“Similar” to Semenyo: Liverpool in daily talks to sign £88m Salah successor

Quite how it has all come to this continues to be debated, but the fact of the matter is that Mohamed Salah could be nearing the end of his glorious spell at Liverpool.

It was just over six months ago that the Egyptian sat atop his throne, Premier League champion for the second time at Anfield and fresh from signing a bumper new deal to end months of speculation.

The main man under Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Chelsea winger appeared to go to an even higher level following Arne Slot’s arrival, ending 2024/25 with a ridiculous tally of 57 goals and assists in all competitions.

Like all good things, however, an end is now in sight, with the 33-year-old’s AFCON involvement, alongside the looming January window, sparking suggestions that he could have already turned out in Red for the final time.

It would not be a fitting way to bow out, yet rarely do even the brightest and best get the send-off nor the finale they deserve. Even the great Steven Gerrard had to fly the nest for MLS to see out his playing days.

Regardless of whether a departure does occur in January or over the summer, Salah appears to have made his long-term future untenable – now to find a suitable replacement…

Latest on Liverpool's search to replace Salah

Rumours are already swirling regarding Salah’s potential next move, with reports last week suggesting that Turkish giants Galatasaray are among the clubs to have made an offer to the ageing sensation.

The Reds are unlikely to receive anywhere close to the reported £200m bid that was lodged from Saudi Arabia two years ago, although there would surely be a hope to cash in for as much as possible, in order to reinvest those funds on a replacement.

There have been continued claims that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been earmarked as one of the more high-profile options to help fill the void, while TEAMtalk are reporting that FSG could also look to the Bundesliga to find their next Anfield star.

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Indeed, as per the report, the Merseysiders are accelerating their interest in RB Leipzig teenager, Yan Diomande, having begun negotiations with the 19-year-old’s representatives.

While no bid has yet been placed for the £88m-rated wideman, the piece does note that Liverpool are engaged in almost ‘daily contact’ with his agent, ahead of making what would likely be a summer move.

That’s not to say that a January move is completely ruled out for the in-demand starlet – who is fielding interest from across Europe – with it yet to be seen whether the reigning Premier League champions will firm up their interest with a winter offer.

How Diomande compares to Semenyo & Salah

As stated above, a leading target to replace Salah is, of course, the aforementioned Semenyo, with the Ghanaian available for £65m due to the presence of a release clause in his Cherries contract.

Whether he would represent an alternative or a possible teammate for the 25-year-old remains to be seen, although Diomande is an equally as exciting talent who could reinvigorate Slot’s forward line.

Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s leading figures this season with nine goals and assists to date, although Diomande has dazzled during his breakthrough year in the Bundesliga, chipping in with eight goal involvements himself for Leipzig.

That includes a stunning hat-trick during the weekend win over Eintracht Frankfurt, a performance that only served to reinforce just why the promising Ivorian is being watched so closely.

Fleet of foot and with pace to burn, the comparisons to Semenyo are also there to see, with The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor noting that Diomande is “physically similar” to the Bournemouth star, “but with all the same skill and touch”.

Games

13

13

Starts

9

12

Goals

6

4

Assists

2

2

Big chances missed

2

6

Big chances created

2

5

Key passes*

1.0

2.2

Pass accuracy*

82%

75%

Successful dribbles*

2.8

0.8

The respected Bundesliga insider, writing on X back in November, did hint that the teen is “not ready yet” for a Premier League move, although Liverpool would be wise to get ahead in the race for his signature, even if it means waiting to strike next summer.

That said, there’s no reason why he couldn’t come in and hit the ground running in January, if a deal were to be struck, with the youngster currently comparing favourably to his fellow wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, while also ranking in the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, highlighting just what an elite dribbler and ball-carrier he is.

Semenyo’s own quality in that regard was evident on the opening day, as he ran the length of Anfield unopposed, before coolly converting in that mad-cap 4-2 win for Slot’s side.

The prospect of potentially adding both the ex-Bristol City man and Diomande into the fold in 2026 would be a truly exciting one, with two Semenyo-esque figures perhaps what is needed to provide an upgrade on the flanks.

Revealed: The Salah decision Richard Hughes has made at Liverpool today

Mo Salah has been omitted form the Liverpool squad this week.

3 ByFFC Staff 7 days ago

Mohammad Wasim and Fakhar Zaman help Pakistan complete whitewash

Sri Lanka started well but were all out for a mere 211, a target Pakistan chased down comfortably

Danyal Rasool16-Nov-2025

Mohammad Wasim picked up three wickets•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan eased to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka to seal a 3-0 series whitewash. Three wickets from Mohammad Wasim and contributions from others bowled Sri Lanka out for 211, before a half-century by Fakhar Zaman took much of the jeopardy out of the chase. Sri Lanka fought hard through the middle, getting rid of Babar Azam and Salman Agha in quick succession, and though it succeeded in slowing Pakistan down, the visitors ultimately had too few runs to play with as Pakistan cantered to the win with 5.2 overs to spare.When Sri Lanka began their innings, they appeared to have designs on a total above 300. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara were timing the ball particularly sweetly, racing along to a 50-run partnership inside the first eight overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, in particular, was punished early by Mishara, who exploited the gaps as an opposition side racked up a 50-run opening partnership against Pakistan for the sixth ODI in succession.But as has been so often the case for the visitors, wickets derailed their progress significantly. Mishara had chopped a few early on and survived, but Nissanka’s first inside edge clattered into the stumps, and from there Pakistan started to squeeze. Wasim found a bit of extra bounce to draw Mishara’s outside edge, and the free-flowing runs were suddenly no longer coming.Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama rebuilt, but not nearly at the speed Sri Lanka needed on a wicket that looked like it would only continue to get better. Left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram, replacing Abrar Ahmed in the side, enjoyed an excellent first spell, deploying his variations to great effect and keeping the batters honest. He had Samarawickrama trapped in front in single digits, but the batter got the decision reversed on review because the ball was turning too much.Kusal Mendis scored 34•Getty Images

But the pressure was invariably building up. It had taken 75 balls to score just 43 runs, and by the time Wasim returned to the attack, the urgency to score quickly had been amplified. He knocked them off course with a yorker that cleaned up the stand-in captain Kusal Mendis before a double blow from Akram blew the innings wide open. It included a splendid delivery that sliced through Samarawickrama’s defences two runs shy of a half-century, as well as a soft return catch that did for Kamindu Mendis.Sri Lanka have set much store in 23-year-old batting talent Pavan Rathnayake, even if he was batting a tad too deep for their liking. The debutant showed impressive temperament as he shepherded the tail, and arguably played the shot of the day with a back-foot punch that flew over cover for a six. But he got limited support from the tail as Pakistan chipped away at the other end, and with nine wickets down, his desperation to get back on strike cost him his wicket. He had put up a spirited 32, but the 211 Sri Lanka ended up with never looked near enough.Zaman drove that point further home as he started off in a hurry. It was almost as if he was making up for lost time after Haseebullah Khan’s brief tortured stay at the crease resulted in a 12-ball duck, the young wicketkeeper-batter getting more desperate with each ball before ultimately smearing one straight to mid-on. Babar Azam’s arrival lifted the crowd’s spirits while Zaman took care of the run-scoring, freeing his arms and finding the gaps either side of the wicket with regularity in the powerplay. Babar, meanwhile, looked like a man with rediscovered confidence, timing the ball beautifully as Pakistan cruised through the first 15 overs.Fakhar Zaman scored a rapid fifty•AFP/Getty Images

Zaman took on Jeffrey Vandersay, who was playing his first game this series, but the legspinner dragged his side back into the contest. After smacking him for his second boundary, Zaman went after Vandersay again, only for Kamindu Mendis to take a spectacular catch diving forward in the deep. Shortly after, he did for Babar with a googly that beat the batter all ends up, sneaking through the gate and making a mess of his stumps.With their tails up, it was the first time since the opening powerplay in the game that Sri Lanka placed any kind of pressure on Pakistan. Vandersay beat Agha with a lovely legbreak that drifted in and then ripped away to trap him in front, and suddenly, the 97 runs Pakistan still needed seemed very far away.But Rizwan and Hussain Talat hunkered down. For a while, run-scoring seemed a secondary thought; the next ten overs produced just 32 runs. But most importantly, Sri Lanka were being kept out of the wickets column, and with the asking rate far too modest to have any impact on the game, Pakistan, bit by bit, dragged themselves towards the finish line.It left the last hour of the game in a holding pattern where the outcome was all but certain, but Talat and Rizwan were in no hurry to put Sri Lanka out of their misery. Rizwan coasted towards his half-century while Talat saw an opportunity to amass a few more runs in what has been a successful series for him. In the 43rd over, Maheesh Theekshana had Talat lbw but the batter got the decision overturned as the ball-tracking showed the ball bouncing over the stumps. It just about summed up Sri Lanka’s stuttering series in the Rawalpindi cold before the hosts finally limped over the finish line.

Pep’s a big fan: Man City leading race for “superstar” and ready to bid £65m+

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

85.9% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.17 (87th percentile)

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

He’s impressed under Xabi Alonso.

ByTom Cunningham 7 days ago

The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العرب 2025 بعد الهزيمة أمام الأردن ونهاية دور المجموعات

تلقى منتخب مصر هزيمة صعبة أمام الأردن بنتيجة 3-0، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة رفقة منتخبات الأردن والإمارات والكويت.

وكان منتخب مصر قد تعادل في الجولة الماضية مع منتخب الإمارات بهدف لكل فريق، ضمن مباريات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس العرب.

طالع | تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام الأردن في كأس العرب.. مروان حمدي يقود الهجوم

وأحرز منتخب الأردن الهدف الاول أمام مصر بالدقيقة 17، والهدف الثاني بالدقيقة 40 من الشوط الأول، وسجل علي علوان الهدف الثالث من ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 91.

وفي المقابل استطاع منتخب الإمارات الفوز على الكويت بنتيجة 3-1، في المباراة الأخرى بالمجموعة ويتمكن من حصد بطاقة التأهل إلى ربع النهائي محتلا المركز الثاني. ترتيب مجموعة مصر في كأس العرب 2025

1- الأردن، 9 نقاط.

2- الإمارات، 4 نقاط.

3- مصر، نقطتين.

4 الكويت، نقطة واحدة.

Coventry now plotting move to sign PL promotion hero who hasn’t played since October

Coventry City are now reportedly plotting a January deal to sign a Premier League midfielder, who desperately needs a move after playing just two minutes of top-flight action so far this season.

"Frustrated" Coventry must bounce back vs Bristol City

Coventry were cruising at the top of the Championship two weeks ago. Now, however, their lead at the top has been cut to just five points and one more slip-up could see Middlesbrough apply greater pressure than ever before this season.

Manager Frank Lampard admitted his frustration after failing to bounce back from a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Ipswich Town and drawing 1-1 with Preston North End, thanks to Daniel Jebbison’s late equaliser.

The last thing that Lampard needs is a reminder of his past failure in the hunt for Championship promotion and Coventry would be wise to act in January to avoid an all too familiar repeat.

On that front, the Sky Blues could turn to the Premier League to get them over the line and, more specifically, Sunderland’s Dan Neil. The midfielder has struggled for minutes in Wearside this season, but has caught the attention of those in the Championship.

Coventry plotting Dan Neil move

Coventry are now plotting a January deal to sign Neil, according to TeamTalk, and there’s no doubt that the Sunderland man needs a move away from Wearside next month.

The midfielder has gone from lifting the playoff trophy at Wembley as Sunderland’s captain to playing just two minutes of Premier League action following the arrival of Granit Xhaka.

With just over six months left on his current deal, the Black Cats are reportedly ready to cash in, providing Coventry with the perfect opportunity to welcome last season’s promotion hero.

Although Neil has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, it’s tough to doubt his ability to make his mark in the Championship following Sunderland’s promotion.

It was in the second tier that the 23-year-old earned the most praise from Regis Le Bris, with the Sunderland boss telling reporters last January: “The individual output is not maybe as big as expected but it is still very important for the team. You can feel how strong he is as an individual player. At the same, the role he has for the balance of the team is very important.”

Neil played a pivotal part in the Black Cats’ promotion and may yet get the chance to help Coventry over the line in January.

Derrota para o Botafogo expõe fragilidades do Corinthians

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians perdeu para o Botafogo por 1 a 0, na Neo Química Arena, e entrou na zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com uma vitória em sete rodadas, a equipe comandada por António Oliveira soma apenas cinco pontos e amarga uma sequência de três partidas sem vitórias na competição.

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As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!

O confronto contra o Glorioso também marcou o sexto jogo do Corinthians sem marcar gols no torneio. A única vez que o Timão balançou as redes no Brasileirão foi na vitória por 3 a 0 sobre o Fluminense, em Itaquera.

Apesar dos problemas enfrentados para furar as defesas adversárias, a comissão técnica possui poucas alternativas no banco de reservas. Mesmo com a alteração do esquema tático, que promoveu Coronado ao time titular, o Corinthians continua com dificuldades na construção de jogadas e sofre para dominar o meio campo.

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Ángel Romero, vice-artilheiro do clube no ano, caiu de rendimento nas últimas rodadas e perdeu o posto de titular. O atacante, inclusive, não ainda não marcou nesta edição do Brasileirão e pouco rendeu entrando no decorrer dos jogos.

Pedro Raul, contratado em fevereiro por 5 milhões de dólares (R$ 25 milhões, na cotação da época), segue com dificuldades para se adaptar ao estilo de jogo de António Oliveira e acumula um jejum de 13 partidas sem gols.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Outro reforço do clube para a temporada, Pedro Henrique permanece em trabalho de transição no CT Joaquim Grava e alterna atividades no campo e na acadêmia. O atacante havia se firmando como titular da equipe, mas acabou sofrendo uma lesão no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda ainda em abril, e segue fora desde então.

Com poucas alternativas, António Oliveira terá nove dias de treinamentos para buscar soluções para as carências da equipe que, atualmente, luta contra o descenso na competição. Com uma pausa no calendário, Corinthians volta a campo apenas no dia 11 de junho, contra o Atlético-GO, fora de casa, pela oitava rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Gannon takes five but Macdonald, Short and Perry put Victoria on top

Gannon took 5 for 47 but Macdonald made 79 and Short 62 to give Victoria a crucial lead

AAP05-Dec-2025Victoria’s Sheffield Shield dominance is continuing, taking a stranglehold of their clash with Western Australia at the MCG.Holding a 61-run first-innings lead after making 255 in reply to WA’s 194, Victoria delivered another blow just before stumps on day two on Friday.Mitchell Perry trapped former Australia opener Cameron Bancroft on the final ball of the third over to leave WA reeling at 4 for 1. Instead of Australia’s white-ball star Mitch Marsh arriving at the crease, spinner Corey Rocchiccioli was sent in as a nightwatcher.Rocchiccioli survived five overs with captain Sam Whiteman to get WA to stumps at 5 for 1, still trailing Victoria by 56 runs. Whiteman made just two from 24 balls, but did his job by getting to the end of the day without falling to the charging Victorian attack.On a tricky wicket, opener Blake Macdonald thrived for Victoria with 79, while Matthew Short compiled 62.Victoria took their time building a lead, going at a run-rate of just 2.68 and batting for 96 overs. WA veteran Cameron Gannon bowled tirelessly, sending down 23 overs for figures of 5 for 47.Rocchiccioli ended Victoria’s innings with his second wicket, finishing with 2 for 61.Despite struggling in the One-Day Cup and suffering a heavy loss to WA on Tuesday, Victoria have been dominating the Shield this season. Another win here would take them into the Big Bash League break with five wins from six matches, putting them in the box seat to host this season’s final. WA are on the bottom of the Shield table, having secured just one win this campaign.

'Ice has been broken now' – BCCI secretary hopeful of Asia Cup trophy resolution with Naqvi

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia is hopeful of a resolution with PCB and Asian Cricket Concil (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi over the Asia Cup trophy dispute after the “ice has been broken” between the two boards during the recent ICC meeting in Dubai.”I was a part of both the informal and formal meeting of the ICC. PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi was also present. During the course of a formal meeting, it was not on agenda but ICC facilitated a meeting between myself and the PCB chief separately in the presence of a senior ICC office-bearer and another senior official,” Saikia told PTI. “It was really good to start the process of negotiation.”Both sides will work out something to solve the issue at the earliest. The ice has been broken now, so various options will be worked out. There will be options from the other side as well and we will also give options on how to settle this issue and come to an amicable solution.”Related

  • Rauf gets two-match ban; Suryakumar, Bumrah sanctioned after Asia Cup drama

  • India refuse to accept Asia Cup trophy from Mohsin Naqvi

India have not yet received the Asia Cup trophy after beating Pakistan in the final on September 28. There was a standoff at the presentation ceremony with India refusing to accept the trophy from Naqvi, the ACC and PCB chair who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, following the cross-border skirmish between the two countries in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam in April.India and Pakistan played each other three times during the Asia Cup – in the group stage, the Super Fours, and the final – with all the fixtures fraught with tension that began with India’s decision not to shake hands with the Pakistan players in their first meeting on September 14. The matches were ill-tempered with Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan all receiving penalties of varying severity from the ICC for their comments or on-field actions.After the final, the presentation ceremony was delayed by more than 90 minutes while Naqvi remained insistent that he be the person handing over the trophy to India, who did not budge from their stance. Eventually the trophy was taken away from the stage and the team has not received it to date.

Another Englishman at Bayern Munich?! Marc Guehi set for fresh talks after agent meets with club chief Max Eberl

Marc Guehi is reportedly set for a fresh round of talks with Bayern Munich after his agent met with club chief Max Eberl. The Crystal Palace centre-back will run down his contract until the summer of 2026. Guehi has already informed Palace that he will not sign an extension, effectively guaranteeing a summer exit and triggering a battle among Europe's elite.

Bayern move early as contract clock ticks

Liverpool came close to signing Guehi last summer, only for Palace to pull the plug on deadline day when they failed to secure a replacement. The collapse of the £35 million ($46.6m) move dramatically changed the 25-year-old's future, and with his deal winding down, clubs know he could walk for free in 2026. With the window for pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs opening on January 1, Bayern intend to open talks. According to , Eberl plans to meet Guehi as soon as he becomes eligible to negotiate freely.

Earlier in the campaign, when asked about Bayern's discussion with Guehi's representatives, Eberl told : "It's absolutely clear that we as Bayern Munich are exploring the market. Our clear goal is to extend Upa's [Dayot Upamecano] contract. That's our ultimate goal. If that doesn't work out, we have to be prepared. We would be foolish not to. That's the reason. I've not confirmed anything, but we are active in the market."

Palace boss Oliver Glasner has already revealed that the Eagles will have to reluctantly part ways with the defender next summer: "I think Marc has already told us that he doesn't sign a new contract, so he will leave next year. The club wanted [him to stay]. They offered Marc a new contract. But he said, 'no, I want to make something different'. And that's normal. And for us, it's how we can deal with this situation? [What] is the best way to get this next step done? And that's all about how we are talking together."

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesLiverpool refuse to give up in race

According to an earlier report in Liverpool still view Guehi as a potential heir to Virgil van Dijk, who will be 35 next season. The urgency has increased with Ibrahima Konate’s contract expiring in 2026 and other clubs showing interest in the Frenchman. However, the failed move to Anfield appears not to have dented Guehi's admiration for the club. He recently revealed he has taken the disappointment in his stride, leaning on his faith and the support of team-mate Maxence Lacroix.

He told "I think everyone has this perception that it was difficult. Actually, it wasn't difficult. It wasn't difficult at all. Because when you're focused on what's the most important thing, it becomes easy. I know that God has a plan for me, and whatever that plan will be, will come into fruition at some point. But, the goal and the focus has always been playing football and trying to do the best I can. And fortunately for me, I get to do it with people like Max."

Man City & Real Madrid also linked with defender

Pep Guardiola is said to have been impressed by Guehi’s professionalism after seeing how he responded to the breakdown of the Liverpool transfer. Despite City’s deep pool of centre-backs, uncertainty surrounds the futures of several key figures. John Stones, now 31, remains injury-prone, while Ruben Dias has shown signs of a physical decline. City have already begun preparing for the next phase of Guardiola’s defensive rebuild, and Guehi is seen as a player capable of competing for a starting role immediately.

Real Madrid are also in the market for defensive reinforcements, but with president Florentino Perez reluctant to sanction another nine-figure signing, Los Blancos are studying the free-agent landscape. Guehi’s name sits prominently alongside Upamecano and Konate on their list of potential arrivals. Madrid are preparing to lose both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba when their contracts expire in June. Last summer’s signing of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen was the first step in what will be a sweeping reshaping of the back line. Guehi, available without a transfer fee in 2026 and with relatively modest wages compared with elite continental defenders, fits the club’s model.

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(C)Getty ImagesA defender in demand

Guehi's contract situation has placed him at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving multiple European giants. For now, his focus remains on Palace and on Man City, whom he will face on Sunday in the Premier League.

'Consequence of what he did' – Alisson reveals he's not spoken to Mohamed Salah and admits 'it's not an easy situation'

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson reveals he has not spoken to team-mate Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian's public outburst against the Reds and manager Arne Slot. After being left out on the bench for the third consecutive Premier League game against Leeds United last weekend, the Reds star went on an explosive rant in front of the media as he hinted he could even exit Anfield in January.

  • Salah experiencing difficult 2025-26 season

    After years of consistency in terms of scoring goals and breaking multiple records for Liverpool, Salah has experienced a sudden dip in form in the 2025-26 campaign. So far this season, Salah has scored five goals and provided three assists in 19 matches across all competitions.

    His dip in form prompted Arne Slot to drop the star winger from the Reds' starting lineup in their last three Premier League fixture. The experienced attacker remained silent and waited patiently for his opportunity until the Leeds United clash. After being left out as an unused substitute in yet another game, Salah burst out in front of the media as he said: "I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season. 

    "Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club."

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    Alisson reveals he has not spoken to Salah since Saturday

    Speaking about the incident, Reds' star goalkeeper Alisson said: "This isn't a situation that makes us happy. On a personal level we all love Mo and he's a hugely important player for the team. He is a wonderful human being and a spectacular footballer. He has been very important for the club and has produced some incredible numbers. He's won everything there is to win in his career. The situation isn't nice. We were a little bit caught by surprise but we know it's a personal situation, so we are leaving it to him and the club. It doesn't matter what we think. 

    "What we want is for him and the club to reach an agreement which is in the best interests of him, the club and all of the playing staff. As for tomorrow night's match, we want to play our best. You can expect a Liverpool side that wants to show the will to win and improve the current situation. Play good football and winning football. It won't be in any way easy, we are well aware Inter are a very good side. We know it's a huge challenge."

    Alisson also showed support for Arne Slot, amid talks that the Dutch manager could face the axe, as the Brazilian said: "Of course, yes. The Premier League last season. Before Arne came in, everyone was talking about the huge challenge. It looks like everyone takes for granted what we achieved last season. That should be enough but we believe in his knowledge, his style of playing, that he is capable of helping us to turn around this situation. It's not only about ourselves but that's the situation with the club as well, they trust him. It's not only his responsibility, as a player, I also share it with him. Of course, he's the man responsible for how the team plays, but we are taking the responsibility and are the ones who take action and can change everything. It doesn't make the situation any easier, but we are trying to do that. We have the desire to change the situation and the manager does as well. To get us back on track for the football we were playing last season."

  • Salah left out of Champions League squad

    Following his rant against the club and manager, Liverpool have taken the extreme step of omitting Salah from their travelling squad to Italy for the Champions League fixture against Inter in midweek. The Premier League champions have made clear to their star player that everybody – regardless of their standing at Anfield – must earn their place in the team. Salah will be left to reflect on that stance when his team-mates line up against Inter on Tuesday. 

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    Slot responds to Salah's comments

    Reacting for the first time since Salah's outburst, the Dutchman told reporters: "I don't feel that my authority has been undermined. It's not the way I feel it. It's not about me, if my life is difficult, yes or no, that's not very important in a situation like this. It's if it is more difficult for the team and for the club. No one likes us to be in the situation we're in at the moment. First of all, it's difficult to see staff members who work so hard affected by the situation we're in now. Mainly because of the results. I'm the manager, I have to pick a team so to a certain extent I'm important, but my focus is on the team and not on me."

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