Saudi Arabia’s big target for 2024 is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah but the Egyptian superstar will not be leaving Anfield in January as the Merseyside club have blocked any move.

That is according to Football Insider, who reports that the Reds will not sell their star man before the season ends, even if a huge offer arrives on their doorstep during the winter transfer window.

The Saudis targeted the 31-year-old in the summer but a move never materialised as Liverpool would not entertain it. Salah is an icon in that region of the World and it is the reason why the Saudi Arabian clubs are willing to part with huge money for the winger.

A January move is not possible but with a contract expiring at Anfield in 2025, it will be interesting to see if the Reds will sell Salah next summer.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

There is no way Liverpool would sell Salah midway through a season as the superstar is crucial to the way Jurgen Klopp’s team play. The Egypt international has 10 goals and four assists across 13 appearances this season and that output is almost impossible to replace during the January window.

The winger is going to play a crucial role in how Liverpool do this season but could this campaign be the last we see the winger in a red shirt?

The post Liverpool block the transfer of star man ahead of January transfer window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The latest Premier League team of the week is in, and it’s unsurprisingly dominated by Manchester City after they enjoyed a convincing 3-0 win away to rivals Manchester United in Sunday’s Manchester Derby.

The reigning champions were a level above Man Utd on the day, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Phil Foden bagging the other, leading to Garth Crooks to naming as many as four players from Pep Guardiola’s side in his team of the week in his BBC Sport column.

Ederson, Haaland, Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva are the four City players to make it in, and it’s hard to argue with that choice as they dominate the full XI, as you can see below…

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah is an obvious pick after a superb performance in the Gunners’ 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United, while Micky van de Ven put in another fine display as Tottenham continued their superb recent form.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha were other big names to make Crooks’ line up.

The post Premier League team of the week: Arsenal, Tottenham & Manchester City stars in BBC XI appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

His contract with the Premier League club expires in 2025 and they could be under pressure to cash on him if he does not renew his contract. Saudi Arabian clubs were keen on signing him during the summer window but Liverpool managed to hold onto him. They are expected to return for him next year.

The Saudi Arabian clubs have been very active in the transfer market and they have recently signed top-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema. They are looking at Salah as their next big arrival.

A report from Football Insider claims that Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Saudi Arabian clubs as well.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can convince that 31-year-old Egyptian international to sign a new contract with them before the end of the season. He has been an exceptional servant for the club since joining them from Roma in 2017.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

He has helped them win every single trophy at the club level and Salah is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. Losing him will certainly weaken Liverpool’s attack and they will have to replace him adequately.

The Egyptian is still very much at his peak and he has scored nine goals and picked up four assists in 12 matches across all competitions this season.

The post 13 goal contributions this season: Liverpool expected to lose key star in 2024 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool were comfortable winners over Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday night as Jurgen Klopp’s team put five past the French side. 

The first half saw plenty of goals as the Reds went in 3-1 ahead thanks to goals from Diogo Jota, Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez.

Toulouse put up a bit of a fight early in the second 45 minutes but a goal from Ryan Gravenberch to make it 4-1 killed off any hope of a fightback.

With just seconds left on the clock, Mohamed Salah got on the scoresheet as the Reds’ main man showed his World-Class ability by adding a fifth in front of the Kop.

Mohamed Salah finishes the game with a brilliant finish. #LIVTFC pic.twitter.com/4iMkeMQuBA

— Dotty (@DottyLFC) October 26, 2023

Salah on his weaker foot.? pic.twitter.com/MxiRKvjefl

— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) October 26, 2023

Salah with tricky feet to pass the defender and fire home ? pic.twitter.com/m0tlQlcGlO

— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 26, 2023

Footage courtesy of RMC and CBS Sports

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

The post Video: Mohamed Salah scores top class last-minute goal as Liverpool hammer Toulouse appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello and welcome to my latest column for the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for more from myself, Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, and much more!

Liverpool show their credentials in Merseyside Derby victory

It may have been far from a classic, but Saturday’s Merseyside derby offered yet more evidence that Liverpool are heading in the right direction.

Yes, they had to wait until the second half to secure the victory, and yes Everton were reduced to 10 men for much of the match, but there is a certainty about Jurgen Klopp’s side this season that just wasn’t there last term. They’ve rediscovered that winning habit, that ability to keep their patience and trust that everything will turn out right.

They weren’t great on Saturday, but they didn’t need to be. They needed to be good enough, and they were. They were the dominant side even before Ashley Young’s sending-off, and even though they weren’t at their devastating best as an attacking force, there was always the feeling, from me at least, that they would find a way through.

What stands out at the moment is the amount of potential game-changers Klopp has at his disposal. Mo Salah got the goals and the headlines, and remains the Reds’ star man, but Liverpool are by no means a one-man band. In Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp has players who can turn a game in an instant, whether with a pass, a shot or a piece of individual magic. Nunez and Elliott, in particular, had a big impact against Everton after coming on as subs.

They were fortunate, of course, that Ibrahima Konate didn’t pick up a second yellow card with the game at 0-0. That was one of a few bizarre decisions made by referee Craig Pawson on the day. But even if he had brandished the red, I still would have backed Liverpool to get the win. They have that look about them again, and having navigated a tough start to the season, fixtures-wise, they look primed to make some serious steps in the coming weeks.

Thoughts on those surprising Victor Osimhen stories…

Victor Osimhen has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks, but I would be very sceptical about this deal. The Napoli striker is clearly a superb player, but reports that a deal has already been agreed with the Reds are wide of the mark, and I’d be surprised if he was to end up at Anfield as things stand.

Liverpool are not in the market for a No.9. They have Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo to play that position at the moment, and all three of those players have the full faith of Jurgen Klopp. All are 26 or under, and seen as long-term players for the club.

Nunez’s development, in particular, has been a big positive this season. The Uruguayan has worked hard on the training ground, and looks far more in tune with what is required from him, on and off the ball, if he is to play regularly for Liverpool. He took the No.9 shirt in the summer, and has now become the main striker for his country, and I expect him to go from strength to strength as this season goes on. He, for sure, is the future at Anfield, and I would not expect to see Liverpool spending big money on a centre-forward any time soon.

More here from Fabrizio Romano on Osimhen’s future.

Jamal Musiala looks ideal for Liverpool, but is a deal realistic?

I don’t think there is a club in Europe who wouldn’t like Jamal Musiala in their squad, and Liverpool are no different. But admiring a player and signing him are two different things, as evidenced by the Reds’ failure to land Jude Bellingham.

Musiala, I believe, is of a similar level to Bellingham, and as such would be very tough for the Reds to sign, both in terms of the finances required and the competition they would face. His contract situation at Bayern Munich is one that will be monitored, but I would expect the Bavarians to go all-out in trying to keep him. He’s the jewel in their crown, along with Harry Kane, and Bayern don’t tend to lose such players without a fight.

Liverpool, of course, have already made significant steps in overhauling their midfield, and particularly their attacking midfield options. Szoboszlai and Gravenberch are players for the long-term, the best is to come from Mac Allister, who may well be better in a more advanced role, while the development of Elliott and Jones provides Klopp with two more potential stars of the future.

Musiala, of course, is exactly that too, but while I’d love to see him at Anfield at some point, I’d say a deal right now would be a very difficult one for Liverpool to do.

Another Bayern player being linked with Liverpool

The topic of Mo Salah and Saudi Arabia is not going to go away. We know that. Liverpool were able to stand firm (and rightly so) in the summer, but the noises will start up again before the January window opens, and with the Egyptian now heading towards the final year of his contract, it will be harder and harder for the Reds to resist big money.

I would be amazed if Liverpool haven’t already begun earmarking players who can potentially come in if Salah leaves, whether in January, next summer or (less likely) as a free agent in 2025, but it surprises me that Leroy Sane’s name continues to be linked with the club.

The German international is a fine player, no doubt, but he will be 28 in January, and only twice in his career has he hit double figures in terms of league goals in a season. Both of those were at Manchester City, before his progress was checked by a serious knee injury.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Clearly, finding another Salah is going to be nigh-on impossible, but if we look at Liverpool’s previous transfer dealings, you can see a clear pattern in terms of the type of profile they would look for; 22-25 years old, 150+ top-level games under their belt, versatility in terms of position, experience in European competition and both a proven level of output, but with the room (and the attitude) to develop quickly and significantly under a coach like Klopp.

Who that might be, that’s another matter entirely, but someone like Sane would represent a shift away from that policy in my opinion. I’d be wary of those links.

The post Exclusive Neil Jones column: Bayern duo linked with Liverpool, surprise striker transfer rumours & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool are likely to already be preparing for the potential departure of star player Mohamed Salah by identifying transfer targets to replace him in attack, according to Neil Jones in his exclusive column for the Daily Briefing.

However, Jones insists he is surprised to see Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane continuing to come up as a name reportedly on the Reds’ list of targets, as he doesn’t feel this would be a signing that fits the club’s recruitment policy.

Sane has had a fine career with the likes of Bayern and Manchester City, and one imagines that, at his peak, he would have been a good fit for Jurgen Klopp’s side, though he’s not getting any younger and has never been a particularly similar style of player to Salah anyway.

While Liverpool are likely to be planning for life after their Egyptian superstar, according to Jones, he is unsure about the stories involving Sane, and seemed to urge caution on that front.

“The topic of Mo Salah and Saudi Arabia is not going to go away. We know that. Liverpool were able to stand firm (and rightly so) in the summer, but the noises will start up again before the January window opens, and with the Egyptian now heading towards the final year of his contract, it will be harder and harder for the Reds to resist big money,” Jones explained.

“I would be amazed if Liverpool haven’t already begun earmarking players who can potentially come in if Salah leaves, whether in January, next summer or (less likely) as a free agent in 2025, but it surprises me that Leroy Sane’s name continues to be linked with the club.

“The German international is a fine player, no doubt, but he will be 28 in January, and only twice in his career has he hit double figures in terms of league goals in a season. Both of those were at Manchester City, before his progress was checked by a serious knee injury.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

“Clearly, finding another Salah is going to be nigh-on impossible, but if we look at Liverpool’s previous transfer dealings, you can see a clear pattern in terms of the type of profile they would look for; 22-25 years old, 150+ top-level games under their belt, versatility in terms of position, experience in European competition and both a proven level of output, but with the room (and the attitude) to develop quickly and significantly under a coach like Klopp.

“Who that might be, that’s another matter entirely, but someone like Sane would represent a shift away from that policy in my opinion. I’d be wary of those links.”

The post Exclusive: Liverpool likely already preparing for transfer targets to replace Mohamed Salah, says expert appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool will reportedly face fresh transfer interest in Mohamed Salah from clubs in Saudi Arabia in the near future, Fabrizio Romano has suggested in his latest YouTube video.

Speaking on his channel today, Romano explained just how strong the Saudi interest in Salah is, with Liverpool doing well to hold on to the Egypt international during the summer, and in September while the Saudi window was still open.

See below as Romano discusses the latest on Salah, explaining that Liverpool still need to be respected for their strong stance, but also with the clear warning that interest from Saudi is not likely to go away…

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Salah is one of the finest attacking players in world football and it would be a huge blow for Liverpool to lose him, even if he’s not getting any younger.

The Merseyside giants might need to think about replacing Salah at some point, but they’ll also surely be keen to put that off for as long as possible, as he clearly still adds so much to this team.

The post Liverpool will face renewed transfer interest in star player, claims journalist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

There doesn’t appear to be too much doubt that Liverpool’s Mo Salah is still coveted by the Saudi Pro League.

The Egyptian King has yet to respond to any rumours linking him with a ground-breaking move to the Emirates, however, the league’s director of football, Michael Emenalo, wasn’t backwards in coming forwards about his admiration for the player.

“Mo is welcome at any time, but no one is pressured or forced to come,,” he was quoted as saying by Metro, when asked.

“If anyone wants to come here and there is an opportunity to work with the transferring club in a very respectful and professional manner, we would be very happy to have them. But Mo is a personal favourite of mine.”

That final comment is sure to infuriate Jurgen Klopp as he seeks to continue Liverpool’s decent start to the 2023/24 campaign.

The Reds had a bump in the road form-wise during 2022/23, a season in which they weren’t able to even qualify for the Champions League, however, it’s clear that they have the bit between their teeth again and they’re right in contention at the top of the Premier League table at present.

There are almost three months until the transfer window opens for business again, but one can assume that a deal to bring Salah to Saudi would already need to be underway in terms of agreeing certain aspects of his contract, a fee with Liverpool etc.

Fortunately for Reds fans, there’s nothing happening at the moment.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

‘Director of Football in the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has recently spoken of his admiration for Mo Salah and the strong interest from Saudi remains, but at the moment there is nothing concrete,’ Fabrizio Romano wrote in his exclusive Daily Briefing column.

‘Absolutely nothing new at this stage from all sides. Liverpool want to focus on the pitch and not on rumours, and Salah is focused on doing his best for Liverpool.’

Things can change in an instant in football of course, however, Salah will have the final say and the Saudi Pro League doesn’t seem to be a priority for him just now.

The post Sky Sports transfer expert has ‘all sides’ update on Saudi interest in Liverpool’s Mo Salah appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It was perhaps somewhat inevitable that Liverpool’s Mo Salah was going to be targeted again by the Saudi Pro League, as they launch another charm offensive ahead of the January transfer window.

Missing out on Lionel Messi was clearly a blow, but having secured the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and others, the league is beginning to earn a grudging respect.

By adding Salah to the mix it will really give the league some much-needed cachet.

Much appears to have been said and written about how the Saudi Pro League are changing the football landscape and perhaps not for the better.

However, it might be worth recalling how much things changed when the Premier League began back in 1992.

Football has always evolved and sometimes not in the ways expected, with the Saudi Pro League being the biggest shift in the game over the last few years.

It’s understandable why Premier League clubs and those in other elite leagues around Europe feel under threat, though it’s arguably the knowledge that they may not now be as attractive a proposition to players for whom money or status is King that’s the real issue.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

“Mo is welcome at any time, but no one is pressured or forced to come,” Saudi Pro League chief, Michael Emenalo, has been quoted as saying by Metro.

“If anyone wants to come here and there is an opportunity to work with the transferring club in a very respectful and professional manner, we would be very happy to have them.

“But Mo is a personal favourite of mine.”

Jurgen Klopp isn’t likely to be happy but if Liverpool give Salah all that he requires in a professional sense, then he need not worry.

The post ‘Personal favourite’ – Saudi Pro League chief courting Liverpool’s Mo Salah again appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello and welcome to my latest Liverpool transfer news column exclusively for the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for more from myself, Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs and our other columnists!

Luis Diaz incident is like nothing I’ve seen before – but replaying games isn’t an option

It’s fair to say it’s been a testing couple of weeks for Liverpool in terms of the refereeing of their games! I’m not sure I can ever remember an incident like the one we saw at Tottenham with the Luis Diaz ‘goal’, and I think that was shown with the fallout which followed.

It was a quite bizarre, and really quite troubling, episode, and listening to the audio from the VAR room, it is easy to see why Liverpool (and other clubs, by the way) believe significant changes are needed in terms of the way VAR is used in the Premier League.

In a world of VAR, the Diaz incident simply should not be happening. Managers, players and even supporters can accept an assistant referee getting a marginal offside call wrong on the field, but the idea that two extra officials could look at the decision, use technology to prove it incorrect and then, through complacency and poor communication, allow that incorrect decision to be upheld, is just baffling, and worrying in the extreme for the PGMOL. It’s an extreme (and to my mind unprecedented) example, but it makes you wonder how many more cases such as this exist, where an incorrect decision has been allowed to stand because of confusion and unclear communication from the VAR. I’m sure fans of every club could think of an example or two involving their own side, right?

Liverpool were right to be aggrieved after the Tottenham game, and had reason to ask questions of referee Anthony Taylor and VAR Craig Pawson after the draw at Brighton too – how Pascal Gross was not sent off remains a mystery – but I’m not in the camp of believing that replaying games should be an option, even in the event of such clear and obvious mistakes. That box should not be opened.

Rather, the original game at Tottenham should have been stopped, the mistake explained to the managers and captains (and, via the big screen) supporters, and restarted with the correct score-line. If that is what happens in the future, then at least something will have come out of a messy, and completely avoidable situation.

Liverpool have three centre-back targets and it needs to be a priority for 2024

I think it’s clear that centre-back is an area that Liverpool need to look at in 2024. Joel Matip’s contract is expiring and Joe Gomez seems to now be viewed as more of a right-back than a centre-back by Jurgen Klopp. That leaves Virgil van Dijk, who is well into his 30s, the talented-but-fragile Ibrahima Konate and the youngster Jarell Quansah as Liverpool’s longer-term options.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Quansah has been a real bonus, and looks at 20 to have all the tools to become a decent Premier League centre-back. He’s inexperienced, yes, but his potential is clear.

Both Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie have been looked at by Liverpool, as has Benfica’s Antonio Silva, but any move in January would depend, I think, on two factors. One is whether Liverpool’s current centre-backs are fit (at the moment, they are) and two is whether those players are available and affordable, mid-season. Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Benfica all have designs on challenging for league titles, remember, so obtaining key players from them in January won’t be easy. Next summer would be more likely, unless circumstances change.

Stefan Bajcetic loan rumours don’t make sense

Stefan Bajcetic’s situation for now is clear; he needs to get back to full fitness and then go from there. He’s suffered a calf issue after making his long-awaited return from an adductor problem, and is going to be sidelined until after the international break.

At 18 (he turns 19 later this month), Liverpool were prepared for such bumps in the road. Bajcetic was promoted swiftly to the first team last season and there was always the risk that the extra intensity, coupled with his own natural physical development, would cause injury and fitness issues. There is no great concern at Kirkby, it is seen as pretty standard for a young, up and coming player.

In terms of a loan, I’d be surprised. Bajcetic is a player who is very highly thought of, and one who has the natural skillset to flourish in this version of Liverpool. He is technically good, has a good defensive instinct and plays with confidence and conviction.

He was given a lot of responsibility in a struggling side last season, and there is a lot of excitement as to what he might be able to bring to a more cohesive outfit going forward. Allowing him to leave on loan in January would not make a great deal of sense in that regard.

The post Neil Jones column: Liverpool’s three CB transfer targets, PL winger admired, past Jadon Sancho interest & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.