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Tag: Mohamed salah

  • Liverpool transfer news: Sunderland prodigy targeted as Mohamed Salah’s contract talks progress

    Liverpool transfer news: Sunderland prodigy targeted as Mohamed Salah’s contract talks progress

    Trey Ogunsuyi

    The latest transfer rumors surrounding Liverpool involve a potential move for Sunderland’s promising teenager Trey Ogunsuyi, as well as an update on Mohamed Salah’s future with the club as he nears the final six months of his contract.

    Liverpool is reportedly preparing to make a move for 17-year-old Ogunsuyi, who has impressed at youth level for Sunderland this season, scoring eight goals in seven appearances, including five in U21 matches. The Reds have recently made a habit of acquiring promising young talent from domestic rivals, with Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, and Amara Nallo joining from Chelsea, Leicester, and West Ham, respectively. Though Ogunsuyi, who has represented Belgium at youth level, has yet to play for Sunderland’s senior team, first-team manager Regis Le Bris has described him as a “very interesting player for the future.” The versatile forward is capable of playing across the attacking line, and according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool is ready to pursue him.

    In other news, Marca reports that Mohamed Salah is nearing an agreement on a contract renewal with Liverpool as he enters the final six months of his current deal. As of January 1, Salah will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs ahead of potentially leaving Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the season.

    Trey Ogunsuyi
    Trey Ogunsuyi

    However, Marca suggests that Salah’s situation has shifted recently, with the player having initially felt the club was unwilling to meet his demands. It is now claimed that a deal could be finalized before the year ends, which would prevent Salah from negotiating with other clubs for a move in the summer.

    Liverpool is said to have prioritized keeping at least two of Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. At this point, Salah and Van Dijk are considered the most likely to stay. Although some Saudi clubs are reportedly still monitoring Salah’s situation, the likelihood of him moving to the Middle East next year appears to be diminishing.

  • FSG’s Potential 2025 Pre-Season Destination for Liverpool Indicates £90m Deal Nearing Completion, with Mohamed Salah’s Role Crucial

    FSG’s Potential 2025 Pre-Season Destination for Liverpool Indicates £90m Deal Nearing Completion, with Mohamed Salah’s Role Crucial

    FSG's Potential 2025 Pre-Season Destination for Liverpool Indicates £90m Deal Nearing Completion, with Mohamed Salah's Role Crucial

    When Mohamed Salah reports for pre-season ahead of the 2025-26 season, fans are hoping it will be as a Liverpool player, rather than having just transferred on a free to a new club.

    The Egyptian King is currently in the form of his life at Anfield – a remarkable feat for a forward who has already accumulated 328 goal involvements in Liverpool colours.

    Salah has scored or assisted 29 times in 23 appearances across all competitions, a tally that surpasses any other player in Europe’s Big Five leagues.

    Europe’s Top Five Leagues: Most Goal Involvements

    Rank Player Position Age Nationality Club / League Matches Goals Assists
    1 Mohamed Salah Right Winger 32 Egypt Liverpool (Premier League) 15 13 9
    2 Harry Kane Centre-Forward 31 England Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) 12 14 7
    3 Omar Marmoush Centre-Forward 25 Egypt Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga) 14 13 8
    4 Raphinha Left Winger 28 Brazil FC Barcelona (La Liga) 18 11 8
    5 Robert Lewandowski Centre-Forward 36 Poland FC Barcelona (La Liga) 17 16 2
    6 Cole Palmer Attacking Midfield 22 England Chelsea (Premier League) 16 11 6
    7 Marcus Thuram Centre-Forward 27 France Inter Milan (Serie A) 14 10 6
    8 Mateo Retegui Centre-Forward 25 Italy Atalanta BC (Serie A) 16 12 3
    9 Vinicius Junior Left Winger 24 Brazil Real Madrid (La Liga) 14 8 7
    10 Lamine Yamal Right Winger 17 Spain FC Barcelona (La Liga) 16 5 10

    Yet, Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), could soon see Salah sign a pre-contract with an overseas club, with just over two weeks remaining before the January transfer window opens.

    As the 32-year-old nears the final six months of his contract, he has made it clear that FSG’s contract offer has not met his expectations.

    Reports from last week hinted that there had been some movement in the deadlock between the two sides, and notably with Salah’s representative, Ramy Abbass.

    In an unusual move for a player of Salah’s caliber, Abbass represents only him, bucking the common trend where most Liverpool players are represented by large agencies.

    Salah isn’t the only player facing a contract standoff with FSG. The futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are also uncertain.

    While Van Dijk has kept his frustrations private, the situation isn’t ideal for Arne Slot as he aims to lead Liverpool to a Premier League title. Nevertheless, the manager has handled the pressure well, and the performances of the three out-of-contract players have remained unaffected — in fact, they have excelled.

    As the team heads on their annual overseas pre-season tour next summer, they will hope to prepare for just their second-ever Premier League title defence.

    Recently, a potential new destination has been suggested for Liverpool’s tour, possibly signaling positive movement in Salah’s contract talks, alongside a potential lucrative commercial deal.

    Liverpool Set for New Kit Deal and Japan Tour in the works 

    In previous years, Liverpool’s pre-season tours have been more subdued compared to other top clubs. Jurgen Klopp, known for his meticulous pre-season planning, preferred less time in markets like the United States or Asia-Pacific, focusing more on familiar environments for his squad.

    While Liverpool still participated in commercial tours, they were not as extensive as FSG would have liked.

    However, with Arne Slot now in charge, and while he doesn’t yet hold the same influence as Klopp, FSG has greater freedom to plan these trips. Reports from late last week indicate that FSG is considering a pre-season tour to Japan and Hong Kong next summer.

    Why Japan? It is a crucial market for Adidas, the German sportswear giant, which has a history of encouraging clubs to launch new kits there.

    This mirrors the situation when Newcastle United partnered with Adidas ahead of this season, creating a large marketing campaign in Japan for their third kit.

     

    Liverpool is believed to have signed a new deal with Adidas, although it won’t be confirmed for several months to honor their existing contract with Nike.

    The new kit partnership is expected to represent a significant financial boost, with estimates suggesting it could be worth up to £90 million per season.

    Mohamed Salah’s Role in FSG’s Adidas Deal

    Liverpool’s commercial power is tightly linked with Salah’s influence. The forward is thought to earn around £1 million per week, with the majority of that coming from image rights and his personal brand endorsements.

    Crucially, Salah is an Adidas athlete.

    This connection would have played a pivotal role in FSG’s negotiations with Adidas. Salah has his own signature boots with the brand, and last year he was featured as one of the faces in their collaboration with luxury brand Gucci.

  • “£90m Transfer Clash Between Liverpool and Arsenal for ‘Top Talent'”

    “£90m Transfer Clash Between Liverpool and Arsenal for ‘Top Talent’”

    Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are reportedly all monitoring the possibility

    Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are reportedly all monitoring the possibility of signing West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

    The Ghana international has impressed for the Hammers, making him an attractive prospect for larger clubs, especially considering he may be too talented to stay at West Ham if Julen Lopetegui’s side continues to struggle this season.

    As reported by Fichajes, Kudus is valued at approximately £90 million, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle being the main clubs showing interest.

    Liverpool would likely benefit from adding the 24-year-old to their squad, particularly with Mohamed Salah’s contract nearing its end at Anfield.

    Arsenal, on the other hand, could use an alternative to Bukayo Saka, as Mikel Arteta’s team has become overly dependent on him while other attacking players have struggled with consistency.

    Mohammed Kudus Transfer: Does This Top Talent Have What It Takes to Succeed at a Major Club Like Liverpool or Arsenal?

    Mohammed Kudus transfer: Can this top talent make it at a big club like Liverpool or Arsenal?

    Kudus first gained attention at Ajax, leading West Ham to sign him last season, and he certainly made an impression in his debut Premier League campaign.

    West Ham teammate Aaron Cresswell once referred to Kudus as a “top talent” on a podcast, even humorously mentioning that he feels a bit intimidated when facing him in training.

    Although Kudus is undoubtedly a gifted player, it’s worth noting that his form has dipped this season, mirroring the struggles of the West Ham squad.

    It remains uncertain whether Kudus could return to his best form at clubs like Liverpool or Arsenal, where he’d be surrounded by higher-quality teammates.

    Liverpool fans might prefer to retain Salah, while Arsenal supporters could question whether a left-sided winger would be a better addition than someone whose style closely resembles Saka’s.

    Other news…..

    Positive update as Ibrahima Konate returns earlier than expected – LFC journalist

    Positive update as Ibrahima Konate returns earlier than expected – LFC journalist

    Ibrahima Konate could return to action before the end of the month, with his recovery progressing faster than initially expected.

    Konate has been sidelined since injuring his knee during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid on November 27, missing the team’s last three matches.

    Although it was reported that the injury wasn’t severe, Arne Slot had expressed doubts about Konate’s return before the year ends, along with Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas.

    However, there is now optimism that Konate could be back before December finishes, which would be a significant boost for Liverpool.

    David Lynch, a journalist covering Liverpool, shared an encouraging update after the 25-year-old returned to the gym without assistance. “He’s not in a knee brace now, so that’s encouraging,” Lynch told Anfield Agenda. “It kind of tallies with what I said, that it’s not quite that five-to-six weeks that was touted. There’s a real hope that he can be back before that. So hopefully back end of December we’ll see him, rather than into January, and what a boost that will be to get him straight back as well.”

    Liverpool has five more matches before the end of the month, starting with a home game against Fulham on Saturday. After that, they’ll face Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, followed by an away match against Tottenham next Sunday. It is likely that Konate will miss all three of these matches.

    However, Lynch’s update suggests that the France international could be available during the period between Christmas and New Year, with Liverpool playing Leicester at home on December 26 and West Ham away on December 29.

    During Konate’s absence, Slot has preferred Joe Gomez as Virgil van Dijk’s partner, and there is no indication this will change until Konate returns. Despite a mixed performance against Newcastle, Gomez has shown positive signs, meaning there’s less urgency for Konate to come back immediately.

    Still, having Konate back before the year’s end would be a major advantage as Liverpool seeks to maintain its excellent form heading into 2025.

  • Liverpool Transfer Update: Negotiations Begin for Mo Salah’s Successor as Star Speaks Out

    Liverpool Transfer Update: Negotiations Begin for Mo Salah’s Successor as Star Speaks Out

    Liverpool Transfer Update: Negotiations Begin for Mo Salah's Successor as Star Speaks Out

    Liverpool seems to be exploring options regarding Mohamed Salah’s future as the star forward heads towards a potential exit when his contract expires next summer. While Liverpool remain at the top of the Premier League, their recent draw with Fulham has them keeping a close eye on the competition.

    The January transfer window presents an opportunity for manager Arne Slot to strengthen his squad for the remainder of the title race. However, he also faces the potential departures of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom are out of contract next summer, with no official announcements yet about new deals for any of them. As the possibility of their exits looms, Liverpool seems to be seeking replacements.

    Unlike Salah, who has openly expressed his frustration with club owners FSG, Alexander-Arnold is trying to keep his situation low-key. Here, Mirror Football provides the latest updates on Liverpool’s transfer news.

    Discussions with Salah’s Potential Replacement

    Reports indicate that Liverpool have initiated talks with Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane regarding a potential transfer to Anfield, as uncertainty grows over Salah’s future. Both Salah and Sane will become free agents in the summer.

    According to BILD, the Reds are considering Sane as a possible successor for their Egyptian star should he depart. The 28-year-old, who previously played four years at Manchester City and has 67 caps for Germany, could return to England if Bayern opts not to renew his contract. Sane is regarded as one of Europe’s top wingers and has been previously linked with Liverpool.

    Target Hints at Departure

    Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has not ruled out leaving the French club in the near future, with Liverpool believed to be keeping an eye on the 21-year-old. Cherki has impressed for Lyon, scoring 22 goals and providing 31 assists in 157 appearances across all competitions.

    Though he signed a 12-month contract extension in September, keeping him at Lyon until June 2026, the club’s financial struggles could prompt a sale to generate funds, a possibility Cherki seems to acknowledge. When asked about his future after Lyon’s 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, Cherki bluntly responded, “We’ll see at the end of the season if I’m still here or not.”

    Alexander-Arnold Speaks on Future

    Amid ongoing rumors linking him to Real Madrid, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has stated that he will not publicly discuss his contract situation. The 26-year-old, whose current contract expires in June 2025, has been consistently linked with a move to Madrid, who are reportedly keen to sign him on a free transfer next summer. However, the right-back has made it clear that he intends to keep his future private.

    “I have been at the club 20 years now and I have signed four or five contract extensions… and none of those have been played out in public,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports. “This one won’t be either.”

  • Liverpool take significant step towards signing ideal Mo Salah replacement

    Liverpool take significant step towards signing ideal Mo Salah replacement

    Liverpool may land a new Roberto Firmino as $68m Arne Slot 'priority' appears to be a smart move.

    It has been known for some time that Liverpool may need to find replacements for both Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold by the end of this season.

    Although no one wanted to confront the reality of this possibility, the idea is certainly alarming. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in acquiring Alexander-Arnold, while Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to offer Salah a lucrative contract.

    As a result, Liverpool has been exploring a range of potential replacements for the duo.

    One such option is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.

    The Dutch player has primarily played as a right-back throughout his career, especially during Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign last season.

    When initial rumors surfaced, and Liverpool even invited Frimpong’s agent to a director’s box during Leverkusen’s visit to Anfield earlier this season, fans started to discuss the possibility of replacing Alexander-Arnold with Frimpong.

    However, something unexpected has occurred this season – Frimpong has been deployed as a right-winger.

    Is Jeremie Frimpong the potential replacement for Salah?

    Jeremie Frimpong

    Leverkusen’s acquisition of Nordi Mukiele on loan from PSG to play as a full-back has enabled Frimpong to move forward into a more attacking role.

    As a result, Frimpong’s signing might not be intended as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold, but rather for Mo Salah.

    Looking at the heatmaps for Frimpong and Salah this season, it’s striking how difficult it is to distinguish between the two (for reference, Frimpong’s is the first, Salah’s the second).

    In contrast, here is Alexander-Arnold’s.

    Why Jeremie Frimpong could be the ideal Salah replacement

    It’s clear that Frimpong is occupying attacking areas typically associated with an out-and-out attacker, while Alexander-Arnold has more defensive responsibilities.

    Frimpong has also been involved in nine goals across all competitions this season, adding to his 26 goal contributions from last year.

    Though replacing Salah is an enormous challenge, it’s evident that Frimpong possesses the attacking qualities that head coach Arne Slot could further nurture.

    Therefore, if Liverpool were to pursue him, Frimpong would likely be a better fit as Salah’s successor rather than Alexander-Arnold’s.

    This is a captivating turn in an ongoing transfer saga that could shape the future of Liverpool Football Club.

  • Liverpool may land a new Roberto Firmino as $68m Arne Slot ‘priority’ appears to be a smart move

    Liverpool may land a new Roberto Firmino as $68m Arne Slot ‘priority’ appears to be a smart move

    Liverpool is reportedly targeting a player who could become the next Roberto Firmino, with this potential transfer making perfect sense for Arne Slot in 2025.

    Currently, there aren’t many areas of Liverpool’s squad raising concerns. Leading both the Premier League and the Champions League, Arne Slot’s team is in a strong position.

    However, there are a few uncertainties in the forward line for the medium term. Therefore, it’s interesting to note that, according to Brazilian outlet UOL, Liverpool has made Brighton star Joao Pedro a priority for 2025, as the club is said to be exploring options for potential number nine reinforcements.

    With Darwin Nunez still showing inconsistency and Diogo Jota often sidelined by injuries, this move would make sense. Pedro also aligns stylistically with what Liverpool needs.

    At 23, he is at the right age to advance his career, showcasing the kind of skill set that Liverpool has historically admired. He is excellent in linking play, effective off the ball, and has been regularly scoring and assisting, with four goals and three assists in nine appearances under Fabian Hurzeler this season.

    In terms of defensive contributions, Pedro is among Europe’s top forwards and attacking midfielders, ranking in the 90th percentile for tackles and the 97th for interceptions. His passing and creativity numbers are also in the high 80s or low 90s percentile. He is showing potential to become the next Roberto Firmino.

    Soccer data site FBref also highlights that two of Pedro’s top-five most stylistically similar players are Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, which suggests he could be a good fit at Liverpool. Both Diaz and Gakpo are effective off the ball and becoming increasingly influential in attack under Slot.

    Liverpool may land a new Roberto Firmino as $68m Arne Slot 'priority' appears to be a smart move

    Brighton spent $38 million (£30m/€36m) to bring Pedro from Watford in 2023, so they would likely demand a significantly higher fee to part with him. The Seagulls are known for maximizing profits on player sales, with Alexis Mac Allister being a rare exception due to a release clause included in his contract.

    There is also some uncertainty about how Slot views the number nine role, as Nunez, Jota, and Diaz have all played there under him, each interpreting the position differently. However, if Liverpool is looking for someone with a more well-rounded influence who can link play as well as finish, Pedro should be near the top of their list.

    “He was the best player on the pitch,” former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said of Pedro—valued at least $68m (£54m/€65m), according to Fichajes—after he scored twice against Spurs last season. “He played another incredible game. I am really pleased with his improvement in mentality and attitude. In the defensive phase, he defended like a center-back for 90 minutes. He is becoming a top player. I hope in the next year to work with him, but it will be very tough.”

    De Zerbi left Brighton in the summer and is no longer working with Pedro, but his prediction that the Brazilian will eventually join a top club is likely to come true. If Liverpool is seriously interested in him, it would be a logical move, even if his transfer will come at a high price.

  • “I’ve been in that situation before” – Alan Shearer shares bold prediction for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

    “I’ve been in that situation before” – Alan Shearer shares bold prediction for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool

    Mohamed Salah has scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches and

    Mohamed Salah has scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches and will aim to extend that streak when Liverpool faces Everton on Saturday.

    Alan Shearer has endorsed Salah’s chances of breaking Jamie Vardy’s Premier League scoring streak record. The Egyptian winger has found the net in seven straight league games and needs to score in five more to surpass Vardy, who set the record in 2015 by breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s previous streak.

    Vardy, now 37, scored in 11 consecutive matches during Leicester City’s title-winning 2015/16 season, surpassing van Nistelrooy’s 10-match run. His goals came against Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Stoke, Arsenal, Norwich, Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Brom, Watford, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

    Salah, now on a seven-match streak, is closing in on Vardy’s record. He began his run with a goal against Chelsea and has followed it up with goals against Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa, Southampton, Manchester City, and Newcastle.

    Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, believes Salah can break Vardy’s record. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures include matches against Everton, Fulham, Tottenham, Leicester, and West Ham.

    Shearer told Betfair: “As a player, when you’re on a run like Salah is, you feel pretty unstoppable. I’ve been in that position myself, and you just can’t wait for the next game to come around.

    “You don’t go out there hoping you’re going to score, you go out knowing that you’re going to score. Standing in that tunnel before a game when you’re in red-hot form, it’s a great feeling, believe me.”

    “It wouldn’t surprise me to see him break Jamie Vardy’s Premier League scoring streak record, especially with the form he’s in, the player he is, and the chances that Liverpool create. With the Christmas and New Year period full of matches, it’s a great time for him.”

    “Can he break the record? I wouldn’t put it past him, he’s that good of a footballer.”

    More news…..

    Liverpool’s contract offer has displeased key player, who may now depart in the summer

    Liverpool are currently grappling with contract issues concerning several of their players.

    At the forefront of these concerns are Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom are entering the final year of their contracts.

    Their long-term futures at Anfield remain in question, and with the start of the new year, these players will have the opportunity to negotiate pre-contract agreements with other clubs.

    Another Liverpool player now facing questions about his future at the club is Luis Diaz.

    Reports from Colombia suggest that discussions between Liverpool and Diaz regarding a new contract are not progressing smoothly.

    According to Colombian outlet Antenna 2, Diaz’s future at the club remains uncertain, as the offer Liverpool made was not well received by the Colombian international.

    The club’s offer was far from what Diaz expected, which could potentially lead to his departure at the end of the season.

    Despite this, negotiations will continue with Diaz over a new contract, and Liverpool are determined to finalize it soon. However, a failure to reach an agreement could see him leave the club in 2025.

    The 27-year-old has been one of the standout players this season for Arne Slot’s side, contributing to the team’s success with 17 wins out of the 19 matches played so far.

    While things are going well on the pitch for Liverpool, off-the-field issues, particularly the future of some of their players, are proving problematic.

    Liverpool have mishandled the contract situation

    It is quite surprising to see a club as well-managed as Liverpool struggling to secure new deals for their players.

    Alongside Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, Diaz is a key figure for the club’s ambitions of winning silverware in the future.

    Losing any of these players next year would deal a significant blow to the project that Slot is building at Anfield.

    Among all the players, Caoimhin Kelleher is the one most likely to be sold by the club next summer.

  • Mohamed Salah praised for new Liverpool deal as Reds reportedly meet his demands

    Mohamed Salah praised for new Liverpool deal as Reds reportedly meet his demands

    Mohamed Salah's contract with Liverpool is set to expire this summer

    Mohamed Salah’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire this summer, but it seems he may extend his stay at Anfield, according to a former Egypt international.

    Haytham Farouk, a former Egypt player, has stated that Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool.

    Salah’s current agreement with the Reds runs out at the end of the season, making him a free agent. Just two weeks ago, the star forward mentioned that the club had yet to offer him new terms.

    Since then, he has continued to shine for Arne Slot’s team, assisting and scoring a penalty against Manchester City, and adding another assist along with two goals in the exciting 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

    These performances have led many to call for Liverpool to meet Salah’s demands for a new contract. Jamie Carragher even reversed his earlier stance on the negotiations on Wednesday evening.

    It seems the club may have listened, with Farouk congratulating Salah on his new deal. He shared an old photo of himself with Salah and suggested the Reds had agreed to Salah’s demands.

    Farouk wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations on renewing your contract with the number you like and the period you want. The Egyptian king rules with his own judgments.”

    Farouk, who is also a popular analyst on beIN Sports, has a close connection with Salah. His post was made on December 4, the same day Liverpool played a 3-3 draw with Newcastle.

    Salah’s brace in that match brought his total to 13 Premier League goals this season, helping the Reds to the top of the table. Following the game, Slot suggested he expects Salah to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

    “We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time,” Slot said. “He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.

    “I have seen many games from last season, but it is always difficult to judge a player if you are not there. What I did most was [look at] style of play and team performance, and not that much the individual performance.

    “What I noticed from the start, when he came in [in preseason], was how fit he was, how ready he was to make it a very good season for him. That he led by example from the first day onwards in preseason when so many of his teammates, who he usually plays with, were not there.

    “So, the international players were not present, and to still be able to work that hard, he did, and train so hard: yeah, and then we all saw the quality in the training sessions. So it’s not a surprising thing for me that he’s done so well until now.”

  • Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool: Salah’s Heroic Effort Stalls in Thrilling Draw

    Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool: Salah’s Heroic Effort Stalls in Thrilling Draw

    Mo Salah replicated his performance against Southampton, scoring twice to help Liverpool recover from a 2-1 deficit, though this time it ended in a 3-3 draw at Newcastle.

    Newcastle 3-3 Liverpool

    After commanding victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City, Liverpool faced a tougher challenge against a disciplined and aggressive Newcastle team.

    An early effort from Alexis Mac Allister, driven through the crowd, forced Nick Pope into a low save. Meanwhile, Newcastle focused on exploiting right-back Jarell Quansah as he settled into the match.

    Jacob Murphy’s shot hitting the outside of the post served as a warning for Liverpool, before Alexander Isak produced a moment of brilliance in the 35th minute.

    Despite being an injury concern before the game, Isak picked up the ball from 30 yards out, evaded Virgil van Dijk, and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner.

    Van Dijk narrowly avoided trouble after deliberately fouling Anthony Gordon following a missed chance from the summer target. Liverpool struggled throughout the first half, arguably their worst under manager Slot so far.

    HT: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool
    HT: Newcastle 0-1 Liverpool

    In a surprise move, Liverpool made no changes at half-time, either in personnel or positions, keeping Quansah at right-back and Gomez at centre-back.

    However, the team showed a significant shift in energy and intensity. Just five minutes into the second half, Salah found Curtis Jones with a clever trivela pass, and Jones finished with composure to level the score.

    Liverpool should have taken the lead when Cody Gakpo’s header across goal reached Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan failed to make contact, and the ball went wide.

    Instead, Newcastle regained the lead through Anthony Gordon, who took advantage of Quansah and Gomez being out of position, cutting onto his right foot to score despite Caoimhin Kelleher’s attempt to save.

    Salah

    In response, Slot made three substitutions, bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Luis Diaz for Gomez, Ryan Gravenberch, and Gakpo. Alexander-Arnold quickly assisted Salah for the equalizer, making it 2-2.

    The game intensified, and after Salah hit the crossbar in a near miss, he completed his brace with a well-taken turn and finish, again from an Alexander-Arnold assist.

    However, a costly mistake from Kelleher, who left the ball behind him, allowed Fabian Schar to score, denying Liverpool the win.

    Late on, Liverpool had two penalty appeals turned down for a foul on Luis Diaz and a handball by Dan Burn, but ultimately, it was their own mistakes that led to the dropped points at St James’ Park.

    TIA Man of the Match: Mohamed Salah

    Referee: Andy Madley

    Newcastle: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali (Longstaff 87′), Joelinton (Willock 88′); Murphy (Barnes 74′), Gordon (Wilson 87′), Isak
    Subs not used: Dubravka, Targett, Kelly, Almiron, Osula

    Liverpool: Kelleher; Quansah, Gomez (Alexander-Arnold 67′), Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch (Szoboszlai 67′), Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo (Diaz 67′), Nunez
    Subs not used: Jaros, Nallo, Endo, Morton, Elliott, Nyoni

    Next match: Everton (A) – Premier League – Saturday, December 7, 12:30 pm (GMT)

  • Liverpool set to make contract offer to Mo Salah after ‘positive’ talks

    Liverpool set to make contract offer to Mo Salah after ‘positive’ talks

    Liverpool set to make contract offer to Mo Salah after 'positive' talks

    Liverpool is expected to present Mohamed Salah with a formal contract offer soon, with sources within the club suggesting that initial discussions have been promising.

    Salah’s future has attracted considerable attention recently, with the Egyptian becoming increasingly vocal about the status of negotiations. After the 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, he told Sky Sports: “Honestly, that was in my head. This is, up until now, the last City game I play for Liverpool [at Anfield].”

    Behind the scenes, individuals close to Salah have described the 32-year-old as feeling “exasperated” with the slow pace of talks with the club. However, Liverpool is said to have had “positive” discussions with the player’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, and according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, an official contract offer is expected soon.

    In an update on Wednesday, Ornstein clarified that while Salah’s statement about the Reds not yet making an offer “remained accurate as of Sunday,” the expectation is that “it will change soon.”

    This comes as Liverpool has already offered Virgil van Dijk a new contract, with the Dutch defender’s current deal also set to expire at the end of the season. Negotiations are also ongoing with Trent Alexander-Arnold, though his situation is different due to his age and the possibility of a free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.

    Salah and Van Dijk, despite their world-class status, are likely to have fewer options. The forward will be 33 before his current contract expires, while Liverpool’s captain will turn 34 just a week after his terms end.

    While both players staying at Liverpool seems the most likely outcome, contract talks may not be without complications. Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold will all be seeking top-tier wages along with long-term security, although The Athletic’s Simon Hughes has already reported that Salah would be open to a 12-month deal.

    Liverpool makes formal offer to Van Dijk

    Liverpool is expected to present Mohamed Salah with a formal contract offer soon,

    A deal with Van Dijk now appears closer, with Liverpool having made a formal contract offer, according to Ornstein. The reporter stated: “Talks with Van Dijk have seen Liverpool table an opening bid to keep the 33-year-old beyond June.”

    However, the situation isn’t entirely positive, as Ornstein added that the offer “fell short of [Van Dijk’s] expectations, and so far, there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.” He also mentioned: “The dialogue has taken place for some time and continues.”

    Although no deal has been finalized, the fact that this information has emerged—likely from the club—suggests a growing confidence that progress will be made.