The euphoria around Liverpool’s dramatic comeback win at Newcastle on Sunday has been tempered by mounting speculation that Mo Salah is set to move to Saudi Arabia.
The next few days could be critical for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as he looks to bring in more reinforcements before Friday’s 11pm deadline.
Having missed out on a number of key targets this summer, the German boss finally added to the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this month when he captured midfielder Wataru Endo from Schalke. But his squad still looks light following a number of high-profile departures.
Links to Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch and Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat continue, with the Reds seemingly competing with Man United to sign both players. And Klopp also has a headache that’s set to go beyond Friday, with rumours surrounding Mo Salah’s potential move to Saudi Arabia gathering pace.
Salah told a Saudi switch would be ‘scandalous’
BT Sport Chris Sutton has claimed it would be a ‘scandalous’ decision from Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad this summer.
The Saudi Arabian club are ready to offer the forward a deal that would eclipse the £173million-per-year salary of Cristian Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has so far dismissed rumours Salah could be leaving, while the player’s agent Ramy Abbas Issa has insisted the Egyptian star “remains committed to LFC.”
“We’re a couple of days now to the end of the window. I think that would be scandalous if Mo Salah decided to leave and leave Liverpool in the lurch,” said Sutton. “Now, if this was a deal which was in the pipeline a month, five, six weeks ago, do you know what? I’d understand it.”
FA advised to lengthen Van Dijk ban
The FA have been urged to hit Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk with a four match ban for his “unacceptable behaviour” following his red card against Newcastle.
Former referee Mark Halsey has argued authorities should now make an example of the Dutchman after he reacted angrily to the decision of John Brooks: “Football must not tolerate any more abuse of match officials. So the Football Association has to clamp down and punish Virgil Van Dijk for his unacceptable behaviour at Newcastle on Sunday,” he told The star.
FA advised to lengthen Van Dijk ban
The FA have been urged to hit Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk with a four match ban for his “unacceptable behaviour” following his red card against Newcastle.
Former referee Mark Halsey has argued authorities should now make an example of the Dutchman after he reacted angrily to the decision of John Brooks: “Football must not tolerate any more abuse of match officials. So the Football Association has to clamp down and punish Virgil Van Dijk for his unacceptable behaviour at Newcastle on Sunday,” he told The star.
“Van Dijk will rightly receive a one-match ban for the straight red card but I believe his suspension should be increased. The abusive and insulting language used by the new Reds leader could be worthy of another RED CARD and result in an additional three-match ban.”
Origi nears Premier League return
Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi is set to leave Milan this week after just one season with Burnley among the favourites to sign him.
Foot Mercato have reported that the Clarets coiuld offer the striker a surprise opportunity to return to the Premier League. Manager Vincent Kompany played alongside Origi at international level and is thought to be keen on a deal.
Klopp has previously voiced his surprise that the Belgian forward hasn’t been targeted by fellow English clubs: “If I was at another team I would have gone for him,” he said, when the 28-year-old was still at Anfield. Just because you are not playing for Liverpool does not mean you are not good. Top striker and a top boy. He has already scored some of the most important goals in the history of this club.”
