TIG Post

Tag: Liverpool

  • Semenyo named favourite to replace Salah if he exits Anfield

    Semenyo named favourite to replace Salah if he exits Anfield

    Ghana international,  Antoine Semenyo, has been named a favourite by former England legend, Michael Owen, to replace ‘Egyptian King’, Mohammed Salah, if he bids farewell to Liverpool in the next transfer window.

    Salah’s recent rants about his sideline by the club’s manager, Arne Slot and his allegations that “Someone doesn’t want me in the club” have sparked speculations about his future at Anfield.

    Following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, which marked the third consecutive  Premier League match that Salah was benched, Mohamed Salah gave an explosive interview on Saturday, 6 December, where he accused the club of “throwing me under the bus” and declared that his relationship with head coach Arne Slot was “broken”.

    Another case, which intensified speculations of his possible exit, was when he was left out of the squad entirely. Salah is also set to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, with his absence potentially extending into January, fuelling speculation about a possible mid-season departure.

    Consequently, Michael Owen believes Bournemouth’s Semenyo is a good fit after Salah bids goodbye.

    He praised Semenyo’s rapid development at Bournemouth, noting his six Premier League goals this season and growing impact on matches.

    “He is a brilliant player,” Owen said. “He scores goals – and we don’t know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement.”

    The Egyptian forward, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, is also expected to miss the Reds’ upcoming Premier League clash with Brighton this weekend.

    Semenyo says he pays little attention to transfer speculations highlighting his commitment and focus on his current club.

    Following his impressive form this season, he attracted the attention of several European clubs according to reports.Those clubs include, Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid. 

    However,  addressing these links, duing an interview with Sky Sports which was aired on October 30,  Antione mentioned that, he has seen the reports, but denied the purported links , saying he is enjoying his stay at Bournemouth.

    “I don’t think about it too much,” he said. “I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I’m not oblivious, but I try to keep focused. I’m enjoying my football here. If I’m not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals, and whatever happens in the future happens,” he noted.

    Semenyo explained that he was convinced to stay after being encouraged by the club’s vision and summer recruitment.

    “When they all left in the summer, there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager’s got something up his sleeve this year.

    “How we finished off the season last year was so good, and we could continue, especially with the players we’ve brought in as well. I wasn’t too sure at the start, but we’ve kicked on like a house on fire. I’m glad I committed to staying here because I’m enjoying every moment,” he added.

    Semenyo has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 10 Premier League matches. According to The Telegraph, AFC Bournemouth reportedly rejected £50 million offers from both clubs Man Utd and Spurs for Semenyo during the summer transfer window.

    Antoine’s form has been consistent even during international games. Last season, he scored six goals in nine appearances and provided three assists. His only contender this season has been Man City’s Erling Haaland, who has a higher goal record ahead of Semenyo.

    Despite interest from top clubs in Europe, he decided to stay at the Vitality Stadium, signing a new long-term contract that included a pay rise. His contract with Bournemouth’s expiry was set for 2026; however, in July, he extended his contract until 2030.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana international was recently subjected to racism during a clash on Friday, August 15, against Liverpool.

    During the first half of the Premier League opener, Semenyo was preparing to take a throw-in when a 47-year-old man passed some offensive comment at him. According to reports, Semenyo asked that the man repeat what he said; he did and even threw a gum at him.

    He immediately reported it to referee Anthony Taylor, who paused the match in the 28th minute. Subsequently, he was seen out of the stadium by the police and held in custody for a racially aggravated public order offence, according to the Merseyside Police on Monday.

    He has, however, been granted bail on the following conditions that, not attend any regulated football match in the UK and be prohibited from going within one mile of any designated football stadium. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

    In reaction to this, Gianni Infantino, in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 17, explained that the sport has zero tolerance for discrimination and any other abuse in any form, eulogising Antoine’s resilience and stunning display in the game despite the potential emotional distress.

    “It is absolutely unacceptable to see the racist abuse aimed at AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, which led to a stoppage of their Premier League match against Liverpool FC at Anfield last night.Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination – Antoine’s courage and performance on the pitch, despite such adversity, is a powerful example of strength and dignity for players worldwide”, parts of the statement read.

    The FIFA president also assured Semenyo of the governing body’s full support, citing the role of the Players’ Voice Panel, established in 2024 as part of FIFA’s five-pillar strategy against racism.

    “The Players’ Voice Panel, established as part of the five pillars against racism adopted by FIFA Congress in 2024, will be in touch with Antoine and is monitoring these situations closely.

    “We are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organisers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action.Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with Antoine…” Infantino added.

  • Liverpool suffer thrashing 1-4 defeat to Ducth’s PSV

    Liverpool suffer thrashing 1-4 defeat to Ducth’s PSV

    For a once-rugged club like Liverpool, the results from their game with PSV show that the defending champions are experiencing their worst form since 1953.

    The Reds lost 1-4 to the Netherlands side with PSV notching their first goal in just six (6) minutes into the game when Virgil van Dijk needlessly stuck his arm in the air in an attempt to claim a foul, but instead gave away a penalty for handball, which Ivan Perisic calmly slotted home.

    However, 10 minutes later, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai equalised with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box, putting both teams at the same level.

    After the first half, Guus Til’s strike put PSV in the lead when he took advantage of a defensive error, finishing clinically. And Couhaib Driouech scored a brace for PSV in the 73rd minute and stoppage time, respectively. This moved them up to 15th in the standings, sealing their first victory over an English side since beating Tottenham in the 2008 Europa League

    Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has already been struggling in the league, losing two matches in a row by three goals. But in the Champions League, results had been better, which gave him some relief.

    Liverpool had won 3 out of 4 Champions League games, including a big win over Real Madrid, so things were looking good for them in this competition. However, after this game, Arne Slot’s tactical prowess is being questioned on how he intends to fix the club’s deteriorating form.

     According to reports, PSV dominated Liverpool at Anfield; their defeat adds a layer of loss to their records after losing 8 of their last 12 games in all competitions.

    Liverpool dropped to 13th and will need to improve quickly, but the pressure is on in a fierce battle for a top-eight place.

    Several concerns have been expressed by pundits over the once unbeatable “Reds” form.

    Liverpool defender Andy Robertson admitted this week he had been “in bits” over Jota’s passing in the build-up to Scotland’s 4-2 win over Denmark, which sealed their qualification for next year’s World Cup.

    The 31-year-old’s emotional interview has prompted discussion over how much Liverpool’s disappointing run of results should be attributed to the effects of grief.

    While the head coach, Arne Slot, has acknowledged the possible impact of the death of a forward (attacker), he insists that that is not the reason for his team’s current form. According to him, it is “impossible to measure” the impact of Diogo Jota’s death on his team, but he insists he would never want the tragedy to be used as an excuse for the club’s recent poor form.

    Responding to questions about whether his team has been judged fairly concerning their dip in form to Jota’s death, Slot said, “We are always judged, sometimes fair, sometimes not fair. But I saw the interview live, and I know that it is an issue for us, which is completely normal. It is good for us to remember him at all times. It is possible because of the person and player he was. It is impossible to measure what it does to the players and to our results. The last thing I would do is use it as an excuse”.

    He reiterated, “I don’t know. What I do know is that we miss the player, that is 100% sure, and we miss the person, but I cannot measure the impact that has on our results. That is impossible for me to say, and we will never use it as an excuse.”

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of Diogo Jota, admitting that while the team deeply misses the forward on and off the pitch, his family is facing a far greater pain than anyone at the club.

    “At this moment in time, I always think about how it must feel for his wife and his children. Because it is so, so, so much harder for them than it is for us. But that we will miss the player and the person is completely clear. Now we play Nottingham Forest, last season there we were 1-0 down, and it only took him [Jota] one minute to score the equaliser. So now I am talking about the player that we miss for sure. That we also miss him as a person is also clear,” he noted.

    They suffered a 2-3 loss, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

  • You have to match our energy to beat us – Jeremy Doku

    You have to match our energy to beat us – Jeremy Doku

    Manchester City has had an incredible form this season, with back-to-back wins, recording their very recent win in their clash with Liverpool on Sunday, November 9, yesterday at the Etihad Stadium.

    They thrashed the title holders in a 3-0 clash, focused on themselves, not on what other teams like Arsenal are doing.

    Jeremy Doku, who was awarded man of the match after being awarded a penalty and sealing City’s win, has noted that, until other clubs match their energy this season, he is certain his side cannot be beaten.

    They believe they’re improving step by step, and even though they were happy with their performance against Liverpool, they know they still need to keep getting better every game.

    “We’re just looking at ourselves. We have been building, and we know that we can still improve. The performance that we delivered [against Liverpool], we’re very happy, but we still have to improve every game. And we know that if we are playing well, it’s difficult to stand next to us”, Doku said.

    Man City’s coach Pep Guardiola, during a post-match conference, announced his side’s readiness to contend with Arsenal for the title this season as Arsenal currently sits about three (3) points clear of City on the Premier League table.

    Asked whether City were focused on Arsenal’s form and their position at the top, he responded, “We’re not really looking at Arsenal, though. What the other teams are doing, because at the end of the day, we know that it depends only on us. “

    Doku is enjoying his best season at City since arriving from Rennes in 2023.

    The 23-year-old has three goals already, including his stunner against Liverpool, which is only five behind his season-best tally of eight. While he is on course to break that record, the Belgium international insists that he’s not focused impressed by statistics. On his part, his definition of a bad game is not in numbers but when he feels he was ineffective in a game.

    “I don’t do that, because I think those come from themselves. I just work to have more of that, but I’m not a player that’s going to look after a game and say, ‘you didn’t score, you didn’t assist, you had a bad game. I’m not that type of player. A bad game is for me if I don’t touch the ball, if I’m not effective or if I lose a lot of balls; that’s a bad game. If I didn’t score today, would I have said this is a bad game? No, I would have said this is a good game. That’s how I am and how I’m going to be,” he continued.

    Meanwhile, City moved to within four points of leaders Arsenal at the top of the table thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González and Jérémy Doku.

    The result against Liverpool came 24 hours after Mikel Arteta’s side drew 2-2 with Sunderland, and Guardiola said afterwards it felt like a significant performance against the current champions.

    “I think Liverpool and us said ‘oh wow, Arsenal dropped points finally and conceded two goals. But in the end, we have to do it, and I said to the players. Don’t do it because yesterday Arsenal didn’t win. Do it because we believe in ourselves that we can play against the champions of England and show them we are ready to be there with them this season,” said Guardiola.

    He added, “Today, we proved it. We did it.”

    Guardiola went on to praise Jeremy Doku for his stunning display during the match. He won a penalty earlier in the 13th minute of the match when Doku made a trademark dribbling run into the Liverpool penalty area.

    “He [Doku] is demanding himself to be better, he listens, and he has special attributes with dribbling,” said Guardiola.

    Guardiola was impressed with the Belgian, particularly after Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley had such a good game against Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday.

    “Today, Conor [Bradley], the right-back of Liverpool, I’m really, really impressed

    “Pep Lijnders told me a thousand incredibly good things about that guy. He can do everything. I know the game against [Real] Madrid, how good [he was] against Vinícius.

    “And he [Doku] handled it. He was aggressive, quick without the ball, and we tried to help him. He played an outstanding game.”

    Victory over Liverpool was the perfect way for Guardiola to celebrate his 1,000th game as a manager.

    “Thank you to the players and staff for giving me an incredible present against the most important opponent we faced in my time here,” said Guardiola.

    “It has been nice playing against them and seeing Virgil [van Dijk], [Andy] Robertson, and Mohammed Salah after all the battles we have had.

    “It has been a special night with my kids here.”

    Meanwhile, Liverpool’s 0–3 defeat to Manchester City on 9 November was their 5th loss in 11 Premier League matches since the start of the 2025/26 season.

    Their coach, Arne Slot, jokingly made remarks that his squad have been very consistent this season in terms of losing games.

    They played Brentford some days before their City clash on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. They suffered a 2–3 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

  • I didn’t want to turn the funeral into a circus – Ronaldo explains his absence from Diogo Jota’s funeral

    I didn’t want to turn the funeral into a circus – Ronaldo explains his absence from Diogo Jota’s funeral

    For someone who once described late Liverpool and Portuguese national Diego Jota as a close friend, whose demise made him cry a lot, Cristiano Ronaldo faced severe backlash from netizens and fans when he didn’t show up at his teammate’s funeral.

    Some supporters and commentators saw Ronaldo’s absence as disrespectful, while there were speculations that Ronaldo was holidaying in Mallorca at the time, which fueled anger and disappointment among fans.

    However, the Al-Nassr captain has rebuffed the claims, stating that his absence was in respect to the memory of Jota.

    During his interview with Piers Morgan, which aired on November 5, Cristiano Ronaldo said he didn’t attend Diogo Jota’s funeral because he barely goes out; anytime he appears somewhere, the place turns into “a circus,” and he didn’t want to create such a scene.

    Liverpool and Portugal forward Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died in a car accident in July.

    Ronaldo told Piers Morgan why he didn’t attend, saying: “Two things; people criticise me a lot. I don’t care about that. When your conscience is good and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say.

    “But one of the things I don’t do? After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again. When you know me, and you know my reputation? Wherever I go, it is a circus. I don’t go out because, if I go, the attention goes to me. I don’t want this sort of attention,” he mentioned.

    According to him, he avoids granting interviews during sensitive times, as he believes those moments are not appropriate to speak about the people involved.

    “I don’t like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football. This shows how a circus is life, sometimes. I am not a part of that. If you want to be a part of this world, good luck, but I will be a part of another side.

    Despite what people said, about his being absent, he felt okay with his decision.

    “People can continue to criticise. I felt good with my decision.”

    Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot and Andy Robertson led the Liverpool squad at the funeral of Jota and his brother.

    Former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner also attended, as well as Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. Jota earned 49 caps for his country, twice winning the Nations League.

    He also won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool.

    The late Liverpool player, Diogo Jota and FC Penafiel’s Andre Silva.

    The brothers were killed in a tragic car crash on July 3 in the Spanish province of Zamora in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, at approximately 12:35 a.m. local time. Their funeral was held on  July 5, at 10 a.m. local time in the Portuguese town of Gondomar.

    The bodies of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were sent to Gondomar, Portugal, on the night of Friday, July 4, just after 11:00 p.m. local time.

    A convoy of hearses transported them from Puebla de Sanabria, Spain, near the site of the tragic crash, and they were met with quiet applause and mourning crowds outside the local chapel.

    According to ESPN, as reported by Spain’s Guardia Civil (Civil Guard). An investigation team has reported that the two’s accident occurred when they overtook a car, their tyre blew, which led to their veering off the road and crashing into a barrier, and then immediately burst into flames.

    The Spanish government official, Ángel Blanco, revealed that the car was completely burned and that the two players were inside the vehicle.

    According to Miguel Gonçalves, a Portuguese physiotherapist who had recently treated Jota, the Liverpool forward had been advised to travel by car instead of flying after undergoing minor surgery on his right lung at the end of the season. Jota won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal last month.

    Due to the severity of the fire, authorities had to use DNA testing and documents found in the wreckage to confirm their identities.

    The brothers were reportedly en route to Santander to catch a ferry to the UK, as Jota had been advised not to fly following recent lung surgery.

    Diogo recently got married two weeks before to his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso. He is survived by three children. Diogo Jota’s brother was a 25-year-old Penafiel player in the Portuguese 2nd League.

     The brothers boyhood club Gondomar SC, have honoured them with a special kit for the 2025-26 season for the two brothers.

    The tribute kit by Gondomar SC was officially announced on August 3 via the club’s Instagram account and other social media platforms.

    The club posted images of the new 2025–26 home, away, and third kits, each featuring large portraits of Diogo Jota and André Silva on the front, with their names appearing on the back beneath an infinity symbol, symbolising eternal remembrance.

    The caption of the post read,

    “Our new jersey brings in the great image of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, two sons of Gondomar who left us too soon, but who will live forever in the history of our club and our football. Every time our athletes put on this jersey, it’s like stepping on the field with them”.

    According to Gondomar SC, though the goal of football, as many perceive, is just notching goals and earning victories, they explain it as one that goes beyond this.

    “Because football is more than victories and goals, it’s legacy, it’s family, it’s love for our land.”

    The fourth-tier Portuguese side added: “More than a jersey, a tribute eternal.

  • Rooney blames Liverpool’s current form on ‘poor leadership’ by Salah,Virgil

    Rooney blames Liverpool’s current form on ‘poor leadership’ by Salah,Virgil

    Winners of last year’s Premier League title have had an inconsistent form this season, having lost five out of nine games.

    In their last match against Brentford, they suffered a 2-3 loss, prompting a reaction from former Man Utd forward and the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, Rooney.

    Speaking in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic forward Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s troubled spell was a “big concern”.

    He believes that the duo have signed a contract extension with the club, but their posture this season does not reflect that of good leadership, one that is in charge, citing that as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

    “This is a time when the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah they’ve signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season. I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else,” he said.

    On his part, the team is clearly having a hard time overcoming their struggles, as they never anticipated such results, which have now placed them seventh in the Premier League table. He has called on the leadership of Liverpool to treat the team’s current form with urgency.

    The Reds have lost four consecutive Premier League matches and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

    “No one has seen this coming; it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he added.

    “I might be wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

    Meanwhile, Rooney has been quite vocal about Man Utd’s form. Man Utd have had a disappointing run since Amorim’s takeover from Eric ten Hag.

    According to Rooney, he sees faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club. 

    “I just don’t know what’s going on. I have tried my hand at management, and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager, and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd. I honestly hope he can turn it around, and he does. But… after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it,” he said on his BBC podcast.

    However, Man Utd has won its last three matches. After their second win in a row, speaking during his post-match press conference, Amorim stated that, 

    “It’s everything combined for the fans if you ask them on two wins in a row after so many years, it is really important for me that it is back-to-back; it doesn’t matter about the opponent, it is just the feeling of winning.”

    But he said his focus was to achieve a three-in-a-row win as Man Utd gear up for their Premier League Matchweek 9 match with Brighton on Saturday, 25 October at Old Trafford, 17:30 BST (16:30 UTC).

    “The important thing is to think three in a row and that’s the focus”, Amorim said to the BBC after the game.”

    Before this back-to-back win, Head coach Amorim had taken just 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge. But his record as of October 20 put him just a point above his previous.

    Man Utd lost for the fourth game in a row in all competitions, but for Amorim, bagging two EPL wins in a row was an important mark chalked in his first full season at the club.

    However, it appears Amorim’s tactics, which came under heavy criticism, are producing the results he anticipated they would.

    Rooney’s former club are also enjoying a resurgence, with a 4-2 win over Brighton making it three on the trot and lifting them to sixth place, level on points with Manchester City and one clear of Liverpool.

    Part of that success has been down to the form of forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored three of his five goals in the last two games.

    Rooney admitted he was not convinced when United brought him to the club in the summer for £65m from Brentford, but said the 26-year-old Cameroon international is now living up to expectations.

    “His energy, his work-rate, his desire, is what you need to be a United player. I did say that I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is he belongs there,” added Rooney.

    “He’s been consistent with his performances, I think that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you will score 20 goals a season.”

    On September 14, Man Utd suffered an embarrassing defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds lost against their rivals in a 0-3 derby with a brace from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

    Speaking in a post-match conference, Amorim addressed some mistakes made by his side, highlighting the confused state of the players at times. According to him, some goals could have been avoided, but he admits he made poor decisions during the game.

    On his tactical philosophy, which has come under massive attack, particularly after the derby defeat against City, he reiterated that he will not change it. Some critics have slammed him for his 3-4-3 setup, which appears to be affecting players like Bruno Fernandes or Benjamin Šešk, given United’s current position on the league table.

    “It’s not a record that you should have at Manchester United… But I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”

  • Ruben Amorim says Man Utd’s two consecutive wins “really important for him”

    Ruben Amorim says Man Utd’s two consecutive wins “really important for him”

    Manchester United have recorded two consecutive winning streaks for the first time since head coach Rúben Amorim took charge in November last year.

    The Reds appointed Amorim in November 2024, but nearly ten months into his tenure, the club has yet to see a significant turnaround in fortunes. The team continued to struggle despite high fan expectations following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag in October 2024 for a poor run of results.

    However, his 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday, 12 October at Old Trafford, and 2-1 triumph in a clash with Liverpool on Sunday, 19 October after goals by Benjamin Sesko (23’) and Bruno Fernandes (penalty, 78’), prompted his expression of excitement.

    Speaking during his post-match press conference, Amorim stated that, 

    “It’s everything combined for the fans if you ask them on two wins in a row after so many years, it is really important for me that it is back-to-back, it doesn’t matter about the opponent, it is just the feeling of winning.”

    But Amorim said his focus is to achieve a three-in-a-row win as Man Utd gear up for their Premier League Matchweek 9 match with Brighton on Saturday, 25 October at Old Trafford, 17:30 BST (16:30 UTC).

    Amorim said, “The important thing is to think three in a row and that’s the focus” Amorim said to the BBC after the game.”

    Before this back-to-back win, Head coach Amorim had taken just 34 points from his 33 Premier League games in charge. But his record as of October 20 put him just a point above his previous.

    Man Utd lost for the fourth game in a row in all competitions, but for Amorim, bagging two EPL wins in a row was an important mark chalked in his first full season at the club.

    One of the club legends that have been quite vocal about the team’s performances is Wayne Rooney. He expressed his frustration about the club’s current state, highlighting that his faith in Amorim’s leadership is dead now.

    Wayne Rooney made these comments on a BBC podcast, which was aired on September 29, following Manchester United’s 1-3 loss to Brentford on September 27.

    According to Rooney, he sees faith in Ruben Amorim to turn things around at Manchester United and believes the soul has gone from his former club. 

    “I just don’t know what’s going on. I have tried my hand at management, and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he’s still a young manager, and I’m sure he’s got a massive future, but what’s going on at Man Utd, this is not Man Utd. I honestly hope he can turn it around, and he does. But… after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it,” he said on his BBC podcast.

    He fumed over players’ dead desire to fight and win, adding that he goes to games expecting the team to lose and feels some players do not deserve to represent the club.

    “I don’t recognise the whole football club. I don’t see players fighting, I don’t see character, I don’t see desire to win. I go to a game watching… expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club. What is going on? This is not all on the manager, by the way. Players, they’re not deserving to wear that shirt, and it hurts.” 

    However, following Utd recent wins, he has publicly praised the team’s performances, especially highlighting Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire after their back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Liverpool.

    scepticalHe admitted he was “skeptical” about Mbeumo’s £65 million move from Brentford but now says the forward has “proved him wrong.”

    “I had my doubts at first, but he’s proved me completely wrong. He’s already United’s best player this season.”

    Currently, pundits and fans are beginning to question whether Amorim’s tactics, which have subjected him to heavy criticism, particularly from legends like Rooney.

    On September 14, Man Utd suffered an embarrassing defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds lost against their rivals in a 0-3 derby with a brace from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

    Speaking in a post-match conference, Amorim addressed some mistakes made by his side, highlighting the confused state of the players at times. According to him, some goals could have been avoided, but he admits he made poor decisions during the game.

    On his tactical philosophy, which has come under massive attack, particularly after the derby defeat against City, he reiterated that he will not change it. Some critics have slammed him for his 3-4-3 setup, which appears to be affecting players like Bruno Fernandes or Benjamin Šešk, given United’s current position on the league table.

    “It’s not a record that you should have at Manchester United… But I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the man.”

    But Rooney had a different opinion. He mentioned that fans were so disappointed that they began to leave the stadium with chants of Amorim’s name. There are no signs of recovery for the once celebrated and results-oriented Man Utd that had its name on the lips of fans all the time.

    “I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse. I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be of the manager and the players. But it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression, and at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future.

    “I think after the last year when Ten Hag got sacked and Ruben came in, we’re hearing how they’re going to play and it is going to change,” said Rooney, who scored 253 goals for United between 2004 and 2017.

    “We’re seeing none of that, and it is very difficult. There was an image towards the end of the game where I saw the Manchester United fans leaving. You could hear the fans singing Amorim’s name, but I think that is so powerful that the United fans were leaving the game. You know the game is over, and I think they were very disappointed in what they were seeing. It is hard to see how it continues”, he questioned.

  • Liverpool poised to sign Frimpong as they ready to trigger release clause

    Liverpool poised to sign Frimpong as they ready to trigger release clause

    Liverpool are ready to settle the release clause of Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, which is approximately 35 million euros (£29.5 million), as they close in on their first summer signing.

    Talks regarding his move to Liverpool have already progressed as Arne Slot is reportedly interested in the German lad who plays across the right-hand side, for next season’s campaign.

    If Arne Slot’s side can pull off a successful swoop, the 24-year-old Dutchman would help mitigate the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid next season as he joins the Spanish giants on a free transfer.

    Jeremie who started of at Man City’s youth academy where he gained impressive skills which landed him a four year contract with Celtic.

    His performances, including a goal against Aberdeen and a key role in Celtic’s Scottish League Cup Final victory, attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen.

    He has made 53 appearances in all competitions for club and country this season, with 5 goals to his name and played a pivotal role in helping Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024.

    Frimpong’s former club Celtic would be due a portion of any transfer fee Leverkusen receive, with some reports suggesting the sell-on fee negotiated when he left the club in 2021 could be as high as 30%.

  • ‘Yes, there was tension with Sadio’ – Mo Salah admits

    ‘Yes, there was tension with Sadio’ – Mo Salah admits

    2025 Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah has admitted that there was “tension” between himself and Sadio Mane during the Senegalese stint at Liverpool.

    Amid the tension, ‘the Egyptian King’ noted that they, however, “always respected each other”.

    “Yes, there was tension with Sadio,” Salah said in an interview with France Football, via L’Equipe.

    Addressing rumours of his relationship with the Al-Nassr forward, Salah revealed that, they weren’t very close, but they both delivered well to not affect the team.

    “Mind you, we were professional until the end, I don’t think it affected the team. It’s human to want more, I understand that, he’s a competitor. Off the pitch, we weren’t very close, but we always respected each other,” he added.

    He refuted rumours of being selfish on the pitch as far as Sadio was concerned, making reference to the record of his assists to the Senegalese forward.

    “People can think what they want, it’s their right,” Salah said. “But I invite everyone to note that the person who provided Mané with the most assists is me (18). We can look at the facts, but it’s obviously easier to throw out phrases like that; it makes the headlines, I know how it works.

    “As long as it remains within the limits of respect, that’s fine with me. But that doesn’t mean that this opinion is true. At the end of the day, I know what I did, and my conscience is clear.”

    Questions about their relationship surfaced after Mane got upset and reacted angrily, slamming Salah’s decision to shoot instead of squaring the ball to him during Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Burnley in 2019.

    Shortly after Mane’s display, he was substituted and was calmed by the other teammates and staff on the bench.

    Liverpool signed Sadio Mane in 2016, with Salah joining a year later. They often played on either wing until Mane’s six-year stint, after which he left for Bayern Munich in 2022.
    Sadio scored 120 goals during his spell in Merseyside.

    The duo’s pairing during Mane’s stay at Liverpool was a major source of ‘The Reds’ goals , often appearing in a front three alongside Roberto Firmino. Salah scored 19 goals and assisted 10 when Liverpool won the Premier League in 2020, while Mane scored 18 and assisted seven.

    Also, the state of their relationship is partly blamed on the fact that they play for rival African nations. The most notable of their international clashes against one another came in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, in which Mane’s Senegal triumphed 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

    In Salah said during the 2017-18 season he and Mane were “very close,” adding, “we’re friends, we talk a lot to each other.”

  • Liverpool’s Salah wins FWA Footballer of the Year award

    Liverpool’s Salah wins FWA Footballer of the Year award

    Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been voted the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year.

    Salah has enjoyed a stellar individual season, registering 33 goals and 23 assists in all competitions and playing a major role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win.

    The Egypt international has started every league game for Arne Slot’s side this term and recently ended months of speculation over his future by signing a two-year contract extension at Anfield.

    FWA Footballer of the Year top four
    Mohamed Salah won by the biggest margin this century, landing almost 90 per cent of all votes cast.

    PLAYERs & their respective clubs

    1. Mohamed Salah Liverpool
    2. Virgil van Dijk Liverpool
    3. Alexander Isak Newcastle
    4. Declan Rice Arsenal
      This is the third time Salah has won the award — which is voted for by hundreds of journalists across England — having previously been crowned Player of the Year in 2017-18 and 2021-22.

    The 32-year-old saw off competition from teammates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, as well as the likes of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, to clinch this year’s prize.

    About Salah

    Mohamed Salah, born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, Egypt, is a professional footballer renowned for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. He plays as a forward for Liverpool FC and serves as the captain of the Egyptian national team.

    Salah began his professional career with El Mokawloon in Egypt before moving to Europe, where he played for Basel, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Roma. His move to Liverpool in 2017 marked a turning point, as he quickly became one of the Premier League’s most prolific scorers.

    He has consistently been among the top scorers in the league, with standout seasons such as 2017–18, where he scored 32 goals, setting a new Premier League record for a 38-game season. In the 2024–25 season, he continued his exceptional form, scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists, leading Liverpool to another Premier League title.

    His performances earned him the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Men’s Player of the Year award for the third time, a feat only matched by Thierry Henry.

    Salah’s commitment to Liverpool was reaffirmed in April 2025 when he signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2027. This decision came amid interest from other clubs, highlighting his dedication to Liverpool and its fans.

  • Mohamed Salah signs new contract with Liverpool FC

    Mohamed Salah signs new contract with Liverpool FC

    Liverpool FC can announce Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.

    The forward, who is enjoying another stellar campaign for the Reds, has committed his future by putting pen to paper on the deal.

    So far this term, Salah has scored 32 goals in just 45 appearances in all competitions – 27 of which have come in the Premier League, making him the division’s leading marksman. These strikes have been supplemented by 22 assists for his teammates.

    And today’s news means Salah will extend an eight-year stay at Anfield into the future and continue to help Arne Slot’s team challenge for the game’s biggest honours.

    He told Liverpoolfc.com in exclusive reaction: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.

    “It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.

    “I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”

    Arne Slot declared himself ‘very happy’ with the news that Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool.

    “Happy, of course. He’s shown at this club for so many years in a row now how much value he has for the team [and] for the club. So, as like I assume all our fans and his teammates, we are very happy that he extended for two more years and hopefully he can show on Sunday again how important he has been for the whole season to us,” he said during a press conference.

    Salah has cemented himself as a Liverpool legend since his transfer from AS Roma in the summer of 2017.

    His remarkable record in front of goal has taken him to outright third in the Reds’ all-time top scorers list, with 243 strikes in 394 appearances to date.

    During his time at Anfield, Salah has lifted seven major honours, picking up medals in the Premier League and Champions League, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.

    In addition, he has won the Premier League Golden Boot on three occasions, been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice and taken home two FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

    Now Salah will look to add further to those collections together with Liverpool, having committed his future to the club once more.

    Source:  Liverpool Football Club 

  • Van Dijk reveals positive steps in his contract talks with Liverpool

    Van Dijk reveals positive steps in his contract talks with Liverpool

    Captain of Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk, has shared that discussions about a new contract with the club have made progress as the summer transfer window approaches. Following the team’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham on Saturday, the Dutch defender confirmed that there have been positive developments in his contract talks with the club this week.

    As Van Dijk is set to turn 34 in July, questions have arisen about his future at Liverpool, with some reports suggesting his position at the club may be uncertain.

    “There is progress, yeah. I don’t know, we’ll see. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.

    “I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again and we wanted to reward them at Fulham. But want I them to be there against West Ham on Sunday again and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”

    Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, two of Van Dijk’s teammates, are expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Manager Arne Slot is working hard to find replacements for them.

    However, with positive developments in talks with one of the world’s top defenders, the club might not need to spend too much when the transfer window opens.

    The 33-year-old Van Dijk addressed the loss to Fulham, admitting that the team simply wasn’t good enough on the day.

    “It was a poor day at the office for all of us. I think they were individual moments that should have been dealt with better. In games, these moments can happen but if you let them back in, they obviously scored three goals and we were on the back foot.

    “No one can ever be perfect and we were sloppy and today we got punished quickly and like I said then it’s a difficult battle to play. We still had the belief, still had opportunities but, based on the first half, you can’t argue with the result.”

  • “Genuinely, I have no idea at the moment” – Van Dijk on future at Liverpool

    “Genuinely, I have no idea at the moment” – Van Dijk on future at Liverpool

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted he is uncertain about his future at the club beyond this season.

    The Dutch defender is among three key players, alongside Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts expire at the end of the campaign, with no new agreements in place yet.

    Van Dijk has played a crucial role in Liverpool’s title push, helping them build a 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League with just 10 matches remaining. He has been a consistent presence in the squad, featuring in every game for one of the league’s strongest defences.

    Despite their impressive domestic form, Liverpool’s Champions League journey ended in disappointment on Tuesday, as they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in the round of 16.

    “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment,” Van Dijk said post-match when asked about his future at Anfield.

    “It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There’s just … I keep saying the same thing.

    “Listen, there are ten games to go, and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself. Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it.

    “At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”
    Liverpool can clinch their first piece of silverware of the season this weekend when they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Van Dijk will hope to replicate his heroics from last year’s final, where he scored the winner in extra-time against Chelsea.

  • Incredible performance, the best game I have been a part of – Slot on loss to PSG

    Incredible performance, the best game I have been a part of – Slot on loss to PSG

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot called his team’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain “the best game of football I’ve been involved in,” despite the disappointing result.

    After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Paris, Liverpool needed a strong performance at Anfield. However, PSG extended their advantage early when Ousmane Dembélé scored in the 12th minute.

    Liverpool created several scoring chances but failed to find the net, pushing the match into extra time. With no goals in the additional minutes, the game was decided by a penalty shootout.

    PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made crucial saves against Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones, while Desire Doué scored the decisive penalty, giving PSG a 4-1 victory in the shootout and ending Liverpool’s Champions League campaign.

    “It was the best game of football I have ever been involved in,” Slot said on Amazon Prime.

    “It was an incredible performance, especially if you compare it with last week. Maybe we ran out of luck because the margins were so small.

    “We played the perfect game, except for scoring a goal. It was similar to Paris last week, when they played the perfect game and didn’t score. And then in extra time, they were maybe a little bit better.”

    Liverpool still has two domestic trophies to chase despite their Champions League exit.

    They are almost guaranteed to win the Premier League, holding a comfortable 15-point lead at the top of the table. Additionally, they have a chance to secure silverware when they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

    “We were pretty good and you want to go as far as possible, but we knew when we drew Paris that it was going to be very difficult,” admitted Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

    “In Paris, we struggled but we won. Today we saw a very good Liverpool side, but we’re out of the competition.”

    Scotland left-back Andy Robertson said the focus will turn to Newcastle now as he added: “It wasn’t meant to be and we need to dust ourselves down. We always bounce back, there’s a lot of tired legs in there. Cup finals, we enjoy them, and that’s the biggest game.”

    PSG boss Luis Enrique felt Liverpool were unlucky as he said: “Both of the teams deserve to go to the next phase.

    “They played better than us here, but I think my team at Anfield, in a special stadium showed great personality and character.

    “I think it shows clearly the team we are.”

  • Liverpool confirms multi-year kit deal with Adidas, effective next season

    Liverpool confirms multi-year kit deal with Adidas, effective next season

    Liverpool has confirmed a long-term partnership with Adidas as its new kit supplier, set to take effect from the next season. This agreement marks the end of the club’s association with Nike.

    Adidas previously provided kits for Liverpool between 1985-1996 and later from 2006-2012. While the exact duration of the latest deal remains undisclosed, reports suggest it could span five years, with an annual value exceeding £60 million.

    Despite this lucrative agreement, Manchester United still holds the record for the most expensive kit deal in Premier League history, having secured a £90 million-per-year contract with Adidas in July 2023

    “Everyone at the club is incredibly excited to welcome adidas back into the LFC family,” Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan said in a statement on Monday.

    “We have enjoyed fantastic success together in the past and created some of the most iconic LFC kits of all time. adidas and Liverpool share an ambition of success and we couldn’t be more excited to partner together again as we look forward to creating more incredible kits to help drive on pitch performance.

    We’d like to thank Nike for their support over the last five years and wish them well for the future.”

  • My biggest transfer regret was not signing Sadio Mané at Dortmund – Jurgen Klopp

    My biggest transfer regret was not signing Sadio Mané at Dortmund – Jurgen Klopp

    Jürgen Klopp has revealed that his biggest transfer regret as Borussia Dortmund’s head coach was failing to sign Sadio Mané.

    Speaking at the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Hout Bay United Football Community (HBUFC) in Cape Town, Klopp, now Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, apologized to Dortmund fans for missing out on Mané. While he also wished he had signed Kevin De Bruyne, he noted a key difference between the two cases: Chelsea, then managed by José Mourinho, blocked Dortmund’s move for De Bruyne, whereas his failure to sign Mané was entirely his own misjudgment.

    Ironically, Mané later thrived under Klopp at Liverpool, scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances during his peak years at the club.

    “There are a couple of Dortmund supporters here, so I have to apologise for them, because I didn’t sign Sadio Mané for Dortmund,” Klopp said when asked which player he regretted not signing most.

    “I could say I was young and naïve [but] I wasn’t that young and naïve. I realised it when he came to Liverpool. I thought: ‘That’s a lot of money [compared to what Dortmund would have had to spend to sign him initially].”


    Sadio Mané joined Liverpool in 2016 for a reported £34 million plus add-ons, having previously moved to Southampton for £11.8 million in 2014. At the time, Jürgen Klopp, then Borussia Dortmund’s head coach, hesitated to take a chance on Mané, as he wasn’t completely convinced. However, Dortmund’s disastrous start to the 2014/15 season, coupled with Mané’s impressive performances at Southampton, quickly made him realize his mistake.

    Klopp also named Son Heung-Min as another major transfer regret. Son opted to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2013, while Mané moved to Southampton a year later—both decisions influenced by Klopp’s reluctance to pursue them aggressively. The two players later became Premier League stars, with Son excelling at Tottenham and Mané reaching his peak under Klopp at Liverpool.

    Additionally, former Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke previously claimed that Chelsea blocked De Bruyne’s move to Dortmund in 2013 out of frustration over their failure to sign Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, who was highly sought after by Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, remained at Dortmund under Klopp before eventually joining Bayern Munich.

  • I will thank you if Liverpool fail to win title – Words of Slot to ref that landed him a ban

    I will thank you if Liverpool fail to win title – Words of Slot to ref that landed him a ban

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot told referee Michael Oliver that he would hold him responsible if Liverpool failed to win the Premier League this season.

    The Dutch coach received a red card after confronting Oliver and one of his assistant referees on the pitch following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton in the Merseyside derby last month.

    As a result, Slot was handed a two-match ban and fined £70,000 by an independent Football Association (FA) commission. He accepted the charge of misconduct, which included using insulting and abusive language towards the match officials.

    Oliver alleged Slot, while shaking the official’s hand, said: “If we don’t win the league, I’ll [expletive] blame you.”

    Slot disputed the alleged language used, claiming he instead said “if we don’t win the league, I will have you to thank for that”.

    But the commission decided it was “more likely than not that Arne Slot used the language alleged by the referee and the FA”.

    The FA argued the discrepancy didn’t make a material difference to the sanction because the words used still constituted Slot acting in an improper manner.

    Slot accepted that, and did not dispute stating “[expletive] disgrace” to the assistant referee as part of his angry outburst.

    The FA also alleged the Reds boss said Oliver “[expletive] give them everything”, and hoped the referee “was proud of that performance”.

    Slot admitted that his actions were unacceptable, saying he let his frustrations take over because he believed some decisions in the game were unfair to his team.

    The FA commission noted that he had since offered a sincere apology, both privately and publicly.

    Due to mitigating factors—including his apology, early admission of the charge, and clean disciplinary record—his fine was reduced from £100,000 to £70,000.

    Speaking before Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, Slot said: “The moment it happened, I was quite emotional [about] everything that happened in the game.

    “I chose to go on the pitch instead of staying calm and staying inside to talk to Michael [Oliver]. I don’t have these emotions now so I should set a better example.”

    Slot’s assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was also given a two-match touchline ban and fined £7,000 after the FA alleged he approached Oliver in an “extremely aggressive manner”, and said he was a “[expletive] disgrace”.

    Liverpool and Everton were both charged for failing to control their players, who behaved in an improper and provocative manner.

    The late drama at Goodison Park started when James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equaliser for Everton, which was awarded after a VAR check.

    Liverpool strongly believed the goal should have been disallowed, arguing that Everton striker Beto had fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build-up.

    After the final whistle, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of Liverpool fans, leading to a confrontation with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. Both players received second yellow cards and were sent off.

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards after confronting referee Michael Oliver on the pitch.

    Slot will complete his touchline ban before returning to the dugout after the international break when Liverpool faces Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on 16 March.

    Currently 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, Liverpool will next play Everton at Anfield on 2 April.

  • Liverpool’s financial loss climbs to £57m for the 2023-24 season

    Liverpool’s financial loss climbs to £57m for the 2023-24 season

    Liverpool recorded a pre-tax loss of £57 million for the financial year ending May 31, 2024—an increase of £48 million from the previous year.

    Despite this, the club’s overall revenue saw a £20 million boost, reaching £614 million, while commercial income hit a record £308 million, up by £36 million. This milestone marks the first time Liverpool’s commercial revenue has surpassed £300 million, driven largely by growth in sponsorship deals and retail sales.

    The financial period covered Jürgen Klopp’s final season as manager, during which Liverpool won the Carabao Cup, finished third in the Premier League, and reached the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and Europa League.

    During the 2023-24 season, Liverpool invested around £165 million in new signings, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch to strengthen the squad.

    However, the club’s absence from the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2016-17 led to a £38 million drop in media revenue, which fell to £204 million. This decline was partially offset by increased Premier League broadcasting revenue, attributed to Liverpool’s improved league performance compared to the previous season, where they finished fifth and failed to secure a major trophy.

    Liverpool ‘strongest brand’ in Premier League

    Liverpool’s matchday revenue rose by £22 million to £102 million in the 2023-24 season, driven by the opening of the new Anfield Road Stand and an increased number of competitive fixtures at home.

    Despite the revenue boost, administrative costs surged by £38 million to £600 million, primarily due to rising salaries and overhead expenses. The club revealed that matchday costs have nearly doubled over the past eight years, while staff expenses have climbed 86% since 2018, reaching £386 million.

    “Operating a financially sustainable club continues to be our priority and, with the continued increase in costs, it’s essential to grow income streams year on year to maintain financial stability,” said Jenny Beacham, the club’s chief finance officer.

    Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool currently leads the Premier League by 13 points over Arsenal. The club also continues to strengthen its global presence, generating 1.5 billion social media engagements and gaining a record 37 million new followers across its platforms.

    According to Brand Finance’s 2024 report, Liverpool now holds the title of the strongest brand among all Premier League clubs.

    “The global appeal of this football club continues to be phenomenal and is the underlying strength and opportunity we have for continued growth,” Beacham added.

  • Liverpool’s Arne Slot given two-match ban after derby chaos

    Liverpool’s Arne Slot given two-match ban after derby chaos

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been handed a two-match touchline ban and fined £70,000 ($88,500) by the Football Association following his red card in the heated conclusion of the Merseyside derby on February 12.

    Slot was dismissed after confronting referee Michael Oliver at full-time, following a scuffle between Everton and Liverpool players. The altercation had resulted in Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones receiving second yellow cards and being sent off.

    Slot later admitted to acting improperly and using insulting or abusive language toward the match officials.

    Liverpool assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff also received a two-game ban and a £7,000 fine for his involvement in the post-match chaos.

    Additionally, both Liverpool and Everton were fined for failing to control their players and staff during the incident. Everton was penalized £65,000, while Liverpool received a £50,000 fine.

    The full reasoning behind the suspensions and fines will be made public in due course.

    The controversy stemmed from an incident in stoppage time when Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Doucouré appeared to taunt Liverpool fans while celebrating, prompting an angry reaction from Jones, which led to a brawl.

    After the match, Slot shook Oliver’s hand but appeared to make a remark that led the referee to immediately issue him a red card.

  • Liverpool keep season ticket prices unchanged for 2025-26

    Liverpool keep season ticket prices unchanged for 2025-26

    Liverpool have confirmed they will freeze general admission and season ticket prices for next season after supporters warned the club they were at risk of forcing out local and generational fans.

    Last month, a number of Liverpool supporter groups teamed up to write an open letter to the club, warning that increased ticket prices threatened to “kill the Kop.” Ticket prices rose by 2% ahead of this season.

    A meeting was subsequently held between the club and the supporters’ board to discuss the cost of tickets next term and Liverpool have now confirmed that there will be no further price rises for the 2025-26 season.

    As well as adult prices remaining the same, junior tickets will also continue to be frozen at £9 ($11.34) for the 10th season in a row, and are the same price as a portion of local tickets, which have been available to those with a Liverpool postcode since the 2016-17 campaign.

    Liverpool say the latest price freeze comes despite significant increases in Anfield matchday operating costs and continued rises in the cost of football operations in general.

    Liverpool’s announcement comes amid discontent from Manchester United fans, with the Old Trafford club having made the unpopular decision to raise ticket prices to £66 mid-season. In an open letter to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last month, supporter group M.U.S.T issued a warning about the impact of further increases.

    They warned such price rises could lead to “outright rebellion” in the near future.

    Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against United last month, supporters from both clubs united under the Football Supporters’ Association campaign slogan #StopExploitingLoyalty to protest against rises.

    Frustration with rising ticket prices has been evident among fans across the Premier League, with Crystal Palace the only top flight club not to raise prices for this season.

  • Arne Slot wish Virgil van Dijk would stay at Liverpool ‘for a long time’

    Arne Slot wish Virgil van Dijk would stay at Liverpool ‘for a long time’

    Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has expressed his desire to continue working with captain Virgil van Dijk “for a long time,” despite ongoing uncertainty about the defender’s future.

    Van Dijk, along with teammates Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract at the end of the season and is now able to negotiate with overseas clubs for a pre-contract agreement to join on a free transfer in the summer.

    Nonetheless, there is an expectation at Anfield that the 33-year-old will extend his stay with the Premier League leaders, as his impressive form shows no signs of declining.

    “Virgil deserves every compliment he gets,” Slot told a news conference on Friday. “He’s been outstanding for this club for so many years and, since I’ve been here, he’s been outstanding for me as well.

    “Yesterday [in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur] was an example of that. He was, in a good way, aggressive, led the team with and without the ball, he was sharp and ready. It was no coincidence it took 80 mins for Tottenham’s first shot on target. Virgil, just like many others, has had a good season but he wants to make it a great season.

    Asked what he hopes the future holds for his captain, Slot added: “Good health is the first thing I wish him, and I hope to continue working with him for a long time, although I don’t think that will surprise you.”

  • Video: Pep Guardiola lost his temper, almost fought a fan after on the street after 0-2 defeat against Liverpool

    Video: Pep Guardiola lost his temper, almost fought a fan after on the street after 0-2 defeat against Liverpool

    Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, was nearly involved in a physical confrontation with a fan after a recent loss.

    A video circulating online shows the fan mocking Guardiola over the defeat, prompting an unusually heated response from the usually composed Spanish manager.

    The fan was heard saying, “Cry, mate, just because you lost,” as Guardiola walked past.

    Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona manager, turned to confront the fan after hearing the comment, but his security team intervened to stop him.

    It is still unclear if the incident happened after Manchester City’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

    City had been struggling, losing six of their last seven matches without a win. However, they broke the streak with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

  • Mo Salah ‘restless’ after delayed contract extension deal from Liverpool

    Mo Salah ‘restless’ after delayed contract extension deal from Liverpool

    Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has raised doubts about his future at the club, citing the lack of a contract offer as the year draws to a close.

    Salah, who played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s recent 3-2 comeback victory against Southampton on Sunday, November 24, 2024, admitted his growing uncertainty over his place at Anfield.

    The Egyptian star noted that the absence of a new proposal from the club signals an impending departure.

    Speaking after the match, Salah expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m probably more out than in. We’re nearing December, and I haven’t received any offers to extend my stay at the club… I think that says a lot.”

    His remarks were reported by football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

    Salah did not hold back his disappointment, sharing his belief that the club’s hesitance to secure his future reflects their unwillingness to continue the partnership.

    “Disappointed? Yes, I’m disappointed. Of course, I’m disappointed with the situation. I have not seen any sort of proposal from Liverpool so far.”

    Salah’s remarks have sparked concern among fans, many of whom feel he has earned a contract extension given his impressive recent performances.

    The Egyptian forward currently leads Liverpool’s scoring charts this season, with 12 goals in 18 matches, along with 10 assists to his name.

    His current contract runs until the end of the 2024/2025 season, marking the conclusion of what will be a seven-year tenure with the Reds.

  • EPL referee suspended after speaking ill of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp in viral video

    EPL referee suspended after speaking ill of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp in viral video

    Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended following a viral video in which he expressed hostility and prejudice towards Liverpool and former manager Jurgen Klopp.

    In the video, Coote was heard using offensive language against Klopp and the Liverpool team.

    Professional Game Match Officials Ltd. (PGMOL) issued a statement on Monday, November 11, confirming Coote’s suspension and announcing an ongoing investigation.

    “David Coote has been suspended with immediate effect pending a full investigation. PGMOL will be making no further comment until that process is complete.”

    According to UK outlet The Times, the investigation’s outcome could potentially end the career of 42-year-old referee David Coote.

    The situation has prompted Liverpool fans to scrutinise his past decisions, highlighting questionable calls he made in previous games involving their team.

    Coote, a FIFA-listed referee, began his professional officiating career in 2010 in England’s National League division. He was promoted to the Championship later that year, where he spent eight years before advancing to the Premier League.

    In 2022, he earned his FIFA listing, and in 2023, he officiated the English Football League Cup final between Manchester United and Newcastle United.

  • I want to be the “greatest right-back to have played football” – Trent

    I want to be the “greatest right-back to have played football” – Trent

    Liverpool and England star Trent Alexander-Arnold has set his sights on becoming the best right-back in football history.

    At 26, he has ambitious goals, aiming to be the first full-back to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, a feat no player in his position has achieved since the award’s inception in 1956.

    “I believe I can,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports. “I want to be the first full-back to ever do it.” He added that he would prioritize winning the Ballon d’Or over lifting the World Cup, emphasizing his drive to leave a unique mark on the sport.

    Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, a left-back, came closest to winning the award, finishing second in 2002 to Brazil’s Ronaldo. On the women’s side, England’s Lucy Bronze, a right-back, was runner-up in 2019, behind the USA’s Megan Rapinoe.

    This year, two full-backs — Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid and Alejandro Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen — have been shortlisted for the men’s award, which will be announced on Monday.

    Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold, who has won multiple trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, is reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar as his contract approaches its end this season. Reflecting on his legacy, he said: “A legend of football, someone who changed the game. I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to have played football.”

    For Alexander-Arnold, it’s not just about medals but about the impact he makes. “It doesn’t matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you’ve got. It matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential,” he said.

  • Arne Slot celebrated his 46th birthday with his debut UCL win

    Arne Slot celebrated his 46th birthday with his debut UCL win

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrated his 46th birthday with a memorable first Champions League victory, guiding his team to a 3-1 triumph over AC Milan in Italy. Slot described the win as an excellent birthday gift.

    Taking over from Jurgen Klopp, the Champions League-winning coach, Slot led Liverpool to a comeback victory at the San Siro after falling behind to a third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic.

    The Reds secured the win with goals from Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

    The former Feyenoord boss praised his team’s performance, noting that it was a perfect response after a surprising 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest just days earlier.

    “A great way to spend my birthday,” Slot said. “We have more than 11 players, and the ones that came in did well. You wouldn’t have said this after five minutes, but after we did well.

    “Losing Saturday was a blow, and to be 1-0 down early tonight, you are wondering how we react.

    “But if you can play so good it is — I won’t say a disgrace — unbelievable you lose to Forest at home if you can play like this today.”

    Slot gave Cody Gakpo his first start of the season and was repaid with an impressive performance by the Netherlands forward, and the manager said the former PSV Eindhoven player produced what he expected.

    “I would have played Cody Gakpo on Saturday but he played two games for the national side,” Slot said. “Today was more of a team display than an individual display.”

    It was a special day, too, for Liverpool captain Van Dijk, who marked his 50th appearance in the Champions League with just his third goal in the competition.

    “Obviously I am very pleased with the win, and I am pleased with the way we bounced back after a difficult start,” he told Sky Italy. “Overall we put in a very good performance with and without the ball.

    “When there is a set-piece we try to be important. The delivery was outstanding in my opinion. Overall I am very pleased that we won and we limited them to only two big chances.

    “We have been very successful over the years, and I am always grateful for that. Things have moved on, the new manager is here and he has principles that are different.

    “We are working on things, and there are still things to improve.”

  • “It’s my last year in the club” – Salah on stay at Liverpool

    “It’s my last year in the club” – Salah on stay at Liverpool

    Mohamed Salah is one of three key Liverpool players nearing the end of their current contracts.

    Alongside club captain Virgil van Dijk and homegrown talent Trent Alexander-Arnold, Salah is set to depart Anfield at the close of the season unless new agreements are reached to keep them at the club.

    Since joining Liverpool in 2017 from Roma, after earlier stints at Basel, Chelsea, and Fiorentina, Salah has made a remarkable impact.

    He has netted 214 goals and contributed 92 assists in 352 appearances for the Reds.

    “I had a good summer; I had a long time to stay with myself and think positive, as you know it’s my last year in the club,” Salah told Sky Sports.

    “I just want to enjoy it. I don’t want to think about it. I feel I’m free to play football, and we’ll see what happens next year.

    “Nobody in the club has talked to me yet about contracts, so OK, I’ll play my last season, and we’ll see at the end of the season. It’s not up to me.”

    In September 2023, Liverpool turned down a massive £150 million ($197 million) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for Mohamed Salah.

    Despite rumours of another potential approach by Saudi clubs this summer, no concrete offer was made for the Egyptian star.

    As Salah enters the final year of his contract, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has opted not to comment on the player’s situation, keeping any potential developments under wraps.

    “At this moment [Salah] is one of ours, and I am really happy with him being one of ours,” Slot said. “He played really well, but I don’t talk about contracts.”

    Salah is one of three Liverpool stars who are inside the final year of their respective contracts.

    Club captain Virgil van Dijk and academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold are also due to leave the club at the end of the season unless they agree on new contracts to extend their stays at Anfield.

    Salah has scored 214 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 appearances for Liverpool. He joined the club in 2017 from Roma after spells with Basel, Chelsea and Fiorentina.

  • Man Utd loses to Liverpool; Ten Hag mounts defense

    Man Utd loses to Liverpool; Ten Hag mounts defense

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended his team after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, insisting that it’s too early to lose hope in the season.

    Despite the loss, Ten Hag remains confident that his side can still compete for silverware, dismissing any notion that quick fixes or “magic” solutions exist.

    Liverpool dominated the match, with Luis Diaz scoring twice within seven minutes in the first half. Mohamed Salah added a third goal shortly after the break, sealing a comfortable victory for the visitors.

    The defeat was particularly disheartening for United fans, who feared a repeat of the 5-0 thrashing Liverpool handed them in the same fixture back in 2021.

    Ten Hag’s starting lineup included six of his signings, making the loss even more frustrating for the Dutch manager. Among them was his latest acquisition, Manuel Ugarte, a £50.5 million midfielder from Uruguay. Although Ugarte was introduced to the fans before kick-off, he was not eligible to play, having been registered after Friday’s deadline.

    United’s poor start to the season has seen them slip to 14th place in the Premier League, with just three points from their first three games. However, Ten Hag refused to dwell on the negatives, stressing the need for patience and time to integrate new players into the squad.

    “It is not like I am Harry Potter,” Ten Hag remarked, emphasizing that expectations of instant success are unrealistic. “For three players it was their first start of the season. Manuel Ugarte did not play one minute—he needs to build his fitness. Then we have to build him into the team. I am sure he will contribute to our team. It will take a couple of weeks, maybe even a month. That is the same for a lot of players.”

    One of the key issues during the match was the performance of striker Joshua Zirkzee, who had a mixed game. While he managed to create United’s best chances, his finishing left much to be desired, with one attempt going wide and another brilliantly saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Matthijs de Ligt, another of Ten Hag’s signings, struggled at the back alongside Lisandro Martinez, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was often outplayed by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch.

    Tensions flared during Ten Hag’s post-match press conference when the manager clashed with a journalist who suggested that United had been making the same mistakes for two years. Ten Hag defended his approach, asserting, “I have a different vision, otherwise we wouldn’t win trophies and beat bigger opponents.”

    Acknowledging the pain of the defeat, Ten Hag said, “I don’t want to talk about positives today. This defeat hurts for us and our fans. It is the third game of the season. We have to build a new team. We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.”

    One of the most controversial moments of the match came when Ten Hag substituted veteran midfielder Casemiro at half-time, after the Brazilian was at fault for two of Liverpool’s goals. Casemiro’s errors led to Liverpool’s first goal when he gave the ball away to Gravenberch, and he was outmuscled by Diaz for the second. Ten Hag replaced him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer in an attempt to inject more energy into the midfield.

    Rumors circulated on social media that Casemiro had left Old Trafford early, but Ten Hag was quick to dismiss these claims. “He didn’t leave the stadium at half-time,” the manager clarified. “I met him in the dressing room after the game. I took him off because we were 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool. We had to take risks because we wanted to bounce back and needed players in midfield who can cover the ground.”

    Despite the setback, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the season ahead. “He [Casemiro] won everything in his career. I am sure he will keep contributing to our team,” Ten Hag said, expressing his confidence in the team’s ability to recover and challenge for trophies as the season progresses.

  • Arne Slot remains confident in Liverpool’s squad even without new signings

    Arne Slot remains confident in Liverpool’s squad even without new signings

    Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has dismissed the idea that the club’s lack of signings during the summer transfer window indicates weakness, instead highlighting the strength of the current squad.

    Slot hosted his first prematch news conference ahead of Liverpool’s opening game against Ipswich Town on Saturday and said: “If you don’t strengthen, you become weaker?

    I don’t understand that. It’s not always true that if you bring in new players a team becomes stronger.”

    Liverpool did not bring in any new players during the summer transfer window, even though they lost Thiago Alcantara, Adrián, and Joël Matip.

    However, Slot commended his predecessor, Jürgen Klopp, for leaving behind a strong squad.

    “Jürgen left the team in a good place,” he said. “I said many times our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find players who can strengthen us.”

    Liverpool did attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi, but a failed pursuit left them without a signing as the Premier League season begins.

    “Zubimendi was one [to strenghten the squad] but unfortunately he decided not to come.”

    “[Liverpool signing directors] did every effort to get Zubimendi to come in but if a player doesn’t want to come…”

    The former Feyenoord manager said he was happy with how quickly he had been able to implement his playing style at Liverpool, who won their 10th League Cup last season.

    “We’re not changing everything. Actually, we [didn’t] change that much because many things were already good,” he said.

    “Fortunately for me, a lot of this playing style the boys already knew, because many things have stayed the same [from Klopp’s playing style] and we have tried to adjust where we can to improve the team.

    “Last season was also a season where they could win a trophy with this team, so we are hoping and aiming for the same.”

  • Brentford announces signing of Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho

    Brentford announces signing of Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho

    Brentford have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho from Liverpool on a five-year contract, as confirmed by the West London club on Monday.

    Although financial terms weren’t disclosed, reports in the British media suggest the deal is valued at approximately £27.5 million ($35.10 million).

    The 21-year-old Carvalho, who has represented England at various youth levels before switching his allegiance to Portugal at the Under-21 level, joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2022.

    Last season, he was loaned out to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and English Championship side Hull City.

    Carvalho made 21 appearances for Liverpool, scoring three goals, and also netted in preseason victories against Arsenal and Manchester United this summer.

    Additionally, on Monday, Serie A club AC Milan announced the acquisition of Brazilian defender Emerson Royal from Tottenham Hotspur.

    Emerson, who has been capped 10 times by Brazil, signed a contract with Milan until June 2028, with an option for a one-year extension.

    The 25-year-old defender, who previously played for Barcelona and Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro, made 101 appearances for Spurs across all competitions.

    He will wear the No. 22 jersey at Milan.

  • Liverpool’s Arne Slot demands ‘better’ ball control from squad after win over Man Utd

    Liverpool’s Arne Slot demands ‘better’ ball control from squad after win over Man Utd

    Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged that his team has ample room for growth despite concluding their U.S. preseason tour with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United in South Carolina on Saturday.

    Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in May, also led Liverpool to victories against Arsenal and Real Betis. The team will next face Sevilla at Anfield before traveling to Ipswich Town for their Premier League season opener on August 17.

    Asked if he was pleased with his side’s performances so far, the Dutchman said: “Yes, I was but not with all of them. We are very happy with the result, we scored some really nice goals … very positive tour.

    “But I don’t think we had enough control over the game, I think we gave away too many chances. United deserved more than a 3-0 loss but it’s also our quality that we do score our own chances.

    “We will see how players [returning from holiday] fit into the team. We need to work hard in the upcoming two weeks to be ready.”

  • Southampton reject Liverpool’s offer for Carvalho

    Southampton reject Liverpool’s offer for Carvalho

    Liverpool have turned down a £15 million offer from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho.

    Southampton has shown long-standing interest in the 21-year-old forward, but their bid is far below what Liverpool would accept for a permanent transfer.

    Carvalho has impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States, scoring in victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

    New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is keen on utilizing Carvalho in his 4-2-3-1 formation unless a significantly higher offer persuades the club to sell.

    Slot, who has had the chance to assess his young players due to the late arrivals of some squad members, has seen standout performances from Carvalho and defender Sepp van den Berg.

    Despite Carvalho’s strong showing, his first-team opportunities might be limited once key forwards like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo return from their extended breaks following the Copa America and Euro 2024.

    Several other clubs have expressed interest in Carvalho, who spent the previous season on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City. He netted nine goals in 20 games for Hull City, and while another loan move is an option, it would be considered a last resort.

  • Liverpool beat Man Utd in friendly

    Liverpool beat Man Utd in friendly

    Liverpool wrapped up their three-match tour of the US with a perfect record, capping it off with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United in Columbia.

    Playing before a record crowd of 77,559 at the Williams-Brice Stadium—the largest attendance for a non-US football match—Liverpool took the lead early when Fabio Carvalho capitalized on a defensive lapse by Casemiro to score in the 10th minute.

    Mohamed Salah extended Liverpool’s advantage in the 36th minute. His skillful control and burst down the wing allowed him to deliver a low cross to Curtis Jones, who finished neatly.

    Konstantinos Tsimikas added a third goal in the 61st minute after Andre Onana failed to secure Diogo Jota’s initial shot, allowing Tsimikas to pounce on the rebound.

    New manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp, will take positive notes from this pre-season success. However, Slot will understand that his real assessment will begin with the Premier League opener against newly promoted Ipswich on August 17.

    For Manchester United, the match was further marred by a serious injury to young defender Will Fish, who had to be stretchered off after a collision with Harvey Blair.

    United’s tour concluded with two defeats to Premier League sides, following a previous loss to Arsenal, although they managed a victory against Real Betis in between.

    Both Liverpool and United will look forward to the return of their key players from Euro 2024 and Copa America as they resume training next week.

  • Liverpool reportedly interested in Kudus,two other top wingers

    Liverpool reportedly interested in Kudus,two other top wingers

    Ghanaian football star Mohammed Kudus is heavily linked with a potential move to Liverpool this summer.

    The Black Stars and West Ham United standout is reportedly on the Reds’ transfer radar as they seek a long-term successor for their talisman, Mohamed Salah.

    Other wingers rumored to be in contention for Salah’s replacement at Liverpool include Anthony Gordon and Leroy Sane.

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future, he remains an integral part of the Liverpool squad and is currently participating in pre-season preparations for the 2024/25 football season.

    Reports indicate that even if Salah remains at Liverpool this summer, the club plans to recruit several young talents to bolster the team.

    Meanwhile, other top clubs are also eyeing Mohammed Kudus this summer following his impressive season with West Ham.

  • Discussions underway as Liverpool owners make move to buy French club Bordeaux

    Discussions underway as Liverpool owners make move to buy French club Bordeaux

    Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), are in discussions to acquire struggling French club Bordeaux.

    The club faced provisional relegation to the third-tier National 1 by French football’s financial regulator, the DNCG, on Tuesday, due to their inability to provide financial guarantees for the 2024–25 season.

    Bordeaux is currently appealing the decision and has a two-week window to finalise a sale to remain in Ligue 2 next season.

    During Tuesday’s meeting with the DNCG, both Bordeaux and FSG presented their takeover proposals.

    “Fenway Sports Group has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of French football club Girondins de Bordeaux and is in the early stages of dialogue and engagement,” said FSG.

    “While the process is at this exploratory phase, we will not be making any further comments.”

    When FSG appointed Michael Edwards as their chief executive of football earlier this year, his responsibilities included identifying and managing a second club.

    Bordeaux, who were granted an initial stay of proceedings by the DNCG on June 27, are currently in the spotlight. The six-time French champions were relegated to Ligue 2 at the end of the 2021–22 season.

  • Ex-Liverpool’s striker Roberto Firmino now pastor in Brazil

    Ex-Liverpool’s striker Roberto Firmino now pastor in Brazil

    Former Liverpool and Brazil striker Roberto Firmino has become a pastor at the age of 32.

    He announced on social media that he and his wife, Larissa Pereira, have joined together to spread the gospel.

    In a statement on social media, Firmino and Pereira said, “Since our first encounter with Christ, a desire burned in our hearts.

    We want people to feel this love that reached us. Now we have another desire and responsibility: to become pastors on behalf of God.”

    Roberto Firmino, now with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, was recently ordained as an evangelical pastor at a church he founded in Maceió, Brazil.

    His ordination ceremony occurred on Sunday, June 30th.

    During the previous season, Firmino featured in 34 games across different tournaments, netting nine goals and contributing seven assists.


    Watch the video below:

  • “I am grateful for the time” – Thiago retires after leaving Liverpool

    “I am grateful for the time” – Thiago retires after leaving Liverpool

    Thiago Alcantara, the former Spain midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33, following the conclusion of his contract with Liverpool. Thiago’s final season saw him limited to just one appearance due to injury.

    In a heartfelt message posted on social media, Thiago expressed his gratitude for his career and the support he received.

    “I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time, I have enjoyed it,” he wrote. “Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way.”

    Thiago underwent hip surgery towards the end of the 2022-23 season but was unable to make a full comeback until February 2024.

    He made his return as a late substitute in a defeat against Arsenal, where he unfortunately sustained another injury. This marked his 98th appearance for Liverpool, having joined the club on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich in 2020.

    During his time with Liverpool, Thiago won the FA Cup in the 2021-22 season. Prior to his stint in the Premier League, he enjoyed a highly successful spell with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title in each of his seven seasons with the German club and the Champions League in the 2019-20 season.

    Thiago’s illustrious career began with Barcelona, where he won La Liga four times and the Champions League once before transferring to Bayern Munich in 2013.

    Although born in Italy, where his father, former Brazil winger Mazinho, was playing for Lecce, Thiago joined Barcelona’s youth academy at the age of 14. He went on to represent Spain internationally, earning 46 caps between 2011 and 2021.

  • UEFA files for a dismissal of Liverpool fans’ lawsuit over 2022 Champions League final

    UEFA files for a dismissal of Liverpool fans’ lawsuit over 2022 Champions League final

    European football’s governing body, UEFA, has requested England’s High Court to dismiss lawsuits initiated by over 1,000 Liverpool fans who attended the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

    The fans allege personal injuries resulting from the chaos outside the stadium.

    The lawsuits against UEFA and UEFA Events, filed last year, stem from the disorder outside the Stade de France before the match, which was delayed for over 30 minutes.

    Videos showed French police using tear gas on fans, who claimed mistreatment as they were directed into pens outside the stadium.

    An independent review of the incidents outside the stadium concluded that UEFA bore responsibility for numerous near misses that nearly led to a disaster before the final, won 1-0 by Real Madrid.

    While UEFA settled with a group of Liverpool fans in March, a separate case involving approximately 1,200 others is ongoing at the High Court.

    During a preliminary hearing, UEFA’s legal team requested an adjournment of a forthcoming hearing, during which UEFA will seek the dismissal of the cases.

    UEFA’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima, said in court documents that the case could not continue because it would require the court “to make findings as to the lawfulness or unlawfulness… of the French state.”

    Judge Edward Pepperall has ruled that the hearing regarding UEFA’s application to dismiss the cases will proceed on June 27.

    Initially, UEFA attributed the chaos to the fans of the Merseyside club before issuing an apology following the release of an independent review last year.

    Subsequently, UEFA established a refund scheme, but Real Madrid deemed it inadequate and refused to participate.

    Additionally, UEFA initiated a series of measures for future finals, such as augmenting the number of security personnel and engaging fans in the planning and execution processes.

  • Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson’s wife, clears the air on involvement in man’s death

    Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson’s wife, clears the air on involvement in man’s death

    Wife of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Natalia Becker, has refuted claims of her arrest in connection with the death of a man in Brazil.

    The partner of the Reds’ No. 1 finds herself embroiled in a situation unrelated to her.

    Reports indicate that a man in South America passed away due to medical complications following a chemical skin peel.

    While it’s been alleged that a woman named Natalia Becker was detained and questioned in relation to the incident, it’s important to note that Alisson’s wife is a paediatrician, specialising in children’s healthcare.

    In response, she has taken to social media to address her 350,000 followers, seeking to clarify any misunderstanding.

    Natalia has said: “I’m not the ‘Natalia Becker’ on the aesthetic clinic news. It’s someone else with the same first and last name. Nothing related.”

    Having moved to end any uncertainty there, Alisson is free to focus his full attention on the upcoming Copa America, with the Liverpool star named alongside the likes of Vinicius Junior and Endrick in Brazil’s squad for a major international tournament in the United States.

  • More Liverpool players appear on Saudi Pro League’s wish list

    More Liverpool players appear on Saudi Pro League’s wish list

    Officials from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly considering bids for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Joe Gomez in the upcoming transfer window.

    Following the loss of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia last year, Liverpool anticipates further interest, with Mohamed Salah also being targeted by league authorities.

    According to reports, Saudi officials plan to alter their transfer strategy, focusing on younger talents rather than older players.

    Both Diaz and Gomez, aged 27, are viewed as potential acquisitions amid uncertainty at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp’s departure as manager.

    While Diaz’s future has been the subject of speculation, Liverpool may be inclined to sell him given his contract situation and a reported valuation of £75m.

    Gomez, on the other hand, was targeted by Saudi Arabia last summer but remained at Liverpool due to Klopp’s preference.

    With three years remaining on his contract, Liverpool retains control over Gomez’s future, though player preferences may influence decisions in the upcoming window.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB5lNLyI9c4
  • Video: EA Sports FC releases Klopp farewell video

    Video: EA Sports FC releases Klopp farewell video

    EA Sports FC has unveiled an impressive video tribute bidding farewell to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, featuring fans and star player Virgil van Dijk.

    Klopp left Anfield on a high note, leading the Reds to a 2-0 victory over Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season. With his departure, Arne Slot will be stepping in as his successor.

    The heartfelt video showcases Liverpool supporters expressing their gratitude to the German coach, telling him he “made us dream,” with Virgil van Dijk prominently featured.

    The touching narration is provided by rapper Loyle Carner, a devoted Liverpool fan who often performs in the team’s home kit.

    The video showcases some of Klopp’s most memorable moments, from lifting the Premier League and Champions League trophies to his signature sprints down the touchline following a Liverpool goal.

    The clip concludes with Klopp fist-pumping towards the Kop, seamlessly blending real-life footage with EAFC visuals.

    Klopp plans to take a break, likely enjoying a well-deserved holiday, as Arne Slot steps in to fill his role.

    The Dutchman faces a significant challenge, especially with the uncertain futures of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez as the summer approaches.

  • Salah shaves his hair! Check out his new look

    Salah shaves his hair! Check out his new look

    Mohamed Salah unveils a bold new appearance as Liverpool enters the post-Jurgen Klopp era, appearing to have shaved his head.

    The 31-year-old forward concludes his seventh season at Anfield with an additional 25 goals, bringing his total tally to 211 for the Premier League giants.

    Maintaining his influential role, Salah is anticipated to remain with the Merseyside club for at least another year.

    Approaching the final year of his contract with Liverpool, Salah’s future remains uncertain, amidst speculation linking him to the Saudi Pro League.

    Despite this, Liverpool aims to retain key players amid Klopp’s departure and the arrival of new head coach Arne Slot.

    Salah’s refreshed appearance symbolizes a new chapter for the club as they transition into a new era.

  • Klopp to make an earlier-than-expected visit to Anfield for Taylor Swift concert

    Klopp to make an earlier-than-expected visit to Anfield for Taylor Swift concert

    Jurgen Klopp is set to return to Anfield just weeks after stepping down as Liverpool’s manager to attend a Taylor Swift concert.

    Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool concluded over the weekend with a 2-0 victory against Wolves at Anfield.

    In an emotional farewell on the final day of the Premier League season, the German coach expressed gratitude to the players and fans for their support and urged them to back his successor, Arne Slot.

    While many wondered when the former Borussia Dortmund coach would return to Anfield, it has been revealed that he and his wife Ulla will be back in a few weeks to watch Swift’s Eras Tour.

    During an hour-long Q&A session with staff in the Carlsberg Dugout executive lounge in Anfield’s Main Stand, Klopp mentioned, via The Athletic, that he and his wife had secured tickets to see Taylor Swift perform at Anfield in mid-June.

    He even entertained the staff by singing a few lines from her hit song, ‘Shake it Off.’

    Klopp will be remembered as a Liverpool legend and a Premier League icon. His tenure saw the Reds win numerous trophies, including the Champions League and the Premier League making his departure a significant challenge for his successor, Arne Slot. The future of Liverpool’s success without Klopp remains uncertain.

    Earlier this week, Liverpool confirmed the appointment of Feyenoord boss Slot, who has signed a three-year contract and will assume his new role next month. As for Klopp, his next career move is still unknown.

  • Couldn’t have just turned it down – Slot on Liverpool job

    Couldn’t have just turned it down – Slot on Liverpool job

    New Liverpool manager Arne Slot confessed that the chance to succeed Jurgen Klopp was too significant to pass up.

    In April, Liverpool reached a compensation agreement of £9.4 million with Feyenoord after selecting the 45-year-old as Klopp’s successor at Anfield.

    Klopp, who had managed Liverpool since October 2015, departed the club following their season-ending victory against Wolves on Sunday.

    After the game, the 56-year-old German called on Liverpool fans to get behind their new boss, chanting, “Arne Slot, na na na na na.” Slot’s three-year contract at Liverpool will officially start on 1 June, subject to a work permit.


    “It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people,” Slot told Feyenoord’s club website.

    “But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”

    Following Liverpool’s announcement on Monday, Mohamed Salah appeared to suggest he would remain at Anfield next season.

    “We know that trophies are what counts and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it, and we will fight like hell,” the 31-year-old posted on X.

    Last summer, the Reds turned down a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad for Salah, but Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League’s director of football, indicated that the option to acquire the Egyptian winger remained open.

    Jurgen Klopp concluded his time at Liverpool by securing every major trophy available, despite falling short in several key finals. His tenure at the Merseyside club was distinguished by historic accomplishments, including winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and various domestic cups.

    As Arne Slot steps in to lead the team, both fans and players are optimistic that this new era will bring ongoing success and more silverware to Anfield.

  • They will kill me – Beckham teases over backlash from Man Utd friends after Klopp praise

    They will kill me – Beckham teases over backlash from Man Utd friends after Klopp praise

    David Beckham jokingly admitted that he might face some backlash from his Manchester United friends after openly praising departing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

    Despite his significant role in Manchester United’s successful years under Sir Alex Ferguson, Beckham surprisingly expressed his admiration for Klopp, citing both his personality and his impact on the sport.

    Considering the intense rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, Beckham’s generous words towards a former rival manager stand out as a rare occurrence.

    Speaking on the Smartless podcast, Beckham stated: “Even as a Man United fan, I love Jurgen. I love his character, his personality, and what he brings to the sport.”

    He went on to acknowledge the potential backlash from his United peers with a touch of humour, saying: “I am going to get killed by some of my Man United friends.

    I am sad to see him leave. What he has done for the club and the sport has been incredible.”

    On Sunday, Klopp bid his final farewell to Liverpool as Feyenoord’s Arne Slot was announced as his successor. Now a free agent, the German manager’s future is uncertain.

    When asked if he would consider bringing Klopp to Inter Miami, Beckham responded.

    The former England captain dismissed the idea with a hilarious response: “We’ve not got much money left.”

    As Klopp steps away from Liverpool, he plans to take a well-deserved break. According to the Daily Mail, he is set to begin his hiatus at a luxury hotel in Majorca – close to his under-construction mansion on the Balearic Islands.

    Interestingly, Klopp will be in good company with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and his ex-pupil, Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, as his neighbours.

  • Video: Klopp shows off his dance moves at Liverpool farewell party

    Video: Klopp shows off his dance moves at Liverpool farewell party

    Jurgen Klopp took to the dancefloor during a memorable farewell celebration for the Liverpool boss, featuring a special performance by former star John Barnes.

    In an emotional Sunday afternoon at Anfield, Klopp bid adieu to the Reds following their 2-0 victory over Wolves, marking the conclusion of the 2023/24 season and his nine-year tenure with the club.

    During the post-match festivities, Klopp was in high spirits as he danced alongside his coaching staff and players. He even showcased his moves to a rap performance by former England and Liverpool icon John Barnes.

    Just one day after the departure of the former Borussia Dortmund coach, Liverpool has officially introduced Arne Slot as his successor.

    Slot, who previously coached Feyenoord, will take over as head coach of the Premier League club on June 1.

    At 56 years old,

    Slot has been a subject of interest for several clubs since announcing his departure from Feyenoord in January.

    However, despite speculation, Klopp has consistently stated that he will not be joining another club, at least for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign, as he seeks a well-deserved break from football.

  • Video: Teary Pep bids farewell to ‘friend’ Jurgen Klopp as he exit Liverpool

    Video: Teary Pep bids farewell to ‘friend’ Jurgen Klopp as he exit Liverpool

    Pep Guardiola fought back tears while paying tribute to outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after the German called him the world’s best manager.

    On Friday, Klopp said the former Barcelona boss was the “best manager in the world” and added if you put any other manager in the City dugout “they don’t win the league four times in a row”.

    After City secured their fourth-straight Premier League crown following a 3-1 win over West Ham, Guardiola heaped praise on the German – who is leaving for pastures new this summer.

    After the match, Guardiola said: “I will miss him a lot. Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He brought me to another level as a manager. We respect each other incredibly. I have the feeling he will be back and thank you so much for his words but he knows that behind me there is a lot that this club provides me with, otherwise alone I can’t do it. I’m humble enough to understand that.

    “I wish him all the best and hope his final game was special, he deserved it. He made Liverpool recognised with his stamp, and the incredible pride of being a Liverpool fan.

    It’s not just about titles, there are personalities that when they arrive in one place they stay forever and Jurgen and Liverpool will be part of the level of [Bill] Shankly and [Bob] Paisley and these incredible legends.”

    Klopp won the Premier League, Champions League, and a host of domestic cups during his nine-year spell at Anfield, and Guardiola has won a whopping 17 trophies during his time at City. Both will, arguably, be remembered among the greatest managers of all time.

    While it is not yet known what is in store for Klopp after finishing his time at Liverpool, Guardiola will prepare his City side for one last push as they take on bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final next Saturday.

  • Liverpool’s Thiago and Matip to bid farewell to club at end of season

    Liverpool’s Thiago and Matip to bid farewell to club at end of season

    Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Thiago Alcantara and defender Joel Matip will leave the club at the end of the season.

    Thiago, 33, a former Spain international, joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020 and made 98 appearances during his time at Anfield. Matip, 32, arrived from Schalke in 2016, playing 201 times and scoring 11 goals for Liverpool.

    Both players have had limited playing time this season due to injuries. Ex-Cameroon centre-back Matip has not featured since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Fulham in December.

    Thiago, a former Barcelona player, missed the first six months of the season with a hip issue, returned in February against Arsenal, but then suffered a muscle problem that has kept him sidelined since.

  • Liverpool target Newcastle’s Gordon – Reports

    Liverpool target Newcastle’s Gordon – Reports

    Liverpool has set their sights on Anthony Gordon, the winger from Newcastle United, as one of their initial signings for the post-Jurgen Klopp era, according to the Daily Star.

    Gordon, aged 23, has consistently dazzled with his performances under Eddie Howe’s management, earning his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

    With a potential Euro 2024 appearance on the horizon, Gordon’s displays have piqued the interest of Liverpool, despite Newcastle’s reluctance to part ways with the player they acquired from Everton for £45 million last August.

    However, Newcastle is anticipated to offload a couple of their key players during the transfer window to adhere to profit and sustainability regulations.

    Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães have already been linked with lucrative moves, heightening the pressure on Howe, especially given Gordon’s impressive record of 10 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.

    Newcastle’s resolve to retain Gordon would be severely tested with an offer approaching £100 million.

    Despite this, Newcastle’s current sixth position in the Premier League standings and their aspirations for European football next season provide a strong foundation for their efforts to retain Gordon’s services.

  • Luis Diaz addresses future at Liverpool amid Barcelona, PSG links

    Luis Diaz addresses future at Liverpool amid Barcelona, PSG links

    Luis Diaz has expressed contentment with his current situation at Liverpool amidst speculation linking him with a summer departure from Anfield.

    The Colombian winger has become a crucial figure in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his arrival in January 2022. With 13 goals across all competitions this season, Diaz has attracted interest from several top European clubs.

    While a move to Paris Saint-Germain has been frequently mentioned, particularly with Kylian Mbappe’s impending departure from the Ligue 1 side, Barcelona’s admiration for Diaz is evident, although financial constraints hinder their pursuit.

    Despite the transfer rumours, the 27-year-old seems inclined to prolong his tenure at Anfield. With his existing contract running until 2027, Diaz recently affirmed that he is not currently considering a departure from Liverpool.

    In an interview with club media, Diaz said: “I have grown a lot. From the beginning of my career to today, I feel that with the passage of days and years, living each experience in each different team and coming to this great club that is Liverpool leaves you with a lot of learnings.

    Liverpool is preparing to usher in a new era under the leadership of incoming manager Arne Slot, as the legendary Jurgen Klopp steps down from his role at the end of the season.

    While Klopp’s final season may not have been filled with the usual glory, Diaz remains optimistic, believing that there are still valuable lessons to be gleaned from the campaign.

    “You learn more and more to be a professional, to be a better person, to be a good teammate, and to be a good guy. The truth is that I am very happy to be here. Great years are coming for the club; I have no doubt about that.

    “Personally, I will always try to do my best, always try to give 100%, to always stand out on the field, which is what I came [here] to do. I’m always grateful to God for every opportunity.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_rR_0_TAc0

    Liverpool are set to welcome new manager Arne Slot to the team, with legendary boss Klopp stepping down from his position at the end of the season.

    Klopp’s final season may have lacked glory, but Diaz believes there are still things to take from the campaign.

    “For us, it was crucial to win the league and all the competitions we were in,” Diaz said of Klopp’s farewell. “Unfortunately, the results lately could not be achieved. We fell [behind] as a team, but we had a decent season, both individually and as a group.

    “There are many things to improve so we can have a perfect season. But I’m happy and content to be here.”

    Liverpool return to action on Monday when they travel to Aston Villa.

  • Liverpool poised to activate release clause of Ghanaian talent Kudus

    Liverpool poised to activate release clause of Ghanaian talent Kudus

    Liverpool, a prominent force in English football, is reportedly on the verge of activating an £85 million release clause to secure the services of Ghanaian sensation Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

    Renowned journalist Ibrahim Sannie Daara has brought forward this news, indicating that negotiations between the two clubs are progressing rapidly, with Liverpool eager to finalize the deal and agree on personal terms with the player.

    Seen as a crucial addition to their squad, especially with the impending arrival of Dutch coach Arne Slot, Liverpool holds the 23-year-old former Ajax player in high esteem.

    With Liverpool’s intentions clear, the coming days will be decisive in determining the outcome of the deal.

    Despite Liverpool’s interest, other top European clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also shown preliminary interest in securing Kudus’s services.

    Since joining West Ham from Ajax last summer, the 23-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer, amassing an impressive record of 13 goals in all competitions, including seven in the Premier League, along with six assists in 32 appearances.