If Mohamed Salah wanted to fan the flames of speculation regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, he’s certainly done just that.
On Saturday evening, Salah uploaded a short video to his Instagram story that featured Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold.
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Alexander-Arnold was captured on Salah’s Instagram storyCredit: @mosalah on Instagtam
The trio are seen lounging on a couch in a clip that lasts only a matter of seconds.
Konate and Szoboszlai look to be highly engaged towards Alexander-Arnold, who appeared to be talking.
However, there is no audio attached to the video, leaving fans to speculate what it was the quartet conversed about.
Many have pondered whether Alexander-Arnold and Salah discussed their respective futures given the news this past week about the pair’s likely next moves.
The Liverpool star has agreed a five-year deal with Los Blancos and is set to pocket over £220,000-per-week.
Barring a monumental backflip, Alexander-Arnold’s exit will bring an end to his 20-year association with the club, having first joined Liverpool’s academy in 2004 aged six.
Interest had steadily built from Saudi Arabia and around Europe for the Egyptian superstar’s services.
Saudi club Al-Ittihad even tabled an eye-watering £150million offer for Salah in 2023, but it was swiftly rejected by the Reds.
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All signs are pointing towards Salah signing a new contract with the RedsCredit: Getty
Salah also did little to quash rumours about his exit when he claimed he was ‘more out than in’ when discussing his future last November.
However, talkSPORT understands Liverpool’s top brass are now feeling upbeat about the prospect of Salah prolonging his stay on Merseyside.
Salah has enjoyed a season of dreams under first-year Reds boss Arne Slot.
The Egyptian sits atop the Premier League goalscoring charts with a whopping 27 goals, six more than the next best which is Erling Haaland.
Salah also leads the way in the assists column having registered 17, seven more than Antonee Robinson, Bukayo Saka and Mikkel Damsgaard.
With clarity around Salah and Alexander-Arnold’s likely next moves, all eyes will be on skipper Virgil van Dijk, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.
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Van Dijk’s future at Anfield remains under a cloud of uncertaintyCredit: Getty
However, the towering Dutchman told reporters following Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain he had ‘no idea’ where his future lay.
“I have no idea at the moment, genuinely I still have no idea,” Van Dijk said.
“It is not on hold. Nothing on hold. There are 10 games to go and that is my full focus. If there is news you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself.
“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it. At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”
Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.
The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.
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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty
There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.
As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.
Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.
“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.
“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.
“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.
“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”
With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.
Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty
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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty
Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.
With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.
One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.
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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.
The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.
Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.
While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty
This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.
Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.
The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.
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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season
Manchester United have told club ambassadors, including legendary captain Bryan Robson they will have their salaries slashed, talkSPORT understands.
As well as Robson, 1999 treble winning legends Denis Irwin and Andy Cole are also among those who will have their earnings reduced in the latest round of cost-cutting – a move driven by new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
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There has been a flurry of cost-cutting among United bosses in the past yearCredit: Getty
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Robson, right, was there when Man United ended a 26-year wait for a league title in 1993Credit: Getty
Robson, nicknamed ‘Captain Marvel’ by United supporters, has been an official Global Ambassador for United since 2011 and his responsibilities include appearing at events around the globe to promote the club.
Irwin and Cole hold similar roles and there are a plethora of other former Old Trafford stars who host sponsors and hospitality guests at home games.
talkSPORT has been told the fee for matchday ambassadorial duties can range from £500 to £1,000 and many of the ex-players involved rely on the money, having missed out on big wages in their playing days.
Sources close to United declined to comment on contractual arrangements with their ambassadors and legends.
READ MORE MANCHESTER UNITED
Ratcliffe has set about a mission to streamline expenditure at United since buying a 27.7 per cent stake in the fallen giants in December 2023.
The highest profile victim of the savage cuts has been iconic former manager Alex Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice. He was asked to forego his lucrative £2m ambassador salary as of the end of this season.
Billionaire Ratcliffe has also made 250 non-playing staff redundant and replaced Christmas bonus payments of £100 per employer with £40 vouchers.
He caused uproar by stopping the annual £40,000-a-year donation to The Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMP), which maintains a social network among ageing former players.
The Manchester United charity Foundation is also reportedly facing a funding cut, while the cost of tickets for children and pensioners has been increased to a minimum of £66-per game.
Sources close to the club insist the brutal cuts are necessary to stay on the right side of PSR rules and help fund a squad rebuild after recording losses of £113m last year.
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Irwin joined United in 1990 and left in 2002 having been part of their biggest wins in recent times such as the 1999 treble winning sideCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ratcliffe, worth a reported £23 billion according to the Sunday Times rich list, has already ploughed in $300m of his personal fortune on top of what he spent on his initial shares, with the money intended to help fund the new stadium project and it is feared that cash will be swallowed up by losses without taking drastic cost-cutting action.
Robson scored 74 goals in 345 league games for United and is regarded as one of their greatest ever players.
He joined United in 1981 for a then record £1.5m and also played 90 times for England. David Beckham and Steven Gerrard are just two players who looked up to him when they were still dreaming of being footballers.
Irwin and Cole were both key members of the team under Ferguson that became the first English team to win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup in the same season in 1999.
Robson and Irwin were also both key members of the team under Ferguson that ended United’s 26-year-wait to be crowned champions of England in 1993.
United’s decision-making off the pitch has increased tension around the club amid their poor performances on it.
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Fans have been disgruntled with some of the decisions that have been madeCredit: Getty – Contributor
They are 13th in the Premier League with only seven wins from 22 matches, ten of which have ended in defeat.
A 3-1 loss at home to Brighton led to head coach Ruben Amorim saying that this is ‘maybe the worst team’ in the club’s history.
Man United cost cutting
The new bosses at the club have been causing anger among the fans for their apparent lack of care towards people who have made the club the biggest in the world
There were 250 non-playing staff redundant and replaced Christmas bonus payments of £100 per employer with £40 vouchers
The greatest manager in the club’s history, Alex Ferguson, has his multi-million pound payment scrapped. Club icon Eric Cantona takes to social media to call out ‘lack of respect’
Annual £40,000-a-year donation to The Association of Former Manchester United Players is stopped
Minimum ticket prices at Old Trafford raised from £40 to £66, with no concessions for children or pensioners
Legendary former players, including treble winners, get salaries slashed
Casemiro has switched his stance and is now open to a move to Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.
The Brazilian was against an exit last summer despite heavy interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, who were reluctant to pay the £70million figure Manchester United wanted.
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Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford may be coming to a close in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The large fee matched what the Red Devils forked out to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022 as they looked to avoid taking a major loss on the deal.
However, it is understood Saudi dealmakers believe Casemiro will be available for as little as €30m (£24.9m).
Al Nassr, who boast Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Marcelo Brozovic in their line-up, appear to be the best-positioned team to make a play for Casemiro.
The TV rights for the Saudi Pro League is up for renewal later this year and is expected to provide a major financial boost for clubs across the board, which is why Al Nassr are ready to move.
It is understood Al Nassr would be willing to make Casemiro one of the league’s top five highest earners, such is their willingness to secure a deal.
The 32-year-old is one of United’s highest earners with an estimated weekly wage of £350,000.
However, should he move to Saudi Arabia, it is understood Casemiro could earn a weekly wage of around £650,000.
It is also understood Casemiro turned down a mouth-watering $4m (£3.2m) signing on fee to join Al Ittihad last summer.
Despite the upgrade from his United deal, the figure pales in comparison to what potential teammate Ronaldo earns.
The Portuguese great pockets an eye-watering salary of £177m, which amounts to £3,403,846 per week.
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Casemiro’s mooted wage with Al-Nassr doesn’t come close to what Ronaldo pocketsCredit: Getty
Ronaldo’s weekly wage also dwarfs what teammate Mane earns too.
Ex-Liverpool star Mane, who joined Al Nassr in the summer of 2023 after just one season with German giants Bayern Munich, takes home just north of £650,000-a-week, which equates to £34m-per-season.
Casemiro faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford having lost his place in the starting line-up since Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November.
The Brazilian started the first two league games of the Amorim era against Ipswich and Everton but was an unused substitute for the following five games.
He made a 27-minute cameo off the bench in a 2-0 defeat against Wolves and returned to the starting line-up against Newcastle but was dropped once more for the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
In Casemiro’s place, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte have become Amorim’s preferred pairing in central midfield.
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Casemiro has fallen out of favour since Amorim took over at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
Despite the change in midfield personnel, it hasn’t exactly translated into results for United under the Portuguese boss.
Amorim began his United tenure with two wins from his opening three games but has won just twice from the following nine games.
The Red Devils went into their clash on Sunday against historic rivals Liverpool on a four-game winless run and many expected it to stretch to a fifth.
Van Nistelrooy will take over at Leicester CityCredit: Getty
The Dutchman has signed a contract to 2027 and will be in the stands for Saturday’s clash with Brentford.
His first match in charge will be on Tuesday night when the Foxes host West Ham in the Premier League.
Speaking to Leicester’s club website, Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic.
“They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive.
“I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”
Leicester City chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City.
“He joins a Club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.
“Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our Club.”
He takes over with the Foxes sitting 16th in the Premier League on 10 points, one point away from the relegation zone.
Leicester’s Van Nistelrooy announcement comes on the same week where Jamie Vardy broke the Dutchman’s record for the longest consecutive goal-scoring streak in the Premier League nine years ago.
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Van Nistelrooy won three and drew one of his four games as interim Manchester United bossCredit: Getty
Vardy eclipsed Van Nistelrooy’s mark of ten when he smashed home his 11th goal against Manchester United during the Foxes’ legendary 2015/16 when they won the Premier League title.
Van Nistelrooy will now get the opportunity to see what makes Vardy tick up close, with the Leicester job marking the third permanent role of his managerial career.
He succeeded Mark van Bommel as PSV Eindhoven’s Under-19 team in June 2018 but was promoted to first team manager in March 2022.
The former Manchester United marksman won 33 of his 51 games in charge as he led PSV to the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield in the 2022/23 season.
However, he resigned from his post at PSV with one game remaining in the Eredivisie that term due to frustrations regarding a lack of support from above.
Van Nistelrooy made an emotional return to Old Trafford in July as he appointed an assistant coach to Erik ten Hag.
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Van Nistelrooy faces a huge task to get the Foxes firingCredit: Getty
But it failed to be a fruitful partnership as Ten Hag was sacked on October 28 after he oversaw the Red Devils’ worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Van Nistelrooy was subsequently named as United’s interim head coach while the club searched and didn’t disappoint from his four games in charge.
Ironically, Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge was against Leicester in the EFL Cup as United ran rampant in a 5-2 victory.
Van Nistelrooy followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea before he oversaw United’s first European victory in 13 months as they beat Greek side PAOK 2-0.
In another twist of fate, Van Nistelrooy signed off on his interim stint with a 3-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League.
Unfortunately for Van Nistelrooy, the victory over the Foxes proved to be his final act at United after new boss Ruben Amorim elected not to keep the Dutchman on his new coaching staff.
Simon Jordan reacts to Alex Crook’s latest update on Leciester City’s manager hunt
“To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans,” Van Nistelrooy wrote on Instagram.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.
“M.U.F.C will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!
Liverpool can go 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win over Manchester City.
The Anfield showdown between the Premier League heavyweights, on Sunday, is one of the most eagerly awaited games of the season.
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Liverpool have been the best team in England and in Europe this seasonCredit: AFP
But despite the Reds’ superior form in Arne Slot’s first season in charge since replacing Jurgen Klopp, they still can’t rest on their laurels.
That’s the view of Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who believes the Gunners and Manchester City are still capable of toppling Liverpool off the top of the tree, despite their respective rocky starts.
Before a ball had been kicked in the Premier League this season, many had expected the title battle of the last two campaigns between Man City and Arsenal to continue.
Instead, it’s Liverpool breaking away from the rest of the pack, with City’s bright start stalling after five defeats in a row – the latest being a 4-0 thrashing at home to Tottenham.
Then there was the three-goal lead they gave away against Feyenoord in the Champions League to make it six games without a win.
Arsenal, meanwhile, sit in fourth, level on points with third place Chelsea, who are also thriving under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Expectations had been higher than ever heading into this season for the Gunners to be pushing for their first title since 2004 after coming agonisingly close in the past two campaigns.
Keown was part of that Premier League winning squad, with Arsene Wenger’s side the only club besides Blackburn to disrupt Manchester United’s dominance from the League’s inception in 1993 to the mid-2000s.
Arsenal won the league in 1998, 2002 and again in 2004.
However, 20 years and a stadium move later, Gunners fans are still waiting to see their side lift the Premier League trophy again.
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Here’s how the table looks going into match day 13
And although Liverpool are seemingly unstoppable right now, there’s still a long way to go.
But what has Slot done so well?
Slotting right in
Under the Dutchman, Liverpool have drawn and lost twice since taking over from Klopp, who in 2020 delivered the club a first league trophy since 1989.
“Jurgen Klopp definitely put the foundations in place,” Keown said, reflecting on Liverpool’s strong start.
“I think it’s when you go into a football club, it’d be very easy for [Slot] to have been the one on trial. It doesn’t look that way. It looks like the players are on trial.
“I’m even looking at [Andy] Robertson and thinking he’s still on trial, but he’s still picking him.
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He’s amassed more league goal contributions this season, scoring the same amount but registering two more assists
“But he’s getting the best out of everybody.”
Star winger Mohamed Salah sent shock waves across the Liverpool fan base ahead of the win over Real Madrid by revealing he was ‘more out than in’ in terms of signing a new deal.
His current contract expires at the end of the season, and Saudi Pro League clubs are circling.
But thus far, Slot has been able to keep worries about the ‘Egyptian King’ under control. He’s currently the second highest goalscorer in the league this term with 10 goals – two behind Man City’s Erling Haaland.
“But he’s playing angry and [Slot] is bringing the best out of Salah,” Keown added.
“He’s proven he can cope with the sort of uncertainty of what could happen in the future. He’ll be fine wherever he ends up. Liverpool fans would dearly love to see him stay there. So he’s created the right mix, but the foundation is definitely Klopp.
Martin Keown claims that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is the most important player in the Premier League and more vital than Cole Palmer is for Chelsea
“And Klopp was rebuilding another team here and for whatever reason got tired or fatigued and wanted to step away.
“And sometimes when a great leader like that, who is very demanding and wants things done at 100 miles an hour, the next guy comes in. There’s a calmness and I can sense that.
“And it doesn’t look laboured for everybody else, for City, for Arsenal, their competitors, it looks a grind, looks like really difficult.
“But for Liverpool, they’re comfortable. And even when, you know, Southampton handed it on a plate, they were there to cash in and that’s the sign of champions.”
In Keown’s mind, the race is far from over.
Gunner be tight
When asked what his beloved Gunners can do to close the gap, rather than focusing on areas they need to improve when the transfer window opens, Keown suggested Arsenal’s 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest last time out needs to be the catalyst for a great run of form.
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Keown is keeping the faith for ArsenalCredit: talkSPORT
“They need to win seven or eight games before [January].
“That’s what you have to do. Simple as that. You have to go on one of these really outstanding runs.
“The Forest game was one to shut out the noise. Obviously you’re looking at it and seeing there’s lots of injuries, lots of suspensions, lots of away games.
“I mean, Arsenal at the moment are in a sequence of seven games where only one of them is at home.
“And so you look at it and you think about Liverpool’s fixtures but you all play the same teams. Even this one now for Liverpool – Man City – it’s a beautiful time for Liverpool to play Man City.
“But it might just be an incredible moment for City to strike back. So, Arsenal just need to go on a run, keep healthy and have everybody available. Some players were rested at the weekend.
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Some Arsenal fans want the club to buy a number nine, with the goals currently spread amongst the team
“I think it was great to have us get a rest and hope, I suppose, that Liverpool start to ship points.
“They don’t seem to be having any problems right now. And they have won a Premier League in recent times. The nucleus of that team, certainly the back four and [Mohamed] Salah, is a Premier League winning team.”
Bigger than Rodri
Guardiola had never lost five games in a row as a manger before City were mauled by a rampant Spurs last weekend.
Man City lost 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and midfielder Rodri to an Anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of September.
They then won six out of seven games, before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spurs in the League Cup. Losses to Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon, Brighton and again to Spurs followed.
Asked if you can pin Man City’s dire form on losing Rodri, Keown said: “No, it can’t always be just about one player, you know. But you saw them at the weekend and it’s just… Where their defenders were so secure all of last year, never made a mistake, first to the ball.
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City dearly miss Rodri, but their form is not down to one absence aloneCredit: Getty
“Josko Gvardiol, ball into the channel, but he’s kind of doubting himself. Whereas last year, he’d have put his foot through it.
“Kyle Walker, blessed with pace. But if you don’t press the go button to sprint, doesn’t matter who you are, you’re not going to go quick enough, early enough. And that looked like what’s happening. Maybe they’re overthinking it too much now.”
After the Invincibles success in 2003/04, Keown knows what it’s like to be in a team not used to losing.
And he thinks City are now being put through something a lot of their players won’t be equipped to cope with initially.
“When you are winning every week everyone on the outside looks and says, oh, you’re amazing.
“We had this with the Invincibles and other seasons where we went unbeaten for a large period.
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It’s not going right for Guardiola but he has the tools to turn it aroundCredit: Getty
“On the inside, I remember speaking to [manager] Arsene Wenger and he was saying, ‘Look, if we lose a game, you know…’, [City] are not so used to losing.
“Because when you are winning, your chest is out, you’re proud, you know, we’re unbeatable. And then when that goes, it can disappear, it can fall apart. And I think that’s where they are right now.
“So their excellence in the past has affected how they recover, you know, because the building is like a morgue.
“It’s like no one’s used to losing. I learned this when I went to Leicester and I went to Reading.
“There are players there that have had, you know, slip ups. You know, it’s almost like a major event when you lose a game. It’s an occupational hazard everywhere else. But at big clubs, it doesn’t happen.
“So I expect them to jump out of this and they’ve got the tools to do that. Pep is an outstanding manager.”
Gabriel Agbonlahor has called on Liverpool to open the chequebook for Mohamed Salah and avoid an ‘unforgivable’ mistake.
Salah is entering the final six months of his contract with the Reds, which means he will be able to speak to foreign clubs in January about moving for free at the end of the season.
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Salah has starred for Liverpool this season in what could be his last year at AnfieldCredit: AFP
The Egyptian winger did little to silence rumours about a potential exit when he claimed he was ‘probably more out than in’ after Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday.
Salah added: “There is no club like this. But in the end it is not in my hands. As I said before, it is December and I haven’t received anything yet about my future.”
At present, the 32-year-old rakes in over an estimated £300k-a-week, which places him as the club’s top earner.
But former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor believes Liverpool must be prepared to break the bank for their superstar forward given how well he continues to perform.
“First of all, Mo Salah is 32, I think Mo Salah is going to have the same length of career as [Cristiano] Ronaldo because he looks after his body, doesn’t look like he’s slowing down at 32, still rapid, still getting the same numbers as well,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT Drive.
“Mo Salah is probably on £300k-a-week at the moment. He’s probably saying, ‘You know what, I want £500k. Give it to me or I’ll get double that in Saudi Arabia.’
“I’ve heard from a good source that Saudi want him. They want him to be the face of the Saudi Pro League. So if you’re getting those silly numbers and you’re producing so well for your club, season after season after season, you want your worth.
“Yes, people will say £300k is enough, but it doesn’t matter. You want in life what you feel you’re worth. But Salah is probably thinking, ‘I’m 32, I’ve got three years left in me at the top of the Premier League.’
“Liverpool might be saying, ‘We can’t give you £500k-a-week for three years. We might be able to do £350k, £400k for two years.’
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Salah recently claimed he hasn’t received any contract extension offers from LiverpoolCredit: X:@NBCSportsSoccer
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Salah continues to star for Liverpool, with his contract running out
“Maybe that’s not where they are seeing eye-to-eye.”
Salah is not the only big name Liverpool have allowed to fall into the final six months of their deal.
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to European heavyweights Real Madrid, with former Reds star Michael Owen even putting his hand up to facilitate a deal to the Spanish capital.
As for Van Dijk, 33, the Reds may be reluctant to offer him a lengthy and expensive deal given his age.
But it is the idea of letting Salah, who has scored 223 goals in 367 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, walk free that left Agbonlahor flabbergasted.
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Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah are all entering the final six months of their Liverpool dealsCredit: Getty
The ex-Villa man also raised the concern of what happens to the wage requests of Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold if they see Salah getting what he wants.
“Unforgivable,” Agbonlahor said. It’s like [Lionel] Messi leaving Barcelona.
“Van Dijk, 33, he’s probably got his last deal, wants a big one.
“Their numbers go up as well. Before you know it, you might have Van Dijk wanting £300k, you might have Trent wanting £350k.
“Unforgivable, mate. Can you picture that Liverpool team without Salah? I can’t picture it. I just can’t picture a replacement.
“Even if you have to pay him £500k, the extra from what £300k-a-week is now, what’s it going to cost you to replace Salah?”
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Salah has been a talismanic presence for Liverpool since he joined from Roma in 2017Credit: Getty
Agbonlahor’s Messi reference relates to when the superstar left Barcelona for free in 2021 and joined Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Messi’s departure was due to the club’s scandalous financial mismanagement and LaLiga regulations rather than dragging their heels over contract negotiations.
As for Salah, it appears his main option other than staying at Liverpool is a move to Saudi Arabia.
The winger was the subject of an eye-watering £150m bid from Al Ittihad in September last year, but the Reds turned it down.
talkSPORT also understands Al Hilal are keen to snap up Salah ahead of the Club World Cup, a tournament which could pit the Egyptian up against Messi and Inter Miami.
“All signs are Saudi are going to come back in and if Salah is a free agent then naturally he can get a bigger sign-on fee,” talkSPORT’s Saudi Pro League correspondent Ben Jacobs said earlier in November.
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Salah boasts incredible success in front of goal for Liverpool and is third on their list of greatest goal scorers
“Liverpool want him to renew, Saudi are pushing hard. [Saudi Pro League sporting director] Michael Emenalo, who has a good relationship with Mo Salah, is leading the drive.
“So the only thing that’s really changed is the club from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal and the expectation is that Saudi will make a big push.”
There was a period when it looked like we’d never again witness players as great as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Then along came Erling Haaland.
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Haaland is a history maker with Norway and Ronaldo might be getting worriedCredit: AFP
While the pair of football legends were fighting out in El Clasico and setting records that looked insurmountable, Haaland was making blips on the radar at Molde and Salzburg that later became seismic at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.
At the latter side, the Norwegian striker has done it all, winning City’s first Champions League and European treble in his debut season in 2022/23 with an astonishing 52 goals in 53 games.
He hasn’t let off ever since, and is, by most accounts, the best goalscorer in world football.
Haaland’s first blip on the radar came when he scored a ridiculous nine goals for Norway in a 12-0 win over Poland as a teenager at the U20 World Cup.
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However, despite going off the charts at Salzburg and Dortmund in the following years, Haaland hasn’t quite hit the same heights for Norway, until now.
With 11 goals in ten games for his country this calendar year, Haaland is living up to the hope pinned on him by a nation.
No player has more goals than the 24-year-old in the current Nations League campaign, taking his total up to seven in six games with a hat-trick against Kazakhstan promoting Norway to League A.
In fact, earlier in the campaign, against Slovenia in October, he became his country’s all-time top scorer with two goals surpassing an 87-year-old record held by Jorgen Juve.
Haaland is now accelerating well past that feat, and with 38 goals in 39 caps, the sky is the limit.
However, getting to the very top will be a tough ask, particularly considering the man there is still adding to his total.
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It’s hard to imagine anyone beating Ronaldo’s stunning figures for Portugal but Haaland might
Ronaldo is the second highest scorer in the 2023/24 Nations League with five goals, and he now has 135 for his country, putting him clear of Argentina captain and old rival Lionel Messi who is in second with 112.
The 39-year-old Al Nassr striker also recently became the first footballer in history to score 900 goals, and by all accounts he looks ready to aim for 1000.
Haaland, though, is already chipping away at a number of his records, particularly in a competition that Ronaldo made his own with five titles, the Champions League.
The no.9 is the fastest and youngest player to 40 goals, and for the first time Ronaldo’s record of 140 goals in Europe’s top tier competition looks like it could be under threat.
However, Haaland has been able to do that by playing for arguably the greatest manager of all time at potentially the best team in Europe since he joined, something that can’t be said of his situation with the national team.
Even with fellow elite talent, the Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, and a number of other high calibre stars in the Norway squad, the Scandinavian team are miles away from Portugal, and therefore a guarantee of extra tournament games for Haaland to fill his boots.
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Haaland is a machine in front of goal with a rate no other striker can match
Haaland is currently scoring goals for Norway at a rate of 0.97 per-game as opposed to Ronaldo’s 0.62, meaning that if Haaland maintained that rate he would beat the Portugal captain’s record in his 140th game.
Reaching 140 games is a far from guarantee given the game time, and there are doubts whether that will change any time soon.
Norway haven’t been at a major tournament since Euro 2000 and even with Haaland and Odegaard firing, they haven’t seen the level of improvement needed.
Missing out on Euro 2020 by four points in qualifying, they then missed out on the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs by three points to Turkey.
Even with their Nations League success, in terms of major tournaments things are on a downturn, with Norway then dropping to six points behind Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying, meaning a 2026 World Cup berth is in no way a certainty.
Such disadvantages mean that Haaland plays an average of 6.5 international games per-year, as opposed to Ronaldo’s 9.7, at that rate, Haaland wouldn’t reach the 140 game mark until 2040 when he will be 40.
Simon Jordan claims Haaland will smash Premier League record but he’s no Messi or Ronaldo
Given Ronaldo turns 40 in February, the maths suggest Ronaldo’s record is indeed under threat, particularly if Norway can improve enough to give their star man the extra games required.
Ronaldo, though, is known as one of the fittest players to ever play the game, and has remained largely injury free throughout his career, unlike Haaland who was blighted by a number of issues at Dortmund.
However, all caveats aside, it’s clear fans are witnessing a level of greatness once again that many thought it was impossible, and Ronaldo may well have to stick around a bit longer if he’s to keep one of his most famous records under lock and key.
Bruno Fernandes is set to join the highest earners at Manchester United after agreeing a new contract.
The Portugal international is set to extend his current deal, which expires in 2026, until 2027 with the option of a further year.
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Fernandes is among the most important players at UnitedCredit: Getty
It is understood his new package will give him parity with Marcus Rashford as the club’s highest earner, with the England international thought to be on £350,000-a-week.
Fernandes’ previous salary was thought to be around £220,000-a-week, meaning United have given him a significant pay rise.
It comes after the squad were forced to take a 25 per cent pay cut as a result of failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Fernandes turns 30 in September and hinted at uncertainty over his future earlier this summer.
Speaking in May, he said: “I feel that the club wants me to be a part of the future, so, as I said always, I don’t want to be a player that the club doesn’t want to have.
“I will be here if the club wants me to be a part of the future. If for some reason they don’t want me, I will go.”
Fernandes had also suggested that his ambitions have not been matched by United on the pitch in recent years.
“I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club,” he said before the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
“If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals.
“That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
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Fernandes was part of the team that lost to Man City on penalties in the Community ShieldCredit: Getty
The midfielder had been linked with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, along with the Saudi Pro League, but his new deal ends speculation over his future this summer.
Fernandes joined the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth £68m in January 2020.
He has since become the club captain under Erik ten Hag, scoring 54 goals in 159 Premier League games.
Having advanced through the academy at Blackburn, Wharton made his senior debut in August 2022 and made 28 appearances in all competitions that season.
Becoming a first team regular at Ewood Park, the midfielder made 29 appearances for Blackburn in the first half of last term before earning an £18million move to Crystal Palace.
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Expected to take some time to adapt to Premier League life, Wharton took to the top flight like a duck to water.
Starting 15 of the club’s 16 remaiming Premier League games, Wharton established himself as a key player under Glasner.
This led to the then-19-year-old earning a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad and making his debut in a friendly with Bosnia in June.
Such has been the extent of his meteoric rise, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest.
But Wharton will be sticking around at Palace and hoping to prove himself as a fully-fledged Premier League star.
