Speculation continues to swirl surrounding the future of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian will enter the final six months of his contract at Anfield next week as the threat of losing the iconic forward on a free transfer looms large.
The 32-year-old scored twice during their 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur and speaking after the win, Salah revealed that there is no update on his future on Merseyside.
In just over seven days time, the January transfer window will open which allows Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk the opportunity to enter negotiations with overseas clubs over pre-contract agreements.
Talks are ongoing for the out-of-contract trio but despite the uncertainty, their form has not suffered with Liverpool moving four points clear during Sunday's win. With the Reds emerging as title favourites, it remains to be seen whether they will delve into the market at the beginning of 2025.
But it hasn't stopped transfer rumours with reports suggesting Brighton & Hove Albion star Joao Pedro is among one of the targets the club are keeping tabs on. It has been said that the Seagulls will only listen to offers in the region of £60million for the 23-year-old.
Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson continues to earn plaudits for his performances for the Cottagers. Robinson kept Salah at bay during last weekend's 2-2 draw with the Reds and with Andy Robertson coming under fire for performances this term, the American international has been touted as the ideal replacement for the Scot.
Ahead of the January transfer window, make sure you don't miss a moment of news, reaction or gossip. Join our WhatsApp community, sign up to a newsletter or listen to our podcasts HERE
Goodnight, Reds
Thank you for following today's Liverpool transfer news - not long to go now until the window opens!
Even sooner than it is the big day, December 25. Continue to follow the latest news from the Liverpool ECHO across the festive period as we wish you a Merry Christmas!
Giorgi Mamardashvili's new manager?
Valencia look to be wasting no time in appointing a new first team coach after sacking Ruben Baraja today, as was mentioned earlier on.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish club have triggered the €3m (£2.4m) release clause of Carlos Corberan from West Bromwich Albion and he will sign in the next 24 hours.
So, future Liverpool arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili looks to have a new man to rally behind.
Carlos Corberán, set to sign as new Valencia head coach until June 2027 as replacement for Baraja.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 23, 2024
Release clause over €3m triggered and Corberán will sign for Valencia in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/B7tcb4PIWY
Barca plan scuppered?
Earlier we brought to you the claim that Luis Diaz is happy with Liverpool, happy with his manager is not agitating for a move away from the club anytime soon.
Good news for those dressed all in red, but bad news for those who like to add a splash of blue alongside Liverpool's colour.
Just a few days ago Mundo Deportivo were reporting Diaz as a top target who was 'positioning' himself to join Barcelona. In any case, such ideas Barca may have been having would have to be thrown in the bin if the player isn't wanting to leave Anfield...
The left-back conundrum
Building up to the January transfer window a lot of talk has been dedicted to left-backs arriving at Anfield.
Arne Slot already has Andy Robertson, but factors speaking against him have been somewhat inconsistent performances this season, he's 30-years-old and has a contract expiring in 2026. He also has Kostas Tsimikas too, but he has never really been a nailed-on starter.
So who could the club sign?
There have been three names in the headlines more than any others of late. Alphonso Davies, Antonee Robinson, Milos Kerkez.
Who would you sign of those three, Reds?
Bobby reincarnated
This is an interesting comparison.
Arne Slot's tinkering this season has seen Luis Diaz sometimes play centrally between Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the wings. There he has bagged a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, helped dismantle Manchester City and scored twice more at Tottenham on Sunday.
Speaking after that game on LFCTV, Reds legend Phil Thompson commented: "You do feel like that Diaz has taken over that Bobby Firmino role, playing centrally.
"That is what I was saying that Cody and Mo come alive when they get him. Now, it was the same with Sadio [Mane] and with Mo [Salah], is that they said he was the glue, Bobby.
"Now, Luis could be that one and the number of chances that we had in the second half when he was just moving."
I see it, and I'm intrigued to see how Diaz progresses in that central role. Diogo Jota might have something to say about it, but is Salah-Diaz-Gakpo Liverpool's strongest front three?
Jurgen Klopp shock
For his work at Liverpool and other former clubs, Jurgen Klopp was always going to be a sought-after man in football. Another managerial role? A punditry gig? In the end it was the global head of soccer position at Red Bull that took his fancy.
However, a fresh interview from the business' CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has revealed he had been trying to convince the 57-year-old throughout his time as Reds boss. When the opportunity arrived, they were the 'easiest' negotiations of his life.
Read the full story HERE
Giorgi Mamardashvili set for change
Liverpool can look forward to the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer after the £29m agreement struck with Valencia during the last transfer window.
Plenty of highlights across his current farewell season prove exactly why the Reds took action, but it is certain the Georgian goalkeeper will hope for it to have come under better circumstances. As things stand, his team are struggling in 19th, four points from safety.
And with that, Los Che have confirmed today that they have sacked first team coach Ruben Baraja. That means Mamardashvili will be under new management by the time he returns from his current thigh injury.
Liverpool festive fixture list
Yesterday's victory at Tottenham opened up a greater gap for Liverpool at the top of the table this Christmas.
The work doesn't stop there though. Arne Slot and his team won't be dishing out roasties, pigs in blankets or gravy around a gigantic table - instead they will be preparing for the rest of their packed schedule over the coming weeks.
Here are their next five matches:
December 26 vs Leicester City (H) at 8pm - Premier League
December 29 vs West Ham (A) at 5.15pm - Premier League
January 5 vs Manchester United (H) at 4.30pm - Premier League
January 11 vs Accrington Stanley (H) at 12.15 - FA Cup
January 14 vs Nott’m Forest (A) at 8pm - Premier League
Trent Alexander-Arnold contract
Another update has arrived about one of the three stars out of contract at the end of the season.
This time it is Trent Alexander-Arnold, with The Daily Mail publishing an extensive analysis on the situation including three major claims.
With the 'scouser in the team' yet to commit to the club, suggestions in recent times have suggested his wage demands have been much higher than what the club have anticipated - wanting to join Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in their top bracket. This latest report rubbishes such rumours.
Secondly, from January 1, 2025, Alexander-Arnold will be able to negotiate with foreign teams. As for Real Madrid, they have apparently not made any action yet but are 'courting' the player.
And lastly, the feeling inside Liverpool. The Mail states club officials are 'calm' as both they and the player's side have been 'realistic' in their demands.
So the question still remains, will Alexander-Arnold renew?
Christian Pulisic blow
Calcio Mercato have linked Christian Pulisic with a January transfer to Liverpool. Arne Slot supposedly liked what he saw when the American netted after three minutes during the Champions League meeting with AC Milan in September.
However, if the Reds truly had any ideas of handing another opportunity to a winger who struggled at Chelsea then made it in Serie A, this one comes with a swift blow.
It is explained that Pulisic and Milan will be 'together for many more years'. He is 'totally imersed' in the club, and will soon put all speculation to bed by signing a new contract through to 2028.
Rayan Cherki situation
Appraoching the January window things are already looking hopeful. After a quiet summer, could now be the time we see the Reds strike for signings?
One opportunistic deal they have been rumoured to be chasing is for Lyon's Rayan Cherki. His club are in financial turmoil, sanctioned with relegation at the end of the season if the matter is unresolved, so a transfer may be imminent.
With the latest update, Fabrizio Romano states the Reds are carrying out due dilligence before any definitive action is taken.
They are 'monitoring in the sense that they’re sending their scouts to see the progress of Cherki,' and 'Liverpool want to see consistency in a player', were the exact phrases he used.
So as of now no negotiations have taken place, but it would reportedly seem an open situation. Should Liverpool sign Cherki?
Luis Diaz future
According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Luis Diaz has no immediate intention of leaving Liverpool.
Long before he netted twice for the Reds at Tottenham on Sunday, the 27-year-old Colombian winger has been linked with a transfer abroad.
But this latest update states Diaz is happy where he is, has a good relationship with Arne Slot and is not entertaining talks with any suitors.
It can't get any better than that.
Arsenal injuries
Attempting to chase down Liverpool for the Premier League title are Arsenal, who also won at the weekend with a rout at Crystal Palace.
Unfortunately for them that win came at a cost, with Bukayo Saka clutching his troublesome hamstring as he exited the field midway through the first half. His importance cannot be understated as the top goal contributor over at the Reds' big rivals.
And now manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the winger will be out for 'many weeks', without putting an exact timescale on the problem. He also says they will be without Raheem Sterling for the foreseeable.
As Liverpool enter a period of league football between now and February 23, 2025, in which they only face Nottingham Forest and Brentford of the current top-half teams, the Gunners have a much trickier schedule on paper.
Simply put, Arne Slot's men must capitalise and extend the gap beyond six points.
Arne Slot's gesture in Holland
Arne Slot.
What can you say about the man? He is cool, calm and composed. He's unphased by filling the shoes of Jurgen Klopp - in fact, I don't thnk he even thinks he is following in the German's footsteps.
Well as he gears down, albeit ever so slightly for Christmas, he has been on the airwaves in his native holland for the 3FM Serious Request 2024.
It is a fundraising drive from Holland, where from December 18 to December 24, 3FM DJs will work 24 hours a day, playing records for donations for Metakids, a charity committed to fighting the metabolic disease in children.
He revealed that a Liverpool shirt has gone on auction and the proceeds will go to 3FM's fundraising efforts. He said: "I have offered a signed Liverpool shirt, with all the signatures of the players and myself. It is currently being bid on."
Arne slot grote meneer. Feyenoorder geworden in zijn periode als trainer pic.twitter.com/M4UL3jqNjt
— (@LerraO1O) December 23, 2024
Charles De Ketelaere claim
For all the focus on contracts or signing defenders before anything else, Liverpool just always find a way to be linked with new attackers. How is that?
Well, in this latest instance it is a claim made by Italian reporter Paolo Condo in his column for Repubblica.
He says Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is convinced that Liverpool or Real Madrid are going to sign his on-fire attacker, Charles De Ketelaere within the next two years.
The 23-year-old Belgian is in his second season with La Dea, scoring 24 goals and grabbing 20 assists in 74 appearances. That record may suggest why his boss supposedly holds this presumption.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Legends first stars confirmed
Recently it was announced that Liverpool Legends would be hosting Chelsea counterparts for an exhibition match to raise money for charity once again, reigniting old rivalries.
That is taking place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and the first five returning Reds stars have been confirmed.
They are goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, defenders Fabio Aurelio and Djimi Traore, plus strikers Djibril Cisse and Robbie Keane!
Virgil van Dijk on Mohamed Salah
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has set out a challenge for star forward Mohamed Salah.
It was another record-breaking afternoon for the Egyptian as he became the first player in Premier League history to score 10 goals and register 10 assists before Christmas.
Liverpool trio Van Dijk, Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold face an uncertain period at Anfield with their contracts due to expire in the summer. Talks are ongoing with the Dutchman, he hopes Salah can continue his form but remains unsure of the future.
You can view the full reaction from Van Dijk in the mixed zone here. He said:
“The numbers speak for themselves,” Van Dijk said. “He’s a very special athlete. He’s done amazingly for the club. And hopefully he can play his best season ever for the club. Stay important with his goals and assists and be clinical.
“But we need always the complete performance from him. All the defensive work he can put in for us as well is very important as well for the last line, the goalkeeper, he has to keep going and I think he will.
“He is a professional. We’ve been there, he’s been there, so onto the next. And next season? I don’t know.”
Liverpool 'will be shopping for a left-back' - Carragher
Jamie Carragher has claimed that Antonee Robinson could be 'top' of Liverpool's left-back shortlist.
Speaking before Fulham's goalless draw with Southampton on Sunday, the Reds icon said:
"He was outstanding. He was the best player on the pitch.
"When you are going to Anfield and you are playing against Mo Salah – possibly the best player in the Premier League this season – and you come out of it with a Man of the Match award, that shows you how highly he is thought of.
"Yes, I think Liverpool probably will be shopping for a left-back in January and I’m sure he will be top of the list."
Tyler Morton future as former club 'would love' loan return
According to Hull Live, Tyler Morton remains a player of great interest at Hull City following his loan spell with the Tigers last season.
It has been a difficult start for the Championship club this season after Liam Rosenior was replaced by Tim Walter. However, the German was sacked and replaced by Ruben Selles with Hull at the bottom of the table.
In their report, they claim Morton is a player they would love back, however clubs further up the Championship table are likely to be interested - should he be allowed to play for Liverpool.
CONFIRMED: Carabao Cup semi-final dates
In the Premier League Tennis competition, Liverpool took the first set over Tottenham Hotspur with an emphatic 6-3 win.
They will lockhorns for their second, and potentially a third-set eliminator, in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the turn of the year.
The Reds overcame stiff opposition in Southampton with Arne Slot ringing the changes, eight to be precise, as they won 2-1. Spurs, meanwhile, almost relinquished a two-goal lead against Manchester United - only for Son Heung-min's corner to wrap up their place in the final four.
They will be looking for vengeance after Liverpool hit them for six on Sunday.
They now have confirmation of when they can do so. Not forgetting, the Reds are defending their Carabao Cup crown.
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Carabao Cup semi-final details
First leg - Wednesday, January 8 (8pm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
Second leg - Thursday, February 6 (8pm at Anfield)
Liverpool plotting move for Joao Pedro
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting a move for Brighton striker Joao Pedro.
In their report they claim that the Seagulls are expected to demand £60million for the 23-year-old, double what they paid for the Brazilian.
There is a suggestion that a Brighton departure could happen in the summer, as opposed to January.
Liverpool injuries: Squad update after Spurs win
The early indications are that there are no new injury concerns for Liverpool following their 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are among the current absentees after picking up respective injuries during the win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, last month.
The pair could be back for the visit of Manchester United on January 5 but speaking last week, Arne Slot confirmed neither had returned to first-team training.
"These are the two that are still 'in the red'... they are on their way back, but they don’t [fully] train with the team yet. Sometimes, they join, and then they are not completely ready to start yet. So, let’s wait and see."
Harvey Elliott has time for fans in surprise Liverpool appearance
Liverpool forward Harvey Elliott was spotted Chrstmas shopping at the Applied Nutrition popup store in Liverpool One earlier last week.
Elliott, who scored in Liverpool's game against Southampton last week, took part in some late-night shopping at the sports and fitness store which opened last week.
Fans and shoppers in Liverpool One were thrilled to see the talented Liverpool star up close as he took time to browse the wide variety of products.
Speaking to the ECHO, an Applied Nutrition team member said: "It was brilliant to have Harvey visit the popup store. It was a massive surprise when he came in and one of us could quite believe it.
"He took time out to pose for photos with customers and staff members. He got a few little Christmas presents while he was in the store.
"He was so lovely to everyone. It was fantastic to see such a big footballer shopping in the city. Lots of people have been coming in since it was announced that Coleen Rooney has invested in the business. She's also been with her family too."
The Liverpool ONE popup store is the brand's first ever physical retail space and is open until the end of January.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool: Reaction
For 60 minutes, Liverpool were fluid, ruthless and a joy to watch.
Even conceding so sloppily, the Reds looked the real deal in attacking areas and in midfield.
Our Liverpool writers; Ian Doyle, Paul Gorst and Theo Squires were pitchside in North London.
Here are some of their musings and reaction from the tennis match.
Liverpool win sees odds plummet
Liverpool may be sitting top of the league but their win had a significant impact with the bookmakers.
Following the 6-3 triumph, odds on Ange Postecoglou to be sacked as Spurs manager plummeted.
“Following Tottenham’s 6-3 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou is now the 3/1 second-favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave their role, having previously been 14/1 to go next," Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said.
"Looking at who could be the next permanent Spurs boss, Graham Potter is the 2/1 favourite, with Eddie Howe 9/1 and Brendan Rodgers 12/1 to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium."
Next Premier League manager to leave their role
Julen Lopetegui 6/4
Ange Postecoglou 3/1 (was 14/1)
Sean Dyche 7/2
Pep Guardiola 5/1
Kieran McKenna 16/1
Ruud van Nistelrooy 18/1
Eddie Howe 20/1
Oliver Glasner 25/1
Mohamed Salah contract admission
The reply from Mohamed Salah was simple when asked about his future.
"No, no," he responded to the final question regarding a contract update.
From January 1, he can enter pre-contract negotiations with overseas clubs.
Yesterday he became the first player to score 10 goals and assist as many times in the Premier League before Christmas.
Let that sink in.
Sign the contract Mo.
Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold may as well do the same.
"Martin Zubimendi has a release clause" - Sociedad chief
And where else to start than Martin Zubimendi?
I don't need to remind you about the summer fiasco.
But Real Sociedad chief Roberto Olabe has revealed the Spaniard has a release clause in his contract but ultimately, the player decides whether he stays or goes. And in this case, it shows Zubimendi's committment to the Sociedad cause.
He said: "Zubimendi has a release clause, yes… but it’s always the player to decide and he’s been showing how committed he is to our project."
"So far, we’ve seen how he has behaved and I don’t predict any ‘scares’ in January for Zubimendi to leave."
January transfer window set to open
So buckle up.
We have 31 days of carnage, rumours and transfer nonsense coming up.
I can't wait, can you?
Good morning
Liverpool, top of the league, Liverpool, Liverpool, top of the league.
It is Monday, it may not feel like it but it is and the Reds are four points clear.
We are days away from Christmas, Arne Slot's side are top of the tree which means the January transfer window is just around the corner.
