Mo Salah – CaughtOffside

Liverpool midfielder appears to have accidentally revealed the club’s plans for Mo Salah

Mehdi Gokal — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:25:14 +0000

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo appears to have revealed the club’s plan to replace Mohamed Salah this summer.

Mo Salah has been the star player for the club for the last several seasons, consistently performing season after season.

Salah’s outrageous numbers with Liverpool

Since joining the club, he has broken a number of records with his ridiculous goal-scoring numbers. In 349 appearances across all competitions, he has scored an incredible 211 goals and assisted another 89. That is 300 goal contributions in 349 games. (Transfermarkt)

He was one of the most important players for Jurgen Klopp, playing a key role in the success enjoyed under the German’s tenure.

However, his future as remained uncertain. Saudi Arabia have been after him since last summer with Liverpool rebuffing two massive bids from them.

But with the Egyptian’s contract set to expire next summer, Liverpool owners will not be allow their biggest asset to leave on a free transfer and could consider selling him this summer.

As such, it has been speculated that the club has been looking for potential long-term replacements for the Egyptian king, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohamed Kudus linked in the recent past.

Wataru Endo wants Takefusa Kubo at Liverpool amid links

Another player they have been strongly linked with in recent days is Japanese international Takefusa Kubo.

There have been contradicting claims regarding a move being in advanced stages with some reports stating that Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for the player but some sources have refuted these claims.

Amid the rumours, Kubo’s Japanese counterpart may have accidentally confirmed Liverpool’s intentions of replacing Mo Salah.

Liverpool to sell Salah?

Endo appears to accidentally reveal Liverpool’s plan to replace Salah

Speaking on ABEMA Sports Time, the LFC midfielder has seemed to talk up the possibility of his Japan teammate joining him at Anfield, in the process lifting the veil on one part of the club’s transfer strategy.

When asked if he could sign one international colleague for the Reds, Endo replied (as shared by AnythingLFC_):

“Maybe Kubo. They’re looking for a replacement for Mo Salah, so that’s probably going to be a real area for Liverpool to strengthen in the future, and if they think about who can replace him, I think it’ll be Kubo.”

Has Wataru Endo just revealed #LFC transfer plans?

Q- If you could transfer one Japanese player to Liverpool, who would it be?

Wataru Endo: "Maybe Kubo. They're looking for a replacement for Mo Salah, so that's probably going to be a real area for Liverpool to strengthen in… pic.twitter.com/DAUBO8oTqx

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) July 22, 2024

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Mo Salah leads tribute as 31-year-old winger tragically passes away

Mehdi Gokal — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 16:20:53 +0000

Egyptian footballer Ahmed Refaat tragically passed away earlier today at the age of 31 after suffering a heart attack.

Refaat collapsed on the pitch in March while playing in the Egyptian Premier League. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he received intensive care for a month before being released.

He was fitted with a pacemaker, however, he suffered a heart attack in the early hours of Saturday which ended up being fatal.

Refaat’s club, Modern Future, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, releasing a statement that read (via Daily Mail):

“O you who are confident, return to your Lord satisfied and ill, and enter into My servants and enter My Paradise.”

“With great patience, sadness and more faith in Allah’s will and destiny, Modern Sport Club announces the death of Ahmed Refaat, the first team player of the Egyptian national team, following a severe deterioration in his health condition.

“He was transferred to the hospital, then to Allah, after a difficult journey of struggle following the health crisis that happened to him on March 11, 2024.”

Tributes from the football community and fans poured in following the confirmation of his passing. Liverpool star Mo Salah expressed his condolences on X, writing:

“Survival is for God, and may God give patience to his family and all his loved ones.”

?????? ??? ????? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ? pic.twitter.com/lkUBwtplcd

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) July 6, 2024

Exclusive: Patience needed from João Félix, Todibo race still open, no change for Salah, Chiesa out and more

Fabrizio Romano — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

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Patience needed from Joao Felix and Barcelona

Nothing has changed with regard to Joao Felix.

Barcelona are still keen on bringing him back, but they need to agree on a deal with Atlético Madrid and that’s not easy or guaranteed yet.

Patience is needed, exactly the same as last year, and from the player’s point of view, Joao Felix is currently waiting again for Barcelona.

Several clubs in the race for Todibo

I’m not aware that Jean-Clair Todibo wasn’t interested in a move to West Ham.

I understand that West Ham were never going to bid for him without guarantees on the player side, and though he was keen on the move the problem was on the price – which is still considered to be too high.

The race for Todibo remains open, and there are several clubs interested.

No approaches for Mo Salah so far

Despite the rumours, I’ve still zero updates on Mo Salah’s situation so far.

It’s quiet, there are no changes with Saudi clubs, and though the interest is there since last summer, Liverpool have not received any proposals or approaches at the moment.

I don’t have any confirmation or guarantee either about Salah leaving and joining Saudi this summer.

Juve to part ways with Chiesa

The decision of Juventus has been made in the case of Federico Chiesa. The player will leave the club this summer, this is the plan.

You may ask me why an important player is being sold, and it’s because the new manager, Thiago Motta, wants to go in a different direction.

Juventus are not counting on him, so Chiesa is expected to be sold by Juventus this summer for something around €20m/€25m. It’s that cheap because the player is out of contract in summer 2025.

For sure, Federico Chiesa is a big opportunity on the market, and he will probably have several options to choose from.

Arsenal leading the race for Calafiori

Talking about Italian players, let me say that in the last 24 hours, Arsenal made contact on the club side for Riccardo Calafiori.

Talks are now ongoing but we are still waiting for an official bid, still waiting for the club to club agreement.

The player gave a green light to Arsenal in terms of contract, and is really excited by the possibility of working under Mikel Arteta.

He’s considered a proper, proper talent for the left-back or centre-back position, he can cover both of them.

Arsenal are really convinced that they have an agreement almost ready on the player side, but are still waiting to reach agreement with Bologna. I told you that the relationship with Bologna is very good, and they want something around €50m/€55m.

The other club monitoring the situation is Chelsea, but at the moment Arsenal are ahead.

Kilman in but Paqueta not yet out at West Ham

Flamengo’s directors have travelled to London to make an approach to West Ham for Lucas Paquetá but the reply was clear: no chance for a loan deal.

At the moment, the deal is complicated but Flamengo are keeping doors open to a new attempt in the next days or weeks. It’s not an easy one, for sure.

Sticking with West Ham, the deal is done between them and Wolves for Max Kilman. £40m is the package agreement for the player, wanted by Julen Lopetegui.

So, an important signing for the club.

Olise medical on Sunday, deal to complete soon

Michael Olise will have the first part of his medical as a new Bayern Munich player on Sunday. Right after that he will sign a contract until 2029.

The reason this has taken a little longer than expected is because Crystal Palace, as part of the agreement, will also have a sell-on clause, understood to be around 10%-15% and the issue to resolve was that.

Now everything is agreed between Bayern and Palace, and they’re waiting to exchange the documents, waiting to sign, waiting to complete the medical.

He should be unveiled by Bayern really, really soon,

De Ligt only wants Manchester United

With Matthijs de Ligt, contact between Manchester United and Bayern continues.

Bayern want to sign Jonathan Tah and they’re very confident, so will keep discussing the structure of the de Ligt deal with United.

I’m told the only club with the authorisation from the player to negotiate with his agent is Manchester United. That is the intention of Matthijs de Ligt.

Finally, after difficulties for a fantastic defender, he could be back working for a manager who trusts him.

More Stories / Latest News

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Jul 23 2024, 14:26

Liverpool looking to steal 6ft 5in player from Aston Villa

Jul 23 2024, 14:02

Returning Arsenal star praises key figure who was “very supportive” during lengthy injury

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PSG interest in Joshua Kimmich is genuine

The interest of Paris Saint-Germain in Joshua Kimmich is real, is genuine, and from what I’m told it doesn’t depend on João Neves. That’s a separate story, a completely separate story.

Paris Saint-Germain love João Neves too, but at the moment he’s very expensive; €120m release clause.

PSG appreciate both players, but Kimmich is out of contact in one year, and doesn’t have that kind of crazy price.

Dele Alli working hard but no new club yet

To be honest, I’ve zero information on my side on Dele Alli’s future right now.

He’s working hard and training well, but I don’t know anything concrete about negotiations with clubs or concrete talks. Probably it’s still too early.

Nothing is happening right now.

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Exclusive: Saudi interest in Liverpool talisman Mo Salah remains

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:11:09 +0000

There’s not been too much transfer talk surrounding Liverpool’s talismanic striker, Mo Salah, of late, which will be music to the ears of new manager, Arne Slot.

The Dutchman’s era at Anfield gets underway in a few days as members of the Reds first-team squad prepare to report back for pre-season training.

With Salah not involved in any summer tournaments, he will be expected to return on day one, and how he performs over the first few weeks in training should hint at his mindset.

Mo Salah still being courted by the Saudi Pro League

Though he hasn’t publicly commented on the situation, Fabrizio Romano has detailed that interest from the Saudi Pro League is still there.

“Despite the rumours, I’ve still zero updates on Mo Salah’s situation so far,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

“It’s quiet, there are no changes with Saudi clubs, and though the interest is there since last summer, Liverpool have not received any proposals or approaches at the moment.

Mo Salah is still a target for the Saudi Pro League

“I don’t have any confirmation or guarantee either about Salah leaving and joining Saudi this summer.”

If Liverpool still want to have aspirations of finally overhauling Man City at the top of the Premier League, then it’s clear that they need to keep hold of their best players.

Salah remains the beating heart of this Liverpool side, and the player that others look to in order to help turn the tide if things are going against them.

If a mammoth offer does come in at some point before the window closes the Reds will have to consider it, simply because at 32 years of age, Salah is getting no younger.

Those monies could then be used by Slot to strengthen other areas of the squad, however, that’s not a conversation that needs to happen just yet.

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Liverpool breathe a sigh of relief as important player turns down Al Nassr

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:45:34 +0000

The rise of the Saudi Pro League can’t be ignored, and Liverpool can breathe a sigh of relief that one of their players has turned down a move to Al Nassr.

There definitely appears to be a school of thought that any player moving to the Emirate is doing so only for the money, as the standard of the league when compared to Europe or elsewhere is so much poorer.

Indeed, TeamForm note that it’s only the 66th best league in the world, meaning that Israel’s Ligat ha’Al and the Georgian Erovnuli Liga are just two minor leagues that are considered as better to play in.

That hasn’t stopped the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic and others moving there, and even two former Liverpool stars in Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane now ply their trade in the Saudi Pro League.

It’s long been contended that Mo Salah would be seen as the ultimate signing for the league, but as of this moment, the Egyptian King is planting his feet firmly at Anfield.

Liverpool keeper Alisson not interested in Saudi switch

As is goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.

According to a report by Football Insider, the custodian has been the subject of a massive offer from Al Nassr, but the Brazilian has no interest in leaving Anfield and teaming up with former colleague, Mane, amongst others.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has turned down a move to Al Nassr.

That will surely see the powers that be breathe a huge sigh of relief, as the keeper has been one of the most important players for the club over the past few seasons.

Given their apparent riches, the rebuttal isn’t likely to stop the Saudi Pro League from a continuous bombardment in the transfer market, and when presented with such unbelievable riches – Mane earns a ridiculous £661,000 per week according to Capology – it’s likely to become more and more difficult for players to turn down.

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Exclusive: West Ham won’t sell £100m-rated ace to seriously interested EPL rivals

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 24 May 2024 08:30:20 +0000

Newcastle United are seriously interested in West Ham’s English winger Jarrod Bowen, but CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of the Hammers summer plans have indicated that the East Londoners won’t sell their 27-year-old winger, who has a contract until 2030.

With Julen Lopetegui having only just officially been announced as the new West Ham Head Coach, it’s likely to be some weeks yet before transfer plans, both incoming and outgoing, are formulated, however, keeping hold of their best players has to be the starting point for the Spaniard.

It’s believed that Lopetegui walked out on Wolverhampton Wanderers because promises were broken, so if David Sullivan and the Hammers board were to accept an offer from Newcastle for Bowen, it would be getting that relationship off on completely the wrong footing.

West Ham keeping hold of Jarrod Bowen despite Newcastle interest

In any event, given FFP constraints, the financial feasibility of Newcastle meeting the likely £100M+ asking price for Bowen is doubtful.

The refusal to do business, at least in the case of Bowen, means that the Magpies will have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

West Ham ace Jarrod Bowen won’t be going to Newcastle United

CaughtOffside sources understand that both Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Wolves’ Pedro Neto are players of interest, amongst others.

Were Eddie Howe and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to target the Selhurst Park based talent, they’ll likely face stiff competition from Man United as it’s understood that the Red Devils are prioritising the transfer of the Crystal Palace man.

Furthermore, Chelsea are apparently waiting in the wings, and if Mo Salah were to move on from Liverpool, it’s almost certain that they will enter the race for Olise too.

It’s not yet clear what the Egyptian King will decide to do, but if he accepts any potential offers from the Saudi Pro League, Liverpool will make their move for Olise.

Jarrod Bowen was previously on Jurgen Klopp’s shopping list, but no move was made by the Reds at the time and that ship has now sailed.

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Liverpool shock as Saudis set to move for Salah’s team-mate

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 16 May 2024 04:54:05 +0000

It’s set to be quite the summer for Liverpool and Mo Salah.

With Jurgen Klopp set to manage his final game at the club this weekend, the curtain will come down on his epic tenure, and a new era will begin.

Arne Slot has a lot to live up to, not least the pre-requisite of playing exciting and attacking football.

It’s doubtful he’ll have the same rapport with the fan base that Klopp had, however, that was fostered over a number of years, and if the Dutchman is still at Anfield in a few seasons’s time, who knows how popular he may have become.

Clearly, he will need to make some hard-nosed decisions in th upcoming months – to exercise his authority as much as anything else.

One of those could be whether to accede to any bids that might come from the Saudi Pro League for the talisman of the Klopp era – the Egyptian King himself.

The Saudi Pro League could target Mo Salah and Alisson

It isn’t yet clear as to whether Salah himself wants to move there, albeit if the SPL do come calling again, waving wads of cash, it’s going to be difficult for the player to turn down, particularly if it’s made clear that the league won’t entertain going cap in hand for a third time, should the player turn down their overtures this summer.

Can Salah really afford to let the train leave the station without being on it?

It isn’t just the striker that the league are seemingly interested in too.

Saudis want Alisson Becker

According to The Telegraph (subscription required), there are ambitious plans to land Alisson Becker too.

The custodian has enjoyed a brilliant career at the club but may consider the challenge of the Pro League an interesting exercise.

In terms of a pay day, as has been shown prior to this summer, he’ll be able to earn untold riches in Saudi, and that might just ease the door open.

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‘He wants to..’ – Reporter reveals Mo Salah decision on Liverpool future

Ahad Shaukat — Fri, 10 May 2024 05:18:39 +0000

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah wants to stay at the club instead of leaving the club this summer for a new adventure.

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, who was speaking to GiveMeSport, the Egyptian has no intention of leaving the club.

The Reds are preparing for life without legendary manager Jurgen Klopp as he decides to leave the Anfield job.

He will be replaced by Feyenoord manager Arne Slot who will lead the transition period at the club.

Rumours have circulated about the future of some Liverpool players including Salah, Darwin Nunez and Virgil Van Dijk.

However, the Egyptian attacker has no intention to leave the club as mentioned in a report by The Athletic.

The club expects him to stay at Anfield and honour his contract instead of agitating for a move away from the Merseyside club.

The Reds legend is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the club which fueled the rumours of a move away from the Premier League club.

Sky Sports reporter Sheth has revealed that the player wants to stay at Anfield and he is in the plans of the incoming boss.

Sheth told GiveMeSport:

“If you look at it in black and white, Mohamed Salah is under contract at Liverpool. As far as that goes, he will be a Liverpool player next season.

Mohamed Salah wants to stay at Liverpool.

Salah is still the main man at Liverpool

With 15 and 18 goals, respectively, Cody Gakpo and Nunez have had unimpressive seasons for the Premier League club.

Despite missing a significant amount of time due to injury, Diogo Jota has scored 15 goals in 32 games.

Luis Diaz is the next player, having scored 13 goals. Salah is still the Reds’ most frequent goal scorer.

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Video: Mo Salah with a lovely header to give Liverpool the lead against Tottenham

Mehdi Gokal — Sun, 05 May 2024 15:58:54 +0000

Liverpool has taken a well-deserved lead against Tottenham, with Mo Salah finding the back of the net.

The Egyptian forward returned to the starting XI after being benched by the manager in the previous match against West Ham due to a series of underwhelming performances.

Despite a recent heated touchline altercation between Salah and manager Jurgen Klopp, the German coach entrusted him with a starting role against Spurs, and Salah has risen to the occasion.

Salah has appeared much sharper and has now reclaimed his scoring touch to give Liverpool the advantage.

It was a brilliant move started by Salah, who continued his run inside the box. Cody Gakpo does brilliantly from the left to cut inside before chipping in a delightful ball towards the far post.

Salah timed his run perfectly and met the ball with his head, guiding it past Vicario to give the home side the lead.

Watch below:

Mo Salah opens the scoring for Liverpool ?? pic.twitter.com/U450ZsBUYB

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 5, 2024

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Exclusive: Arne Slot’s Liverpool demands could see €60m-rated centre-back soon join Reds

Jason Pettigrove — Sat, 04 May 2024 08:48:12 +0000

Arne Slot has already made a number of requests to the Liverpool management for the next summer transfer window according to CaughtOffside sources with knowledge of the new coach’s plans.

There is an absolute priority for a new centre-back, preferably left-footed, in light of the carelessness that Liverpool have shown in defence on many occasions throughout the 2023/24 season.

Could Goncalo Inacio sign for Liverpool?

There are several names on Slot’s list, including Goncalo Inacio who the club have followed in any event for a long time, who has a €60m release clause in his contract and who will most likely leave Sporting at the end of the season.

In addition to the Portuguese player, Eintracht Frankfurt’s excellent Willian Pacho is also a player of interest. His contract with the Germans expires in 2028 so he’s unlikely to come cheaply either.

Arne Slot has made a few demands on Liverpool already

One matter that could affect most of Liverpool’s potential incoming transfers is the situation surrounding the Egyptian King, Mo Salah.

Liverpool executives will sit down in the coming weeks with Salah to discuss his situation.

Al Ittihad are ready with a new attempt to prise away the Reds talisman, and will submit a monster offer that could allow the club to finance most of their incoming transfer business.

Although nothing has been decided yet, Liverpool will still monitor some possible replacements in the meantime.

Names such as Leroy Sane – whose contract with Bayern expires in 2025 – Estevao ‘Messinho’ Willian of Palmeiras and PSV’s Johan Bakayoko are players currently of interest.

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