Liverpool
Mohamed Salah returns and new sporting director arrives – Liverpool next month in ideal scenario
Liverpool will be gearing up for a long run in every competition that it is in to send Jürgen Klopp off on a high. Mohamed Salah will be a crucial part of that.
The next few weeks will be important for Liverpool. Indeed, until Jürgen Klopp departs at the end of the campaign, every game is going to be an occasion of sorts: his last game against a certain side, his last chance to beat someone away from home (in the case of Brentford this weekend), or, most importantly, the chance to win silverware and go out on a high.
As ever, there are plenty of other things happening as well. Liverpool will soon take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley — a repeat of the 2022 fixture that saw Caoimhín Kelleher emerge as the hero in the penalty shootout — while off the pitch, Klopp’s departure means there is plenty of work to get done too.
For now, Liverpool fans can focus entirely on making the most of Klopp’s remaining time at Anfield, with the countdown very much on until he leaves and takes a break from the game, but for club officials and the FSG hierarchy, big decisions and plans can begin to come into place. Everyone will continue to have an eye on Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
Here are the three things that would happen to Liverpool across the course of the next few weeks in an ideal scenario. We begin with the injury situation, where Klopp would no doubt like to have Mohamed Salah back available again as soon as possible. Trent Alexander-Arnold is another whose latest setback is hopefully nothing to keep him out for long.
Mohamed Salah returns from injury (and other setbacks overcome)
The Egyptian forward was always going to be missed to some degree, even if Liverpool has largely been able to cope without his attacking talents during AFCON and his subsequent injury spell. Salah, in an ideal world, will be back in time to face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
Klopp will likely give an update on Salah’s progress on Friday ahead of facing Brentford in West London this weekend. It was previously stated by the Liverpool manager that it would be after this game that Salah can return, with Luton Town visiting the Reds between the Brentford and Chelsea fixtures.
Alexander-Arnold went off at half-time with an injury against Burnley while Dominik Szoboszlai is also missing at the moment. Getting those two alone back would make a big difference.
Liverpool wins the 2024 Carabao Cup and Man City drops points
It is often said that winning the first trophy of the season can set you up for more and that is what Liverpool will be hoping for at Wembley in just under a fortnight. With Chelsea the opponent, Klopp’s side will be looking to repeat the victory that it managed at Anfield in the Premier League at the end of last month.
The rest of the competitions that Liverpool is currently in all conclude inside the space of seven days. The final day of the Premier League season (when Wolves come to Anfield again) is on Sunday, May 19. The Europa League is Wednesday, May 22 and the FA Cup final is Saturday, May 25. It could be quite the week for Klopp to bow out.
While the league appears to be a three-way battle after Liverpool let Arsenal back into things at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester City has some harder fixtures on the horizon (Pep Guardiola’s side has a run coming that reads: Manchester United, Liverpool, Brighton, Arsenal, Aston Villa). By the end of February, Liverpool and Manchester City will be back level on matches played again, with the Reds hosting the holder at Anfield on March 10.
Sporting director appointment made and Xabi Alonso progress continues
Before Liverpool can appoint a new manager, it might make sense to first get in place a new sporting director after Jörg Schmadtke moved on at the end of January. Before the end of the campaign, news on who the new sporting director might be would be good.
The identity of the new sporting director could give a clue as to who will take over from Klopp but Alonso appears to be a frontrunner regardless. As Liverpool fans continue to keep an eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s matches, the former Reds midfielder is likely to keep impressing. Even if he doesn’t end up winning the Bundesliga and becoming the first head coach since Klopp to win the league title with a team other than Bayern Munich, the argument is already strong for him moving to Anfield.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
There has been plenty of focus on Liverpool’s out-of-contract trio.
The futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been a significant talking point throughout the season. That is despite the Reds hurtling towards the Premier League title. While victories have been cherished, there has been concern in the background among supporters that their three chief players could depart at the end of their respective contracts in the summer.
Certainly, it appears that Alexander-Arnold will depart. The right-back has been in talks with Real Madrid over a free transfer. After last Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Fulham, Virgil van Dijk admitted that there has been progress over talks about extending his Anfield stay. That will be welcome news to fans. Salah, meanwhile, has fired 32 goals in all competitions has showed few signs of slowing down aged 32 throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
But if Liverpool are to continue to compete for silverware next season and beyond, they need a core group of players. This summer is set to be significant in terms of recruitment yet continuity will be important.
Another key player in the Reds’ run towards a record-equalling 20th Premier League title has been Ibrahima Konate. The France international has been van Dijk’s regular centre-back partner, with Liverpool conceding 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures this season.
Konate has been at Anfield since his £36 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021. He has made a total of 126 appearances, scoring five goals and won three major trophies so far. Still aged 25, the former Sochaux defender is very much about to enter the peak years of his career.
Konate’s current contract culminates in June 2026 and there have been talks about penning fresh terms. Speaking before a Champions League victory over Lille earlier this campaign, he said: “It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool. Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation.”
The Parisian has been linked with several clubs across Europe. Konate is a boyhood Paris Saint-Germain fan and it was claimed by ESPN in February that he would be open to a return to the French capital to become a long-term partner for Marquinhos at centre-back.
In addition, Real Madrid have been suggested as a potential suitor. Los Blancos have had injuries to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger this season.
Liverpool
‘I’m worried about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – it would have been different when I was at Liverpool’
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are yet to make a decision on their futures as their contracts tick down, and one former Liverpool star is getting worried.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s worried about Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s form as uncertainty continues over their futures.
As things stand, both will become free agents in the summer as their contracts expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in the same boat, although the right-back looks to be nearing a move to Real Madrid.
What’s in store for Van Dijk and Salah is still unknown, although there may be an answer on the former soon, with the Reds captain revealing there has been “progress” on his discussions with the club. What’s more, he has hinted that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
The defender has given his clearest indication yet that he could be set to remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season, with talks continuing over a new deal for the 33-year-old.
Virgil van Dijk has revealed he and Liverpool have made “progress” in their negotiations over a new contract.
The Liverpool skipper is one of three high-profile figures who could walk away for free this summer – along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. The contract sagas surrounding the trio have dominated the news agenda this season, with Arne Slot repeatedly asked about their futures over the campaign.
He has tended to steer clear of those discussions, often stating there has been no update. Van Dijk, who stops to speak to the media after every game, usually deploys a similar approach, reiterating that he is calm about the situation and there have been no major developments.
As recently as last month, Van Dijk said he had “no idea” if he would remain at Liverpool beyond this season, and it makes Sunday’s change of tact so intriguing, perhaps suggesting a resolution could be reached soon. Asked about his contract situation after the 3-2 defeat against Fulham, Van Dijk replied: “There is progress, yeah.”
Pushed on the details of those talks and whether he’ll stay beyond the end of the season, the Dutchman said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. These are internal discussions and we’ll see.
Those remarks come just days after Van Dijk gave his clearest indication yet that he could stay beyond the summer.
“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s positive or not,” the defender said, when asked last week if he had played his final Merseyside derby. “I have no idea at this point, well I don’t know. I mentioned it many times before, I said I am calm.
“Like I said also many times before, you know I love the club, and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool. At this stage, I’m not really panicking whatsoever, so let’s see.”
Ensuring Van Dijk remains next season could be key ahead of what feels increasingly like a summer of major change at Anfield. Slot made just one signing last year – and Federico Chiesa is yet to start a Premier League game for the club since joining.
After 12 months in charge, several additions are expected this summer, with Jamie Carragher last week calling for six new arrivals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Sorting out the futures of Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah will be the first assignment for Slot and director of football Richard Hughes, before attention turns to recruitment.
Van Dijk has played every minute for the Reds this season and looks set to collect a second Premier League winners’ medal of his career at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool
‘Arrogance’ – Paul Scholes picks out Liverpool star who may be responsible for ‘sloppiness creeping in’
Liverpool fell to a 3-2 loss against Fulham and were left to rue the defensive errors they made.
Paul Scholes has claimed that Liverpool have become ‘arrogant’ in the run-in towards claiming the Premier League title.
The Reds are 11 points clear at the top of the table. But their form recently has dropped and have lost three of their previous four games in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage – their maiden reverse away from home this season.
Liverpool conceded three goals in 14 first-half minutes in West London, with each being a defensive error. The Reds missed the chance to put more distance between themselves and second-placed Arsenal, with 11 points needed from the final seven games to claim the top-flight crown.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz’s third goal for Fulham, while the Liverpool centre-back got away with an error in the first half of the Merseyside derby win against Everton when Beto hit the post. Scholes, who won the Premier League title 11 times with Manchester United, believes that ‘sloppiness’ is stemming from van Dijk.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former England midfielder said: ‘It [the title race] could be prolonged. You’d expect them to beat West Ham and Leicester City. You just need someone a bit closer to them. Arsenal have to be kicking themselves because this was a real opportunity, obviously with Man City not having the quality you’d expect in the title race.
“If Arsenal were a bit closer it could have got a bit shaky for Liverpool. It still could if Arsenal win all their games – you can’t think Arsenal are going to win all their games especially with the two Real Madrid games coming up.
“But Liverpool are going to limp over the line looking at today’s performance. I sense a bit of arrogance about them as if “you shouldn’t be able to land a finger on us today. You shouldn’t be able to beat us,” and I think they’ve shown that in the last few weeks.
“A bit of sloppiness creeping in and I think it comes from the captain [Van Dijk]. I think he really needs to make sure that there’s a proper determination to get over the line as soon as possible.”
Liverpool head coach Slot defended the recent form of his skipper van Dijk after the game, however. Slot told reporters at his post-match press conference: “Van Dijk is not the first player to find it difficult to defend against Beto. And the one that played here today, you have to give credit to him also.
I still see a lot of things that Virgil does really well, but if you play 50-60 games a season, there will be moments, even for him, where you could have done better.”
Liverpool
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after shock Fulham defeat and know who they want to replace him
Liverpool fans want a player sold ASAP following their shock defeat to Fulham and know who they want to replace him.
Liverpool suffered just their second league defeat of the season as they were humbled by Fulham, who ran out 3-2 winners at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance. Ryan Sessegnon levelled proceedings before two quick-fire goals put the hosts 3-1 ahead before the break.
Alex Iwobi scored his side’s second before Rodrigo Muniz added a third.
Luis Diaz pulled one back in the second-half as the visitors were condemned to their second defeat of their Premier League campaign.
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after Fulham defeat
Liverpool’s first-half capitulation got fans online talking as they think it’s time to address ‘the elephant in the room’.
They also aimed their frustration at Andy Robertson, who was at fault for Iwobi’s goal.
He attempted a woeful cross-field ball before failing to clear his lines.
One X user wrote: “Well, that’s the nail in the coffin of Andy Robertson’s time as a starter at LFC.”
A second slammed: “It’s a f**king disgrace Robertson wasn’t replaced in the summer. Absolutely outrageous having to put up with this.”
A third added: “Robertson has genuinely been at fault for so many goals this season, all from mistakes.”
Liverpool fans know who they want as replacement
Liverpool fans already know who they want to replace Robertson, who has been at the club since 2017.
Supporters on social media called for Liverpool to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez this summer.
Kerkez has starred for the Cherries this season, producing heroics from the left flank.
The 21-year-old could slot in Liverpool’s backline from the start, having already proved he can operate in the Premier League.
One fan said: “Jesus Christ Robertson is so washed my god get me Kerkez ASAP.”
A second commented: “Give Bournemouth whatever they want for Kerkez. Robertson is worse than useless.”
Another wrote: “Robertson simply needs to be back up left back at most next season. Kerkez come on down.”
Liverpool suffered only their second Premier League defeat of the season after a 3-2 loss against Fulham.
The Reds were completely outplayed in west London as Marco Silva’s side fought back from Alexis Mac Allister’s fantastic opener for Liverpool to secure a famous win at Craven Cottage, with Arne Slot’s side simply not at the races.
With Alisson Becker once again missing for Liverpool due to concussion protocol, the Anfield side were not at full strength with Trent Alexander-Arnold also recovering from injury, with Fulham all over the Reds despite going a goal down.
And former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison was left fuming by one moment from Andy Robertson after today’s loss against Fulham.
Andy Robertson criticised after ‘horrendous’ error leading to Fulham goal
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Scotland international was very critical of Robertson after the Liverpool defender gifted Alex Iwobi the chance to fire Fulham ahead after a poor clearance at the back.
With Liverpool looking to replace Robertson next season, the former Hull City man did not cover himself in any sort of glory this afternoon against Fulham, where the defender was a real weak point for the Reds in their surprise loss in the English capital.
And for Hutchison, Robertson’s role in Iwobi’s goal was a real embarrassment for the Liverpool defender, who was simply not at his usual best this afternoon as the Scottish defender gifted the Cottagers a golden ticket to a big result.
Hutchison said: “Horrendous goal to concede. What on earth has Andy Robertson seen playing that in to midfield? He gives the ball straight to Alex Iwobi, now Liverpool are under massive pressure. There might be a little deflection on the way through, off Robertson’s chest, but he shifts it well to hit the target.”
Liverpool were shown today why Andy Robertson needs replacing
Robertson will go down as a modern Liverpool legend, with the left-back playing an instrumental role in the Reds winning everything they did under Jurgen Klopp and forming arguably the best fullback pairing in Premier League history alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Yet nothing lasts forever in football, and Liverpool were shown today why Robertson needs replacing in the summer, with the defender simply no longer in the world-class bracket of players that the Reds are expecting from every position.
Indeed, Robertson’s legacy at Liverpool is all-but assured already, and moving on from the Scotland international is the right decision this summer as the Anfield side prepare to overhaul the squad in a big way in the off-season.
Fulham and Liverpool fans witnessed a bizarre opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers looked likely to be the Reds’ 23rd victims of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant strike in the 14th minute – before a wild 14 minutes of action ensued.
Once Ryan Sessegnon equalised in the 23rd minute, the floodgates opened as Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz added a second and third – ruthlessness Marco Silva would have been hugely impressed by, albeit not so much for Arne Slot.
In fact, Fulham could have even scored four goals in the first half – although VAR let the west Londoners down.
Richard Keys feels VAR should have penalised Caoimhin Kelleher
Just minutes into the game, Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool in danger with a loose touch in the box, which Andreas Pereira pounced upon.
The Reds somehow escaped unpunished, although Caoimhin Kelleher – who Spurs are fans of – did clean the Brazilian out just after he released the ball with a messy challenge, which Richard Keys feels should have earned Fulham a penalty.
Writing on X (previously known as Twitter), the beIN SPORTS pundit opined: “That is some goal (by Mac Allister) – but surely Fulham should’ve had a pen when Kelleher fouled Pereira? We’re waiting for the matchday centre to tell us ‘it didn’t meet the threshold’.”
https://x.com/richardajkeys/status/1908872048048218500?t=t7zuj05s9JJrxgHfh7IUuQ&s=19
It was a very risky challenge from the Republic of Ireland international – and he was fortunate that Chris Kavanagh and those in the VAR booth felt it deserved no punishment.
What the Premier League Match Centre actually said about Caoimhin Kelleher challenge
Keys – who recently hammered Jamie Carragher – alluded to what the Premier League Match Centre would argue to try and wriggle out of the situation, so let’s see what they actually said on the matter.
Also writing on X, the official Premier League account posted: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
https://x.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1908871544702460095?t=BFPw937afHKjiSzfOF-PRQ&s=19
We cannot understand how the Liverpool No.62 diving into Pereira can be deemed as a “coming together” – although the Cottagers saw justice served regardless after taking all three points.
The home side had two early penalty appeals reviewed during Sunday’s clash at Craven Cottage.
The Premier League has explained why Liverpool were not penalised during two contentious moments early in their match against Fulham.
Fulham had strong claims for a spot-kick within the opening minutes after Ibrahima Konate’s error in the box handed possession to Andreas Pereira.
Pereira first collided with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as he attempted to round him, before Rodrigo Muniz clashed with Virgil van Dijk while chasing the rebound.
However, referee Chris Kavanagh decided against awarding a penalty for either incident—a decision backed by VAR official Matthew Donoghue.
A statement from the Premier League Match Centre read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
Liverpool entered the fixture 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, boasting an unbeaten run of 26 matches in the competition.
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