Tag: Transfer News

Liverpool handed major boost in Mohamed Salah contract saga

Liverpool are confident of reaching an agreement to extend Mohamed Salah’s stay at the club, talkSPORT understands.

The Egyptian star is out of contract this summer and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

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Salah is increasingly likely to stay with Liverpool this summerCredit: AFP

Interest has been building from Saudi Arabia and around Europe in his services.

The 32-year-old is not in active talks over a move to the Saudi Pro League, despite being a key target, talkSPORT understands.

A whopping £150million offer from Al Ittihad in 2023 was swiftly rejected by the Reds for the Egypt international, with fans fearing interest could be renewed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The ex-Chelsea forward has done little to shut down speculation – insisting he is ‘more out than in’ when discussing his future in November.

However, the Reds are now feeling upbeat about the prospect of Salah staying on Merseyside.

Salah is enjoying a stunning season so far – where he leads the Premier League‘s charts for goals and assists.

With 27 goals and 17 assists already, he is on course for his best ever campaign in the English top-flight.

He is just three assists shy of equalling Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne‘s record of 20 in a single season.

And he needs just five more strikes to tie his record tally of 32 he set during his first year at the club following his move from Roma in 2017.

The news comes a day after it emerged that Salah’s teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is bound for Real Madrid upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

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Salah is a hugely popular figure at AnfieldCredit: AFP

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Salah has started all 29 of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this term

Liverpool are now hopeful that Salah – as well as skipper Virgil van Dijk – will commit to their futures in Merseyside beyond the summer.

And it appears that Saudi Pro League bosses are losing hope of securing Salah’s services as they believe he wants to continue playing in Europe.

That is despite being willing to hand the Egyptian star a three-year deal worth in excess of £160million-per-year.

That deal would make Salah one of the richest footballers in the Gulf nation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who pockets in the region of £177m-a-year.

Saudi chiefs have been able to speak to Salah regarding a free transfer since January, but the winger has prioritised contract talks with Liverpool.

Now it seems that his Liverpool legacy will continue to be built.

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Salah will be hoping to add plenty more goals to his name at AnfieldCredit: Getty

Since joining the Reds from Roma for £36.5million, Salah has proven himself as a true Liverpool legend.

In 392 games for the club he has scored 243 goals and provided 110 assists.

He has also won just about every trophy on offer during that time including the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.

With another Premier League title likely to be heading his way this term, it seems that Salah is showing no signs of slowing down.

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March 27, 2025
Liverpool given huge Mohamed Salah boost as new Saudi Pro League stance emerges

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is not in active talks over a move to Saudi Arabia, talkSPORT understands.

The 32-year-old is currently set to become a free agent this summer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

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Salah tops the Premier League’s charts for goals and assists this seasonCredit: Getty

Salah is known to be a key target for Saudi Pro League chiefs, where he would be the latest high-profile player to make the move to the Middle East.

A whopping £150million offer from Al Ittihad in 2023 was swiftly rejected by the Reds for the Egypt international, with fans fearing interest could be renewed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The ex-Chelsea forward has done little to shut down speculation – insisting he is ‘more out than in’ when discussing his future in November.

But in a boost for Liverpool, it is understood that as it stands, he is not in negotiations with any Saudi club.

Club chiefs meanwhile are hopeful that the player – as well as skipper Virgil van Dijk – will commit to their futures in Merseyside beyond the summer.

And it appears that Saudi Pro League bosses are losing hope of securing Salah’s services as they believe he wants to continue in Europe.

That is despite being willing to hand the former Basel man a three-year deal worth in excess of £160m-per-year.

It would make Salah one of the richest footballers in the Gulf nation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who pockets around £177m-a-year.

Saudi chiefs have been able to speak to Salah regarding a free transfer since January, but the winger has prioritised contract talks with Liverpool.

Salah is enjoying a stunning season so far – where he leads the Premier League’s charts for goals and assists.

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The Reds winger has earned legend status at Anfield since joining in 2017Credit: Getty

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Salah has started all 29 of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this term

With 27 goals and 17 assists already, he is on course for his best ever campaign in the English top-flight.

He is just three assists shy of equalling Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne’s record of 20 in a single season.

And he needs just five more strikes to tie his record tally of 32 he set during his first year at the club following his move from Roma in 2017.

But it’s not all good news for Liverpool despite the positivity surrounding Salah’s future.

That is because academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.

The 26-year-old will leave Anfield after agreeing personal terms over a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000-per-week.

Not world class! Troy Deeney doubles down on Mo Salah verdict after another poor cup final display for Liverpool

England international Alexander-Arnold has been in discussions with Los Blancos since the New Year.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had an approach for the defender rebuffed by Liverpool during the winter transfer window.

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March 25, 2025
Liverpool tipped to sell struggling star in summer as shock swap deal suggested

Michael Owen has told talkSPORT that he believes Darwin Nunez will not be at Liverpool next season.

He also boldy suggested a swap deal with the Reds forward for one of the Premier League’s most in-form talents in Alexander Isak.

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Nunez has faced a difficult third season at LiverpoolCredit: Getty

Nunez impressed for Liverpool last season having scored 18 goals and assisted another 13, but has struggled in the current campaign.

The Uruguayan has netted just seven times in 40 appearances and also missed his penalty in their Champions League shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month.

talkSPORT understands Liverpool are ready to consider offers for Nunez, and Reds legend Owen believes he will leave Anfield.

“I can’t see Darwin Nunez in a Liverpool shirt next season, personally,” he told talkSPORT. “I think there’s interest in him as well.

“I think one or two Premier League teams are interested. Of course, there is foreign interest as well.

“So I can’t see Darwin Nunez being a Liverpool player next season.”

Should Liverpool sell the 25-year-old this summer, then Newcastle striker Isak could certainly emerge as a top target.

But when asked if the Swede would be a ‘perfect fit’ for the Reds, Owen suggested a player exchange with Nunez, saying: “Even a swap deal.”

He later added: “If Isak was available, I think Liverpool would do everything in their power to get somebody like that, of course.

“But so would Arsenal, Arsenal are absolutely desperate for a player like that. Who wouldn’t be desperate for a player like that?

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Liverpool could entertain offers for Nunez this summerCredit: Getty

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Owen doesn’t believe the forward will be at Anfield next seasonCredit: talkSPORT

“But from Newcastle’s point of view, they simply can’t let him go. I hear what you’re saying about balancing the books… In credit let’s say, with the financial rules, that would put them massively in credit.

“But what? Then they can get £150million for him and then go and spend £100million, or £120million on four £30million players.

“You prefer Isak, he’s the one that’s going to absolutely bounce you into that elite level. Just getting three or four decent players is not going to, you need special players.

“Look at these teams that are winning the leagues all the time, look at Liverpool this year, they’ve got the best centre-half in the world [Virgil van Dijk].

“They’ve got one of the best attackers in the world in Mo Salah, they’ve got the best goalkeeper in the world [Alisson].

“You have to have the very, very elite, at least two, three, four of them in certain positions, and then you can muddle through with other players.

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Owen bodly suggested a potential swap deal that would see Isak sign for LiverpoolCredit: Getty

“But he is one that you’ve just got to build your team around. They’ve already got a really strong midfield and with Isak up front, you’ve got half a chance there.”

Liverpool are very familiar with Isak and his quality in front of goal as he scored against them in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final win on March 16.

It was his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions, with the 25-year-old likely to be a highly sought after player in the summer.

The window could shut before the start of the new season on August 14 though, with Premier League clubs set to discuss the idea.

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March 24, 2025
Premier League club plot record bid for Cunha if they make Champions League

Nottingham Forest are plotting a club record move for Matheus Cunha if they qualify for the Champions League, talkSPORT understands.

Forest made enquiries for Cunha in January but Wolves were adamant they were not prepared to sell.

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Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League games for Wolves this seasonCredit: Getty

The Brazilian has since signed a new contract at Molineux with a £62million release clause that kicks in this summer.

Elliott Anderson is currently Forest’s most expensive player ever at £35m.

Nuno Espirito Santo has sensationally guided the Tricky Trees to third place in the Premier League with nine matches remaining.

They are seven points clear of sixth-place Newcastle, with England’s top five clubs set to qualify for next season’s Champions League in the current UEFA co-efficient rankings.

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Wolves, meanwhile, are still looking over their shoulders in 17th place, with nine points separating them from the drop zone.

Their next two matches – against West Ham and relegation rivals Ipswich – could all-but seal survival.

However, star man Cunha will play no part in either fixture after being given an extended four-match ban and a £50,000 fine for violent conduct during the FA Cup defeat at Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old was also banned for two matches and fined £80,000 earlier this season after clashing with Ipswich security staff during their game at Molineux.

Arsenal have expressed an interest in Cunha – with a striker being the Gunners’ top priority this summer amid long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

However, talkSPORT understands manager Mikel Arteta has reservations about the forward’s hot-headed character.

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Cunha has been a revelation for Wolves this season despite his disciplinary issues

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Nottingham Forest and Wolves are competing at opposite ends of the table

In front of goal, Cunha has been crucial to Wolves’ survival bid, scoring 13 times in 26 games and grabbing four assists.

Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023, the Brazil international has 27 goals in the top-flight.

Forest, meanwhile, have been inspired by the outstanding form of striker Chris Wood – who is fourth in this season’s Golden Boot race behind Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

The 33-year-old has played every match for Forest in the Premier League this campaign, netting 18 times.

Speaking after the most recent 4-2 win over Ipswich, Espirito Santo insisted there is still a long way to go before Forest secure a most unlikely Champions League spot.

“You know what I think about the table,” Nuno said.

“What we have to do is focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”

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March 22, 2025
The new-look Liverpool XI to rival strengthened Arsenal and Man City next term

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.

This is despite the imminent arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, with a deal already agreed for the Georgian keeper to join the Reds from Valencia in the summer.

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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.

The midfield will likely look familiar, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all set to retain their spots.

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.

And Fowler has urged his old club to fill this gap by making a sensational move for Newcastle goal machine Alexander Isak.

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

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March 18, 2025
Liverpool urged to raid rivals for Alexander Isak even if Mohammed Salah stays

Liverpool should be pursuing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, regardless of Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield.

That’s the view of former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler.

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Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s League Cup win and got the Wembley party startedCredit: Getty

Uncertainty looms over Salah’s future with his contract expiring in the summer and he has done little to suggest he will be at Anfield next season.

Whether Salah stays or goes, Fowler believes Liverpool should enhance their attacking options.

“It’s not just if Mo Salah leaves the club; even if Mo stays, I think they should be going on and getting players anyway,” Fowler told talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

“You look at the great Manchester United teams of the past, and when they were winning honors under Sir Alex Ferguson, it was maybe one player who was coming in and just giving everyone that little lift.

“He underscored the essential need to add quality players who can truly elevate the team, rather than simply boosting numbers.”

Fowler identified League Cup final goal scorer Isak as a prime target. “If you look at world football at the minute, certainly strikers, there aren’t many about in all fairness,” he explained.

He suggested given how well Isak has done in the Premier League this season then it won’t be seen as much of a gamble.

“I’m sure Liverpool will be getting linked to Isak; I’m sure Newcastle will want to give him a new contract because of the goals and performances, so it will be an interesting summer.”

Isak has shone brightly for Newcastle, showcasing his remarkable talent with impressive statistics.

This season, he has netted 23 goals across all competitions and provided five assists.

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Fowler won the Football League Cup twice during his time at LiverpoolCredit: getty images

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Salah looked emotional after Liverpool’s Carabou Cup final defeat to NewcastleCredit: Getty

Despite his contract running until 2028, his outstanding performances have sparked interest from top clubs, with reports indicating Newcastle values him at £150 million.

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported club-record fee of £63 million and has now marked his 100th appearance for the club.

Despite Liverpool’s Premier League dominance this season, currently sitting 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal, they have fallen short in other competitions.

They lost out on penalties against PSG, ending their hopes and aspirations for the Champions League quarter-finals.

They also faced an early exit in the FA Cup at the hands of unlikely victors, Plymouth Argyle, who triumphed 1-0 back in February.

Then, to top it all off, Isak helped defeat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, the very club now keen on harnessing his shooting skills.

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The 25-year-old is third in the Premier League Golden Boot race

Defender Virgil van Dijk is now putting all his focus into winning a second title in five years.

Their lead over Arsenal means another five wins will likely be enough to seal the deal.

“If you win five games – obviously that’s a very difficult job – you’re going to be champions of England,” he said.

“I can guarantee there will be so many difficult moments and you have to be prepared to suffer, whether it is 1-0 down, 2-0, whatever, because you can see the end and you work so hard for that each and every day.

“But we all have to realise the job is not done. We have to work our ass (off).”

He will now be looking to Salah and other experienced teammates to dig in and get over the line.

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March 17, 2025
Isak issues update on future amid Arsenal and Liverpool transfer links

Alexander Isak insists he isn’t thinking about his future at Newcastle ahead of a potential transfer battle this summer.

The Magpies striker is one of the Premier League’s most impressive talents and has scored 22 goals across all competitions this season.

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Isak isn’t thinking about the summer just yetCredit: Getty

Despite his contract at St. James’ Park running until 2028, Isak has been regularly linked with moves to Newcastle’s rivals.

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Sweden international and Liverpool’s interest has also been reported.

Newcastle put a £150million price tag on him in January, but Isak isn’t too concerned about his potential whereabouts beyond the summer.

Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday, which is live on talkSPORT, he said that his future isn’t on his mind.

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“I think I’ve said I’m not really thinking about the summer but yeah, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished,” Isak said via The Times.

“We will really see because no talks have been held yet. About my future, it’s nothing really I think about.

“I’ve said many times during a season, just focus on the job and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else, so all of our focus is just on Sunday.

“As I have said many times, I don’t really look too much or think too much about my future.

“I have said I am happy here and we are contenders for titles, which is what you want to win as a football player. We have been to one final and now we are in another one, so the chances are there.

“This club can achieve great things. I think we should really look at it one season at a time and this season we can achieve winning a trophy which would be amazing for everyone.”

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Isak has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, but is happy at NewcastleCredit: Getty

Isak signed for Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a reported club record fee of £63m.

He has scored 57 goals for the Magpies over three seasons and will make his 100th appearance on Sunday should he feature at Wembley.

The Toon Army feared they could be without their talisman goalscorer for the final against Liverpool due to a groin injury, but those fears were eased when he played 79 minutes of Monday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham.

The 25-year-old is third in the Premier League Golden Boot race on 19 goals and could help seal Champions League football for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe’s side are sixth and just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with ten league fixtures left to play.

However, the Premier League look set to be given a fifth qualification spot for the Champions League next season.

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Isak could win his first trophy with Newcastle this weekendCredit: Getty

England are currently top of UEFA’s coefficient rankings with a score of 24.250 for the 2024/25 campaign, with Spain second on 21.678.

Two of Europe’s leagues will be rewarded with an extra Champions League spot based on their clubs’ performances this season.

England and Spain, so the Premier League and LaLiga respectively, are set to be the recipients as things stand.

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March 14, 2025
‘That close’ – Klopp desperately regrets not signing two Premier League stars

Jurgen Klopp has revealed missing out on Tottenham Hotspur skipper Heung-min Son left him feeling like a ‘dumb s***’.

The ex-Liverpool boss has opened up on the two current Premier League stars he regrets not signing from his glittering 23-year managerial career.

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Klopp departed his role as Liverpool’s manager last month after nine successful yearsCredit: Getty

Klopp spent nine years at Anfield between 2015-2024 where he worked alongside some of the world’s best players.

The Reds wouldn’t be where they are today without the German’s signings in Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker just to name a few.

And in 2016, he corrected one of his regrets by securing the services of Sadio Mane from Southampton – a player he missed out on while at the helm of Borussia Dortmund.

Mane at the time was starring in Austria at Red Bull Salzburg – one of the clubs Klopp now oversees in his Global Head of Soccer role at Red Bull.

But two players evaded Klopp at Signal Iduna Park – both who have gone on to become Premier League icons.

Son – now at Spurs – was linked with a move to Dortmund while playing at Hamburg, but he instead ended up at Bayer Leverkusen before moving to north London in 2015.

Meanwhile the other player is none other than Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne – who starred at Wolfsburg between 2013-2015.

He even scored in the DFB-Pokal final victory over Dortmund in 2015, before joining the Citizens a few months.

Speaking at a recent event in Cape Town to celebrate the ten-year anniversary celebration of Hout Bay United Football Community, Klopp commented on the players that got away.

The 57-year-old said: “I could’ve signed Son from Tottenham. At that time, he was at Hamburg.

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Klopp was able to sign Mane at Anfield after missing out on him during his time at DortmundCredit: AFP

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Klopp has revealed missing out on landing Son left him feeling like a ‘dumb s***’Credit: Getty

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De Bruyne could have played under Klopp in Germany – but he instead joined CityCredit: Getty

“I don’t even remember why [I didn’t sign him] and just facing him in the Premier League, I thought ‘My God, you dumb s*** [for not signing him].’ It’s crazy.

“Kevin De Bruyne was that close. Then he smashed us in the cup final with Wolfsburg, so that was a double minus.

“Though I don’t think it generally makes too much sense to regret stuff, but you did the best probably at the time, so deal with it.”

As for now-Al Nassr star Mane, he remarked: “There’s a Dortmund supporter in here so I have to apologise to him. Because I didn’t sign Sadio Mane for Dortmund.

“I could say I was young and naive, but I wasn’t that young and naive.

“I realised it when he came to Liverpool, I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s a lot of money for a guy I could have had three years ago for much less.’”

Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards walk out on live Alisson interview after Liverpool’s win over PSG

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March 8, 2025
Mateta is ‘not the answer’ for United – he’s not good enough for Crystal Palace

Manchester United must avoid a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta – they should’t be fooled by his sparking form.

That’s the view of ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, who believes the Frenchman is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal.

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Mateta has been a player transformed since Oliver Glasner took over at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty

Mateta has been in sensational form for Palace of late – scoring eight Premier League goals from his last eight games.

It is a marked contrast from the first half of the season, where he found the back of the net just four times from Palace’s first 19 top-flight fixtures.

Mateta’s recent purple patch has reportedly left Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim impressed with what he’s seen, to the point where he could come calling for the Palace star in the summer.

However, Deeney believes it would be a foolish move from United’s end given Mateta scored only 13 goals from 83 appearances in all competitions for Palace before Oliver Glasner arrived in February last year.

When asked whether Mateta is the answer to United’s striker woes, Deeney told talkSPORT.com: “No, because he’s not the answer for Palace.

“So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”

In response to being told Mateta’s form under Glasner includes 28 goals in 46 games, Deeney replied: “Did he never play before that? OK, so we take people from that small sample size and go, ‘That’s what it is?’”

Mateta’s importance to Palace aside, Deeney also held grave fears as to whether the 27-year-old could even step up to the level required of a United player.

Although the former Hornets skipper pointed out United and Palace operate with a similar formation, which could benefit Mateta, the stature of the two clubs is ‘completely different’.

“I think Jean is a very good player, by the way,” Deeney remarked.

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Mateta’s goal tally has been boosted by an impressive run of late

“But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.

“The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.

“But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.

“So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”

Deeney’s verdict on Mateta comes amid the prolonged struggles for United’s incumbent strikers.

Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for a whopping £72million in July 2023, has not scored in his last 19 fixtures.

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Mateta has more goals than Hojlund has shots on target in the Premier League

Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has fired in just 23 goals from 79 appearances in all competitions.

It is a goal return far below what United would have expected when they forked out the fee they did for the Dane.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled to shine since he joined from Bologna.

The Dutchman has been used in a variety of positions for the Red Devils but most predominantly at centre-forward, with only six goals from 41 games to show for his efforts.

Given the pair’s goalscoring woes, United boss Amorim will be tempted to address the issue in the summer window.

Although Deeney can understand why Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled at Old Trafford, he believes a new face up top is needed.

Simon Jordan blasts ‘cowardly’ Millwall goalkeeper as Liam Roberts could face extended ban for Jean-Philippe Mateta kick

He stated: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.

“I think you go and get a proper No. 9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No. 9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.

“There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.

“I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”

Hojlund, who has started United’s last four games, will hope to avoid extending his goal drought to a 20th game on Sunday as Amorim’s side host second-placed Arsenal.

Should United taste defeat for a 13th time in the league this term, they could find themselves as low as 16th on Monday evening should other results go against them.

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March 7, 2025
Danny Dyer reveals the two clubs he would begrudgingly allow Bowen to join

Danny Dyer has reluctantly given his blessing for West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen to join two clubs should he seek a new adventure.

The Hammers forward is a modern-day club legend having scored 68 goals and provided 43 assists in 227 games for the club.

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Jarrod Bowen is becoming a modern-day West Ham legendCredit: Getty

Sealing his place in club folklore, it was Bowen who scored the winning goal in the 2023 Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

Like his West Ham story wasn’t complete enough, Bowen is engaged to Dani Dyer – the daughter of iconic actor Danny – and even shares twins with the TV personality.

With Dyer being one of West Ham’s most recognisable supporters, the actor has a vested interest in keeping the England star at the London Stadium and made his feelings clear when quizzed on the prospect of a hypothetical move away from the club.

Asked if Bowen would ever go to Arsenal, Dyer told talkSPORT: “He’s never going to do that, why would he? What’s in it for him?”

Drive co-host Andy Goldstein then asked about Real Madrid, to which Dyer said: “He’s got to go then, hasn’t he?

“Real Madrid? Yeah, for sure.”

Dyer was then asked about Chelsea, with Dyer clapping back: “Why would he go there?”

Asked if Premier League holders Manchester City would be an acceptable move, Dyer begrudgingly stated: “Listen, it’s his career.

“City? I wouldn’t mind that, I’d suffer that.

“I’m not going to lie, it would hurt, but he’s a grown man and he makes his own decisions.

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Dyer has stated City are the only English club he wouldn’t mind Bowen joining

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Bowen is engaged to Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani, and shares two kids with herCredit: Getty

“It would obviously hurt, but of course I would be over the moon for him.”

Dyer has regularly spoken about his relationship with Bowen and says that it’s the West Ham star’s unassuming personality that makes him so much more than a good footballer.

Dyer explained: “It’s how humble he is. He doesn’t watch Match Of The Day.

“Footballers, they obviously can’t watch themselves on tele and Match Of The Day is only on tele once a week, so I thought he’d watch it, but he doesn’t.

“I love the fact that he doesn’t watch it. He plays his game, he gets on with it, he doesn’t really like talking about it.

“We rarely talk about football. I give him a little message every now and then after a game or before a game – sometimes he blanks me and fair enough, but he just gets on with it and that’s what I love about him.

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Bowen has been a key player for West Ham since arriving from Hull CityCredit: Getty

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The forward continues to impress for the Hammers

“There’s nothing stereotypically footballer about him.”

It’s been a frustrating season for West Ham who sit 15th in the Premier League.

As for Bowen, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists for the Hammers in all competitions and will be desperate to help his team move up the table in the coming weeks.

Danny Dyer lifts the lid on life for the England players families in Germany at Euro 2024 – as his son in law and West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen was part of the squad

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March 7, 2025