The Times report “world class” Liverpool favourite wanted in big-money move

The Times report “world class” Liverpool favourite wanted in big-money move

What a blow this would be for the Reds this summer.

A “world class” Liverpool star is wanted in a big-money move during the summer transfer window, according to an update from The Times’ Paul Hirst.

Liverpool transfer news
Jurgen Klopp may be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, but that hasn’t stopped FSG already eyeing up summer signings, ensuring whoever comes in to replace the German is greeted with a couple of welcome gifts.

A shock move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has been mooted, in a transfer that wouldn’t go down well at all at Goodison Park. Sporting CP ace Goncalo Inacio also continues to be backed to head to Liverpool, as has been the case for some time now, with the Portuguese seen as arguably one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders.

jean-clair-todibo-goncalo-inacio-liverpool-opinion
Another potential defensive reinforcement is Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi, with the England international likely to leave Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window. A move to a bigger club feels on the cards, given his quality as a player.

Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme has also been linked with a switch to the Reds, and the same applies to Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, should Liverpool feel the need to further bolster their midfield options. Almost as important as new signings is retaining the services of some of the most important players at Anfield, however, and a big update has dropped regarding one such figure.

Reds star linked with another big money move
According to The Times’ Hirst, Mohamed Salah is wanted by Saudi Pro League clubs for a big-money move again this summer, with the Liverpool star one of a number of elite players being looked at.

mohamed-salah-liverpool-fantasy-premier-league
Losing Salah doesn’t bear thinking about for the Reds, and while some may be willing to see him leave for an astronomical fee – he turns 32 in the summer – he still has so much to offer at the very top level. The manner in which the Egyptian King looks after himself means he should be able to replicate the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and play well into his 30s, and he is still comfortably Liverpool’s most consistent and productive attacking player.

In truth, it is no great surprise that Salah is wanted by Saudi clubs, considering they no doubt see him as a poster boy for the Saudi Pro League, but it would be bitterly disappointing to see him join what is a far inferior division to the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah’s Premier League stats this season

Total

Appearances

21

Starts

20

Goals

15

Assists

9

Shots per game

3.2

Key passes per game

2.3

Tackles per game

0.6

Salah’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2025, so it is clear that this year is when a big decision needs to made when it comes to his future, but a new contract should be handed to him, not only as a reward for so many years of brilliance – he has been called “world class” by Klopp – but also because he still has so much left in the tank for Liverpool.

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With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.

Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.

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I rejected ‘unattractive’ Liverpool transfer because of Chelsea promise
Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has revealed how he once rejected a transfer to Liverpool

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ByTheo SquiresLiverpool FC Writer
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Former French international footballer and former Chelsea defender Franck Leboeuf poses for a picture before an interview at the IMG Media Studios in Chiswick, London

Liverpool and Chelsea might have forged a bitter rivalry over the past two decades, but that hasn’t stopped a number of players from representing both clubs.

Thirteen players have lined up for both during the Premier League era, with six of them making direct transfers between Anfield and Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, when the two clubs lock horns at Wembley in the League Cup final on Sunday, both Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling will be hoping to get one over on their former sides.

However, sometimes the allegiance to a former club is too strong for a player to later join a rival. This proved to be the case for one World Cup winner back in 2002.

Frank Leboeuf joined Chelsea in a £2.5m move from Strasbourg in 1996, and would go on to make 203 appearances during five years at Stamford Bridge. During his time with the club, he’d win two FA Cups, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the European Super Cup and the Community Shield.

READ MORE: I was devastated when Liverpool transfer collapsed – My agent was greedy and I fell out with the manager

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp makes Liverpool injury claim after Carabao Cup ‘misunderstanding’ set right

Also winning the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 and 2001 Confederations Cup with France, he returned to his homeland to sign for Marseille in the summer of 2001. Yet after just one year back in Ligue 1, he claims that Liverpool tried to bring him back to the Premier League.

“Liverpool tried to sign me when Gerard Houllier was in charge,” Lebouef recalled to BetVictor. “(It was) just after the 2002 World Cup.

“Houllier called me and we talked, but back then Liverpool wasn’t as attractive a club as it is right now. I loved Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler and players like that and I admired them in the 1970s, but they were not my club.

“I made a promise when I was playing for Chelsea that I would never play for another English club, because Chelsea made me. I get the opportunity to speak in many countries across the world, not because I won the World Cup or anything like that, but because I played for Chelsea.

“Chelsea are my club. Sometimes the club upsets me, especially in the last two years with the way it is being run, but it is still my club and I will defend them until my last breath.

“It would’ve been nice to play at Anfield, but I have played there as the opponent and I wasn’t interested in trying to make a move happen. I am very pleased to be able to say that I only ever played for Chelsea in the Premier League.”

Lebouef was 34 when Liverpool reportedly tried to sign him, and had just finished second in the Premier League in the 2001/02 season. The year before they had won a cup treble. In contrast, Marseille would finish 15th in Ligue 1 prior to the Frenchman’s arrival in 2001, before finishing ninth in 2001/02.

Meanwhile, Sami Hyypia, Jamie Carragher and Stephane Henchoz were Houllier’s leading centre-back options heading into the 2002/03 season, with the likes of Markus Babbel, Abel Xavier, and Djimi Traore also able to play the position.

While the Reds would infamously sign El Hadji Diouf, Salif Diao and Bruno Cheyrou that summer, they did not strengthen their squad at centre-back.

Lebouef would spend one final year with Marseille in 2002/03, before moving to Qatari side Al-Sadd. He’d finish his career with stints at Al-Wakrah and Hollywood United before hanging up his boots in 2007.

A switch to Liverpool is not the only move that failed to come to fruition during the Frenchman’s career. He also missed out on the opportunity to play under one Reds legend elsewhere and sign for Real Madrid in 1999.

The Spanish giants would finish the following season as European Champions as McManaman helped them win the Champions League in his first year after leaving Anfield. Yet the defender has no regrets.

“I almost signed for Real Madrid as well, in 1999, but Chelsea were asking for too much money for me,” Lebouef recalled. “It was John Toshack who wanted me, but luckily I didn’t sign because he was sacked a month later!”

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WMoment Jurgen Klopp decided to quit Liverpool as new theory comes to light
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Ljinders has lifted the lid on the conversations he had with Jurgen Klopp that made it clear their time at Anfield was drawing to a close

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Jurgen Klopp announced he was leaving Liverpool last month (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC)
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ByDan MarshSenior Sports Reporter
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Pep Ljinders has outlined how Jurgen Klopp had informed him that his Liverpool tenure was coming to an end months before his exit plan was formally announced.

The German, 56, sent shockwaves through the Premier League last month when he revealed that he would be standing down in the summer. He has been in charge for over eight years since joining the club back in October 2015.

While Klopp’s decision took plenty of people aback, there were some within Anfield who were in the loop. That includes Klopp’s long-time assistant and confidante Ljinders, who admits they had conversations about leaving during the summer.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, Ljinders opened up the discussions he’d had with Klopp. He said: “Nobody will replace Jurgen. I was clear, to be honest, when we had the talk a long time ago – for me it was clear and it made it easier for me.

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Liverpool’s likely XI to face Chelsea in Carabao Cup final as injuries mount up
“We knew in the summer, ‘OK we are going towards the end of this project’. It’s too much about me…we play in a final in 48 hours. I understand, so I think I have given answers in interviews.”

He then went on to outline that he has previously rejected offers to branch out on his own. But after returning from a brief stint in charge of NEC in 2018, it was always part of the plan for him to stick with Klopp until the end.

Ljinders continued: “I always got offers and my heart says yes, but my loyalty to Mike [Gordon] and Jurgen said no. So we agreed to finish this project together and it is the right way to do it. They will find a new coach with ideas and I am excited to manage to find the right club. But until the last final of the season I am focused on Liverpool and that is why we have agents, no?”

Join the debate! Who would you like to see replace Klopp? Let us know here.

Jurgen Klopp’s No.2 Pep Ljinders has been a hot topic amongst Liverpool fans in recent weeks
Klopp spoke with Pep Ljinders in the summer about leaving Liverpool ( Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC)
A report from The Telegraph earlier this month outlined that Klopp recognises his new-look Liverpool are team have made significant progress far sooner than expected. That played a part in his exit plan, with the report going on to theorise that had the Reds struggled this term then Klopp may have been enticed into delaying his exit beyond the summer.

With Klopp believing his players no longer need him like they once did, he will walk away at the end of the campaign. He could yet go out with another Premier League title with Liverpool currently clear of Manchester City and Arsenal at the summit.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Klopp. The Spaniard, 42, has excelled in his first senior management role at Bayer Leverkusen and would be a popular appointment with the fanbase due to his fine record in Germany and his previous exploits in a Liverpool shirt.

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Liverpool predicted Line-up against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final Tomorrow 👏

Your thoughts guys?

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LIVERPOOLUpdate:Liverpool “leader” now set to miss the next seven gamesPublished 19 hours ago on February 23, 2024By soccerlivenews
Update:Liverpool “leader” now set to miss the next seven games

 

The games that Alexander-Arnold and Alisson will miss for Liverpoool

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson in action against Manchester City
Into the second half of the season with the return of the Europa League on the horizon, Liverpool’s injuries couldn’t have come at a worse time, especially with the Carabao Cup final coming up against Chelsea this weekend. Now, an update has emerged on when they can expect certain stars to make their return, and it’s not good news.

Liverpool injury news
Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders was at least able to offer some positive news on the injury front ahead of the Reds’ trip to Wembley on Sunday, revealing that Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai could all still be in contention to face Chelsea.

Lijnders said: “We come in a crazy schedule again, so we play every three days. It’s important for us to use each minute, use each day to really look how the players are. This is for Mo, Dom and Darwin. Two training sessions to go, let’s see how they are and then we can make a decision in the last minute. And all the others, we know it’s longer.”

luis-diaz-mohamed-salah-liverpool-opinion
The news that has stolen the headlines, however, regards the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Curtis Jones. Lijnders confirmed that Alexander-Arnold and Alisson will be out until after the March international break, which will, therefore, see them miss at least seven games.

xabi-alonso-age
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The assistant also confirmed the timeline of injuries to Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, saying via BBC Sport: “Curtis has a sprain with a muscle on his ankle and will be [out] until around the international break. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] has a lateral ligament injury and will be out until after the international break. Diogo Jota has a medial ligament, will be after the international break, but after the international break for Jota means we are not sure [how long].”

The games that Alexander-Arnold and Alisson will miss
As Liverpool’s injury list continues to grow, the fixtures will continue to come thick and fast and their importance will only increase. Set to be without two key players for a stretch of at least seven games, which includes Manchester City in the Premier League at Anfield, Liverpool’s title credentials could seriously come into question.

Games that Alexander-Arnold and Alisson will miss (via Liverpool.com)

 

Whilst Conor Bradley will fill in for Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher for Alisson, Jurgen Klopp will be well aware of the quality that his side will be missing.

The German praised Alexander-Arnold after his goal helped Liverpool come from behind to beat Fulham earlier this season, saying via Anfield Watch: “Today he was a real leader on the pitch – that’s probably the biggest improvement, if you want. Because it was super-intense but it got kind of another push when you put him a bit more inside in that moment.

“He’s so often in these positions, there is no change really. He’s very often in half-spaces in the centre and stuff like this. So it was just really good. But he was a real leader on the pitch – that was most important.”

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Tom is a football writer who has written for a number of websites and newspapers, creating content on everything from non-league, the Premier League and the top five European leagues over the last four years.

Tom is also a Liverpool fan and a University of Brighton student who can often be found on Twitter talking about the Reds.

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41-year-old has ruled himself out of being Liverpool’s next managerPhoto by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
41-year-old has ruled himself out of being Liverpool’s next manager
Fri 23 February 2024 15:00
James Brooke
Liverpool head into this weekend’s Carabao Cup final knowing that it could be their last chance to win a trophy under Jurgen Klopp.

Hopefully that isn’t the case, the Reds still have three more to play for besides. But against Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, Liverpool have the first direct chance to add another one to the cabinet.

Beyond that, we don’t yet know who will be leading the Reds into next season. However, we certainly know who it won’t be. It won’t be Klopp, of course, and neither will it be his assistant, Pep Lijnders. Lijnders was asked during the pre-final press conference today whether he had thought about ‘throwing his hat into the ring’ for the top job. From his answer, that won’t be happening.

“I was really clear to be honest,” answered the 41-year-old. “When we had the talk a long time ago, for me it was clear. It made it easier for me when he [Klopp] said this will be it. We knew in the summer already we are going towards the end of this project.

“We spoke, I got offers last year. My heart always said yes, my loyalty and my friendship and respect for Mike and Jurgen said no. But it’s clear that I will go and manage and we will end the project together. I feel that it’s a project of a lot of people and it’s the right way to do it like this.

“But I’m excited to manage, I’m excited to go and find the right club, a club who really wants me. But until the last final of the season I’m focused on Liverpool. I don’t even know what’s happening, that’s why we have agents.”

Lijnders rules himself out
In fairness to Lijnders, he had already made it pretty clear that he wouldn’t be in the running to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.

It had been announced on the same day as the manager last month that the assistant would be leaving, too. Still, it’s interesting to dig into his quotes here, as they do add a little bit more colour.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
From what Pep says, it sounds as though he was in fact planning to leave the club regardless of Klopp’s decision.

Having received and turned down offers already , it seems that Lijnders was finally ready to go and make his own way in management. Jurgen’s surprise departure only reaffirmed that it was the right time for the Dutchman to exit, too.

It will be very, very interesting to see where Lijnders ends up next season, or whenever he lands himself a role. Some had wanted him to success Klopp, no doubt about that.

Pep Lijnders
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
As a coach, Pep is incredibly highly rated and his body of work with Liverpool should ensure he ends up at a decent level. As Mikel Arteta has shown since leaving Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, young, up can coming assistants can make the jump into management.

Of course, Lijnders has tried his hand at the top job already. However, that brief stint at NEC Nijmegen six years ago was probably not a true reflection of his capability.

Nevertheless, the difficulty he had at Nijmegen perhaps played a part in stopping Liverpool from offering him Klopp’s job. Had it been on the table, Lijnders would surely have taken it.

As it is, he’ll have to go off and earn his corn elsewhere. Not that he’ll mind, Pep seems utterly up for whatever challenge comes his way. And who knows, do well, and maybe our paths will cross again in the future.

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£60m Liverpool player doesn’t appear to be at training today after claims he could miss Carabao Cup finalPhoto by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
£60m Liverpool player doesn’t appear to be at training today after claims he could miss Carabao Cup final
Fri 23 February 2024 14:00
James Brooke
Liverpool have given some indication as to which players may be missing this weekend’s Carabao Cup final.

The Reds are set to take on Chelsea on Sunday and are set to be without a number of key players. One who has been widely expected to miss the game is Dominik Szoboszlai.

Having been injured since the end of January, it has been touch-and-go for Szoboszlai. And although Pep Lijnders appeared to suggest that the Hungarian may just about be fit to play against Chelsea, a video released by Liverpool on X this afternoon may show otherwise.

The clip showing the players arriving at the AXA Training Centre earlier today may have actually contained some good news for Reds fans.

Both Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah are seen kitted up and in good spirits. But the presence of both Nunez and Salah only highlights the fact that Szoboszlai is not seen.

Of course, none of this is a definitive indication on the fitness of any of these three players. We’ll have to wait for that. But it isn’t especially encouraging where Liverpool’s No.8 is concerned.

Szoboszlai not featured in training video
As the afternoon wears on, we’ll no doubt get some more glimpses of Liverpool in pre-cup final training.

From there, we’ll be able to see a little bit better who did and who did not appear in today’s session.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
With two days until the game, that still won’t be conclusive as to who will feature. A lot can happen in 48 hours and things can still change.

Given that all of Nunez, Salah and Szoboszlai have muscle issues though, you’d have to assume that no training today very likely means no game on Sunday.

In that respect, fans will be desperate to see any combination of the trio. As he’s been out a little longer than the other two, the expectation will have been that Szoboszlai might miss out anyway. Having him back would purely be a really big bonus.

Liverpool Training Session
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
For Nunez and Salah though, Liverpool badly need them. Although they still scored four against Luton Town on Sunday, the Reds’ attack did not function all that well.

Cody Gakpo has been praised for ‘stepping up,’ but we’re not all that sure that he did. It would be preferable to have either the Uruguayan or the Egyptian ready to step in for Sunday.

Of course, they may have to settle for places on the bench, but that would be enough for us. As long as they’re both able to get on and effect the game at some point, Klopp will be pleased.

It’s disappointing news about Szoboszlai on the other hand. But don’t rule the £60m out just yet.

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OPINIONUEFA just handed Liverpool a huge Man City advantage as nightmare Europa League scenario avoided
Liverpool will face Sparta Prague in the last-16 of the Europa League. Jürgen Klopp will be more than happy with that draw, with a huge clash against Manchester City looming.

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James Findlater
ByJames FindlaterContent Editor
12:00, 23 FEB 2024
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Liverpool will face Manchester City between both legs of its Europa League tie against Sparta Prague
Liverpool will face Manchester City between both legs of its Europa League tie against Sparta Prague (Image: Getty Images)

There’s always a slightly nervous wait heading into a cup draw as you wait to see who your side will get, knowing they could be handed a truly difficult test. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, they didn’t have to wait too long for their Europa League last-16 opponents.

The Reds were the first of the seeded teams out of the hat in Switzerland, and were handed a tie against Czech side Sparta Prague. Given some of the alternatives on offer, Jürgen Klopp will definitely be happy with that.

On the face of it, Qarabag would have perhaps been the easiest tie of the round. The Azerbaijan side is a surprise inclusion in the last-16, having overcome Braga in the play-off round in dramatic fashion, winning 6-5 after extra time.

READ MORE: When Liverpool will play Sparta Prague as Europa League last-16 draw confirmed in full

READ MORE: Liverpool injury latest and return dates including Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones

The journey to Azerbaijan though would certainly not have been welcome for Liverpool, especially with the away leg coming just days before a potential Premier League title decider against Manchester City. For those not quite up to speed on their geography, you won’t even find Azerbaijan on your usual map of Europe, with the country crossing into Asia. It’s a flight time around two and a half times what Liverpool will instead face by heading to Prague.

With plenty of other big names in the draw, avoiding the likes of AC Milan, Benfica, Sporting CP and Roma was also important, and you can also perhaps throw Marseille in there. All in all then, Liverpool has perhaps landed its ideal draw against Sparta, with only German side Freiburg possibly offering a more desirable tie.

If the injury situation has eased by then — and amid the current crisis, that does seem like a big if — then Klopp should have the opportunity to rotate his squad somewhat, and hold some of his bigger players back for that all-important clash against City on March 10. That will be a major advantage in its quest to secure its outgoing manager a second league title.

Not only that, but some of the favorites for this season’s Europa League draw will be going out in the net round. Three from Sporting and Atalanta, Roma and Brighton, and Marseille and Villarreal will exit the competition in the next round, although Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan should ease their way through against Qarabag and Slavia Prague respectively — meaning a meeting with Xabi Alonso is still on the cards.

Liverpool will be expected to join them. The Reds have been handed not only an ideal draw for their Europa League hopes, but a near-perfect tie to aid them in their Premier League exploits amid a hectic schedule.

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Roberto Firmino faces many controversial and turn back to Liverpool today for Carabao Cup final

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‘He will make it’… Journalist thinks injured Liverpool player will be back for Carabao Cup finalPhoto by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
‘He will make it’… Journalist thinks injured Liverpool player will be back for Carabao Cup final
Fri 23 February 2024 07:00
James Brooke
Jurgen Klopp was keeping his cards close to his chest when asked about Liverpool’s injury issues this week.

The manager wasn’t giving too much away following Wednesday night’s 4-1 win over Luton Town. We may hear a little more insight from Klopp when he meets the press today, but for now it’s a little bit of a guessing game.

Liverpool could really do with at least one or two of their injured cohort returning, though. And perhaps top of that list would be Mohamed Salah, who will be desperate to play in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

So far, there’s been nothing to suggest the possibility of that either way. But speaking on The Daily Mail’s It’s All Kicking Off! podcast, journalist Dominic King has predicted that Salah will ‘make it’ to play against Chelsea.

“I think Salah will make it,” claimed the reporter. “I just have a feeling Salah will make it. I’m not sure about Nunez.”

Salah tipped to make return
We’d expect that we might have to wait until Sunday to hear confirmation of whether Salah will be in the Liverpool squad.

Klopp has so far insisted that the likes of the Egyptian and Darwin Nunez are being taken ‘day by day’ at the AXA Training Centre.

As a result, he may not yet know himself about the two forward’s availability when he addresses the media today.

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Even if he does, maybe the boss will feel it might pay to leave Chelsea guessing. If Salah and Nunez are ready or not will make a pretty big difference to how Liverpool can play. Why not keep them in the dark, it can’t do any harm.

Should either or both of the players then be named on the team sheet – or in the squad – at the weekend, it could also give the travelling Reds fans are big boost and enhance the atmosphere, too.

Mo Salah
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Obviously, we’d love both Salah and Nunez to be ready to play and win another trophy for Liverpool.

But if only one can make it, then you’d have to say that Mo would probably be the choice. Nunez has been electric of late and is constantly such a threat. Salah is simply on another level altogether, though.

The 31-year-old showed his class yet again last Saturday, coming off the bench at Brentford to put on a second-half clinic. He’s still Liverpool’s talisman whatever way you look at it.

Having failed to score in Liverpool’s last three major cup finals, Salah will be absolutely champing at the bit to get out there against his old club. We’re crossing everything that he makes it. Let’s hope for a positive update today.

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24-year-old Liverpool player set to come back and start the Carabao Cup final vs Chelsea
Fri 23 February 2024 07:30
James Brooke
Jurgen Klopp does not have a lot of wiggle room with his Liverpool team ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Having been able to call on just 14 senior players for Wednesday’s win over Luton Town, the Liverpool manager is being badly restricted by injuries.

Nevertheless, there is still the possibility to bring some fresh legs in to face Chelsea at Wembley.

Looking at the Reds team news ahead of the game today, the Liverpool ECHO report that Klopp is set to make at least one change to the XI that beat Luton.

That is set to come at centre-back, where Jarell Quansah is ‘likely’ to make way for Ibrahima Konate. Konate was an unused substitute midweek, seemingly with the final in mind. He’ll reportedly be back in against the Blues.

The ECHO suggest that Klopp could actually surprisingly make up to four more changes. The most likely would pertain to be Andy Robertson coming in at left-back, with the other possible switches said to be fitness related.

Konate set to return
It wasn’t really a surprise to see Konate rested against Luton. Given all of the other issues Liverpool currently have and the Frenchman’s tendency to break down without warning, it seemed like a smart move.

With so many other key players missing in midfield and in attack, the Reds can at least ensure that their defence is as strong as it can possibly be.

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Of course, without Alisson Becker this is still not a complete Liverpool defence. But Caoimhin Kelleher was always going to be the man for Sunday, anyway.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is also still missing, but Conor Bradley is a more than able deputy.

As a result, a defence of Bradley, Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Robertson looks strong enough to keep the door shut.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
From Konate’s point of view, this little nod to his importance in the side completes his transition into Van Dijk’s key partner.

Two years ago, with the same final coming up, the 24-year-old was still very much a squad player. He started on the bench that day, coming on for extra-time, with Joel Matip being favoured.

It would have been an interesting decision for Klopp had Matip been fit for this one. But in the 32-year-old’s absence, Konate has quickly become the main man.

With Liverpool missing so many on the big stage this weekend, the Reds’ No.5 looks set to step up. That, finally, is some good news.

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Mohamed Salah converter to Christian open for full story 👇

Rio Ferdinand says Liverpool have three truly ‘world-class’ players in their ranks

Rio Ferdinand has deemed three Liverpool players world-class amid the continuing debate over whether Bukayo Saka fits the bill.

Reds trio Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are in Ferdinand’s exclusive 12-man list of footballers who can be considered world-class.

Alisson, Van Dijk and Salah have been consistently brilliant for Liverpool over the years, helping the Reds win the biggest trophies available to them.

The Liverpool trio have been crucial in landing the Champions League, the Premier League, the UEFA Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup, as well as the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

As well as Alisson, Van Dijk and Salah, the list consisted of Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

“I think it’s easier when you put a list together,” Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. “I was talking to Owen Hargreaves about it and when you put list down it becomes easier for me.

“There you see the guys there: Ederson, Alisson, Kyle Walker, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and the list goes on. You can see there for yourself.”

Ferdinand caused a bit of a stir last week when he said Arsenal’s Saka could not yet be described as world-class.

“He hasn’t done it in the Champions League, has he? I’m talking in the nitty-gritty stages,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with FIVE.

“Saka’s top, don’t get me wrong. He’s not world-class yet.”

Liverpool extend lead at top of Premier League table
While this is a debate that many fans – of Arsenal and also neutrals – will have different views over, it’s nice to hear that Ferdinand deems three Liverpool players in that bracket.

The Reds enjoyed a great Wednesday as they came from behind to beat Luton Town 4-1 at Anfield and go four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool are now in with a chance of winning the first major trophy of the English season as they take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Watch Liverpool v Luton Town Full Goals Highlights 4-1 here👇

Danny Murphy says Liverpool have a 27-year-old ‘real livewire’ in their ranks

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Liverpool forward Luis Diaz has been described as a “real livewire” by Danny Murphy during the Reds’ win on Wednesday night.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool charges came from behind to run out 4-1 winners over Luton Town in their Premier League encounter at Anfield.

Liverpool fell behind in the 12th minute after Tahith Chong’s effort came off Caoimhin Kelleher and into the path of Chiedozie Ogbene, who nodded home from close range.

The Reds remained a goal down at the break but quickly turned the game around before the hour mark.

Liverpool’s comeback got under way in the 56th minute when Virgil van Dijk lost his marker to head the hosts level from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner.

Then, just two minutes later, the Argentina international was the architect again as he delivered the ball for Cody Gakpo to nod home.

Diaz then put Liverpool out of reach on 71 minutes, getting the better of Teden Meghi and finally finding the back of the net.

It was a just reward for the 27-year-old, who had been plugging away all evening in a bid to get on the scoresheet.

At half-time, Murphy said on Premier League Productions, via the Premier League website: “[Luis Diaz] has been a real livewire and has been Liverpool’s most likely [goalscorer].

“He wasted a good early opportunity to calm everyone down, and had he taken one of his chances it would have given Liverpool a nice base to build from.”

Luckily, Diaz’s wasted chances didn’t come back to haunt Liverpool.

The Reds went on to turn the game around in the second half, before Diaz finally found the back of the net to put the game out of Luton’s reach.

The cherry on top came right at the end of the match, Harvey Elliott also netting to give Liverpool a resounding and resilient win.

The result puts Liverpool four points clear at the top of the Premier League table ahead of the Carabao Cup final with Chelsea on Sunday.

Goal Liverpool Gakpo score a perfect goal 2-1

Watch Liverpool vs Luton Town Live match stream here 👇

‘My fault’… Jurgen Klopp suggests he has been playing £35m Liverpool man in the wrong position

Jurgen Klopp has suggested he has been playing Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo in the wrong position this season.

Cody Gakpo has endured a frustrating campaign at Anfield so far after impressing during the second half of last season.

The Dutchman was snapped up for a fee worth around £35 million from PSV back in January last year and he hit the ground running for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

But with the likes of Darwin Nunez making huge improvements this season, the forward has struggled to nail down a place in the Liverpool side this time around.

Klopp has even used Gakpo in midfield seven times in the league this term. But after the 24-year-old’s latest display at Brentford, Klopp has suggested he may have made a mistake by moving the forward into midfield.

Klopp on Gakpo’s form for Liverpool
Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s game against Luton Town, Klopp discussed what has been a fairly testing season for Gakpo.

“The numbers are 100 per cent absolutely alright, or even better,” the Liverpool boss said. “But that Cody had a bit of a struggle in between the season was more my fault.

Footage shows how Liverpool players reacted to Darwin Nunez’ open goal miss

The reaction of Liverpool players to Darwin Nunez’s inexplicable open goal miss can be seen in fan footage shared online.

Liverpool made it three wins out of three in the Europa League with a 5-1 thrashing of French side Toulouse at Anfield.

Diogo Jota, Wataru Endo, Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch and Mo Salah were all on target in the rout.

Toulouse were level for a period when Thijs Dallinga bagged a 16th minute equaliser but Liverpool turned it on for a high-scoring victory.

But the game’s biggest talking point was in the 65th minute when Nunez was involved in the most chaotic passage of play.

The Uruguayan produced an exquisite piece of skill to beat the last defender and then rounded the goalkeeper.

But just when it looked like he was going to double his tally for the game, Nunez fluffed his lines with the goal open as he hit the post.

However, the ball cannoned back into play and straight into the path of Gravenberch, who maintained his composure to slot home.

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