potential replacement for Nunez next year, with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram also catching the club’s attention.

For Liverpool to reach the next level, they need a more prolific goal-scorer in their attack.

December 27, 2024
Two Jets All-Pros Likely to Miss Week 17 Game Against Bills

The New York Jets will need all the star power they can muster when facing Josh Allen and the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills this Sunday in Orchard Park.

Unfortunately, two key starters, one on each side of the ball, are likely to be unavailable. Wide receiver Davante Adams and cornerback Sauce Gardner have both been listed as non-participants for the second consecutive day.

The Jets did not practice on Wednesday, so the DNP status is merely an estimation, but neither Adams nor Gardner was active when the team resumed practice on Thursday in Florham Park.

Adams is a new addition to the injury report this week, dealing with a hip issue. In the Jets’ most recent game against the Los Angeles Rams on December 22, he played 67 of 69 offensive snaps.

Meanwhile, Gardner is struggling with a hamstring injury for the second time in a month. He was forced to leave early in the loss to the Rams and did not return.

Gardner had missed the December 8 game against the Miami Dolphins due to the hamstring, but he made a full return in the December 15 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing all 84 defensive snaps in that contest.

In addition, starting offensive linemen Alijah Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses were also non-participants for the Jets. Starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II was upgraded to a limited status on Thursday.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been playing through an MCL injury, has been a full participant for two straight days.

More news…….

Garrett Wilson on Potential New Deal: “I Love the Jets,” but “Can’t Focus on That Right Now”

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson isn’t focused on securing his long-term future at the moment.

“I don’t know, man,” Wilson said, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “I just go about my day… wherever my feet are at. If they [extend my contract], that would be a blessing. It would be awesome. I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. But, yeah, I can’t be worrying about that. I have to go out and finish these three games the right way.”

Jets Videos@snyjets

“I love the Jets. At the end of the day, they were the ones that believed in me. I can’t be worrying about all that. Just going to finish these three games the right way.”<br><br>Garrett Wilson was asked if he would like to stay with the Jets long-term: <a href=”https://t.co/gEbJKyoamZ”>pic.twitter.com/gEbJKyoamZ</a>

Wilson is under contract with the team through the 2026 season and is eligible for an extension as soon as the upcoming offseason. However, his comments suggest that he may not be eager to commit to a new deal right away.

Cimini referenced a source who wouldn’t be surprised if the 2022 first-round pick asked for a trade in the near future.

Wilson had a standout rookie year, catching 83 passes for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. However, despite high expectations following that breakout season, his progress has stalled, even with Aaron Rodgers back on the field this year.

The Jets’ recent struggles on the field might also be taking a toll on Wilson. During a 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, he was seen having a tense exchange with receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.

A recent article by The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, Dianna Russini, and Michael Silver raised concerns about why a prominent player would want to stay with the Jets right now. The report largely placed the blame for the team’s dysfunction on owner Woody Johnson. One of the most notable revelations was the increasing influence of Johnson’s sons within the organization, including a reported incident where Johnson cited Jerry Jeudy’s Madden video game rating as a reason for opposing the acquisition of the veteran wide receiver.

In the NFL, players are motivated to secure long-term financial stability as quickly as possible, knowing that one injury can drastically reduce their earning potential. But for Wilson, the challenges and instability in New York since his arrival could cause him to reconsider his future with the team.

December 27, 2024