Category Uncategorized

After signing Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m on a contract worth £200,000-a-week, Liverpool are now reportedly willing to sell one of their star men after he demanded to match that salary.

Liverpool unveil Florian Wirtz

Not many gave Liverpool a chance when rumours initially emerged that they were battling Bayern Munich and Manchester City for Wirtz’s signature, but the German’s mind was soon made up and football’s latest open secret quickly stole the headlines. With a Premier League winners’ medal around his neck following his first season at Anfield, Arne Slot now arguably has the best No.10 that European football has to offer at his disposal.

Wirtz didn’t come cheap, but talents of his calibre rarely do in today’s market and that record price-tag will quickly become worth it if he replicates his Bayer Leverkusen numbers during his time at Anfield.

Appearances

197

Goals

57

Assists

65

It’s no surprise that Liverpool decided to make their new signing one of their highest earners, either, with reports suggesting that he’ll earn around £200,000-a-week in Merseyside – a salary that only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk better on the Reds’ wage bill.

After putting pen to paper, Wirtz explained his move – telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world, and in my opinion Liverpool was one of them.”

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

Despite spending big money on their new signing, however, it seems as though Liverpool are not prepared to do the same to keep hold of one of their star defenders this summer.

Liverpool now willing to sell Konate

According to Caught Offside, Richard Hughes and Liverpool are now willing to sell Ibrahima Konate this summer for around €60m (£51m) after he demanded a wage increase to £200,000-a-week at Anfield.

With just one year remaining on the Frenchman’s current deal too, the Reds are desperate to avoid a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit as a free agent and have reportedly set a contract deadline until the end of the summer.

What only adds fuel to the fire of Konate’s current position are reports that Liverpool are now looking to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this summer. Whilst, as things stand, it seems as though the Palace man would be replacing the Leverkusen-bound Jarrel Quansah, there’s no doubt that the Reds will be well aware that he could also solve their Konate problem.

Whether Guehi can truly match Konate’s quality will be the big question if the move happens. It would certainly be a bold move by all those involved at Anfield.

Still on the hunt for attacking reinforcements, Manchester United are now reportedly open to offering Joshua Zirkzee in a summer swap deal to sign one particular target worth a hefty £85m.

Man Utd could face Gyokeres and Mbeumo rejection

Whilst their recruitment of Matheus Cunha gave them plenty of hope that last season’s failure wouldn’t stand in the way of much-needed additions this summer, Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo could quickly flip that narrative.

It’s a fairly open secret that the Red Devils are in pursuit of the duo, with Fabrizio Romano even going as far as to suggest that they’ve been constantly contacting Gyokeres, but that pursuit could yet end in failure.

Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham Hotspur has suddenly seen the North London side come sprinting into the race for Mbeumo’s signature and reports are claiming that the Lilywhites have met the forward’s £70m price tag. United, meanwhile, have already seen one bid rejected for the Brentford star.

Losing out on two attacking targets would be a frustrating blow for United, but losing out to two rivals in Arsenal and Tottenham would add further salt to their wounds.

The new Martial: Wilcox ramping up move to sign "next Mbappe" for Man Utd

Man United are pressing to bring in a centre-forward with shades of Anthony Martial.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2025

Those at Old Trafford may have no choice but to dust themselves off and go again, however. Just who they turn to if they miss out on Mbeumo and Gyokeres is the big question. On that front, names such as Antoine Semenyo and an impressive £85m striker have already been mentioned among those that United may begin to chase.

Man Utd open to swap deal for Ekitike involving Zirkzee

That £85m name is of course Hugo Ekitike. According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now open to offering Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal to sign Ekitike. Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly value the Frenchman at €100m (£85m), but the inclusion of Zirkzee in any deal could help bring that hefty figure down.

Minutes

2,563

1,402

Goals

15

3

Assists

8

1

Expected Goals

21.6

4.8

Whilst there may well be a concern over just how much Ekitike has underperformed when it comes to matching his expected goals, there’s no doubt that he’d be an instant upgrade on Zirkzee for Ruben Amorim this summer.

The Dutchman struggled to leave his mark in his debut season, making it harder and harder to justify his £105,000-a-week salary. Now, just one year later, he could find himself replaced and shown the exit door in one swift move.

Described as “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson, who was full of praise for the Frenchman back in March, Ekitike is undoubtedly one to watch this summer. He won’t come cheap, but if Manchester United can find a way past the forward’s hefty price tag, then he is one that they should prioritise.

Amid doubts over Marc Guehi’s future at the club, Crystal Palace are now reportedly racing to sign a Serie A defender who they’ve already scouted throughout the current campaign.

Crystal Palace in form ahead of Wembley

In a week that could yet end in history, Crystal Palace couldn’t be in better form heading into this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The Eagles haven’t tasted defeat in any of their last five games and looked a class above Tottenham Hotspur last time out as they eased to a 2-0 victory against their London rivals.

Oliver Glasner is well aware that victory over Tottenham was just a good start in an all-important week, however, after revealing how Crystal Palace will prepare for the FA Cup final this week.

The Austrian told reporters: “Yes, we will meet tomorrow (Monday). The players who started (against Spurs) will recover, the others will have a good and intense session.

Related When Glasner could leave Crystal Palace as final RB Leipzig plan emerges

A concern for the Eagles…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

“Then there will be Tuesday off. The players deserve to recover, and, of course, the staff have already started to prepare. We will watch a few Man City clips as well, and Wednesday will be the start with the preparation for Man City.

“But we can’t do something different. It also makes no sense (to do that). It’s (about) showing what we can (do), who we are on our best level, and this is how we will enter the final, and then let’s see. Then, it’s football and everything can happen.”

Meanwhile, amid the chaos of potential silverware, Crystal Palace have also had to keep one eye on the fast-approaching summer transfer window. Amid reports that Guehi is set to be at the centre of interest from the likes of Newcastle United yet again, the Eagles have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement.

Crystal Palace scout Bologna defender Lucumi

According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace are now looking to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer after Steve Parish sent scouts on a fresh mission to watch the defender. Racing alongside the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United, those at Selhurst Park should push to sign the Serie A star as soon as they can, especially if Guehi does depart.

League stats 24/25 P90 (via FBref)

Jhon Lucumi

Marc Guehi

Starts

27

34

Progressive Passes

3.56

3.94

Tackles Won

1.04

1

Ball Recoveries

6.04

4.26

As the numbers show, Lucumi would be capable of stepping in and replacing Guehi in South London. What instantly stands out is how the Bologna defender has outperformed the Crystal Palace star when it comes to tackles and ball recoveries whilst almost matching him for progressive passes per 90.

Described as “ridiculously impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson last year, Lucumi looks destined for a move away from Italy. Whether that means a move to Crystal Palace is set to take place remains to be seen, however. It’s clear that he is talented enough for the Premier League, though.

Celtic are closing in on a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title and are in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup, with a chance to clinch a domestic treble.

Their ongoing success on the pitch this season has not stopped the club from looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, though, as they have already agreed to sign Kieran Tierney on a free transfer.

The Scotland international is returning to Parkhead for the first time since his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, which made him the most expensive Hoops academy graduate in history.

Most expensive Celtic academy graduate sales

Celtic have produced some excellent players from their academy, as the likes of Andy Robertson, Aaron Hickey, and Ben Doak have come through the youth set-up, but they have not always extracted great value out of their young talents.

Tierney’s £25m move to Arsenal is one of only three sales in the club’s history involving an academy graduate that was worth more than £1.6m, as shown in the table below.

Kieran Tierney

£25m reported fee

Aiden McGeady

£10.3m

Mikey Johnston

£3m

Craig Beattie

£1.6m

Stephen McManus

£1.5m

Charlie Nicholas

£1.4m

The Hoops have not been able to consistently produce high-value assets that they have been able to sell for millions, which is something that they may look to improve on in the coming years.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series

Celtic, actually, had an exciting young academy prospect on their hands last season in the form of Rocco Vata, before they failed to convince him to extend his contract at Parkhead, and he left to join Watford for a compensation fee of £250k.

Rocco Vata is now being compared to a £100m talent

The Ireland international scored 23 goals in 34 B team matches for the Scottish giants, but only played three minutes in the Scottish Premiership last season before his exit last summer.

Since joining Watford, Vata has scored four goals and provided three assists in 33 first-team matches for the Hornets in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, and has earned a comparison to a player who has been valued at a whopping £100m.

Oxford City scout and recruitment analyst Hayden on X compared the Irish whiz to Tyler Dibling, suggesting that he would be a suitable alternative to teams interested in the Southampton teen, and that he was “impressed” by the Watford star.

The Saints have reportedly placed a £100m price tag over Dibling’s head, despite the 19-year-old having produced two goals and zero assists in 28 Premier League games this season.

Vata, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed has an “exciting” future, has scored three goals, created four ‘big chances’, and delivered three assists in 29 appearances in the Championship for the Hornets, showing great promise at such a young age.

It remains to be seen whether or not Southampton will sell Dibling for £100m or how much Watford would demand for their Irish 19-year-old starlet, but he appears to be on track to be another player Celtic have lost before they could extract maximum value from them.

The next Liel Abada: Celtic plotting exciting move for £3m star

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Liel Abada 2.0 fo the club.

1 ByDan Emery Apr 14, 2025

The Hoops must, therefore, regret not being able to keep hold of him last summer because he is a talented young prospect who could have had an exciting future at Parkhead, given his first-team emergence in the English Championship this term and the comparison to a £100m-rated starlet.

In successfully chasing 215 against Punjab Kings, SRH have ticked their last remaining box ahead of the IPL 2024 playoffs

Vishal Dikshit19-May-2024Are Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024 what South Africa were at the ODI World Cup last year?SRH could have started to feel like that.No, not because of the presence of Aiden Markram and Henrich Klaasen in their squad.But because SRH have been shredding those record books and redefining T20 batting by scoring 250 as frequently as South Africa had been going past 350 just before and during the 2023 World Cup. But… all batting first.Related

• Batting powerhouses collide as KKR, SRH set their eyes on IPL final spot

• IPL 2024 playoffs: KKR take on SRH in Qualifier 1, RCB-RR clash in Eliminator

• Stats – SRH break their own record for highest IPL total

• 125 in 6 overs: Head and SRH shatter T20 powerplay records

• Reddy: 'I love to be a match-winner, so I have to work hard'

At the World Cup, South Africa went down to Netherlands chasing 246, managed to crawl over the line with just one wicket in hand while chasing 271 against Pakistan, and crashed to 83 all out after India posted 326.SRH had sometimes been like a T20 version of that. Before Sunday, they had crossed the 200-run mark five times this IPL but four of those had come batting first. The biggest total they had posted while chasing was 204 in a loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) right at the start of their campaign. When Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted 206 batting first, SRH managed 171; when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) put up 212, SRH were skittled for 134.The pressure of chasing 200-plus targets seemed to be giving SRH the jitters despite having such belligerence in their batting line-up, and they headed into Sunday’s game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) with the record of not having successfully chased a 200-plus target this season.Were they over-relying on their openers? Was not having a settled No. 3 hurting them?1:55

Should Rahul Tripathi play the playoffs for SRH?

After Travis Head, their leading run-scorer this season, fell on the first ball of their 215-run chase against PBKS, Rahul Tripathi – who had not played for over a month, walked out at No. 3 for just his third innings of IPL 2024. Was he the right man for the job?Tripathi started with two delicate dabs – one along the ground past point and another over short third – for fours in his first three balls with such nonchalance that it would have taken some pressure off Abhishek Sharma at the other end. Tripathi’s ability was never in doubt, and when he went 6, 4 and 4 in the next over, it was clear that he wasn’t there merely to pass the strike to the in-form Abhishek. Even before Abhishek had hit his first boundary, Tripathi had waltzed his way to 23 off ten balls. By the fifth over, Abhishek had also taken off and when Tripathi managed to swat a no-ball from Harshal Patel over fine leg for six, his strike rate had nearly touched 200.”Losing Travis first ball provides the opportunity for someone else to take the game on and Rahul Tripathi did that brilliantly,” James Franklin, SRH’s fast-bowling coach, said at the press conference. “He hasn’t played a game for a wee while so to come out and assert himself the way he did and create that partnership he did with Abhishek was brilliant, and got us ahead of the run rate in terms of chasing down a pretty big score.”He fell in that same Harshal over for 33 off 18 but perhaps after having made the No. 3 spot his own for the playoffs, ahead of Mayank Agarwal.1:47

‘Reddy an excellent find for SRH’

Tripathi showed that he could score almost as quickly as the openers and that he has always had the ability to stem a collapse if the situation asked him to. To add to that, in Nitish Kumar Reddy, the find of the season for SRH, they have another sound batter to consolidate should they face a top-order collapse.Abhishek, meanwhile, continued to find the ropes after the powerplay. He went after Harshal – the top wicket-taker of the season – to bring up a 21-ball fifty and his back-to-back sixes off Harpreet Brar took his tally of sixes to 41 for this season, the most by an Indian batter in any IPL edition. What held even more promise for SRH was that it was Abhishek’s second straight half-century, both while batting second, with strike rates of over 235 in each.When Abhishek fell in the 11th over, he had taken his team way past the halfway mark of the chase to reduce the equation to a comfortable 86 off 59. Heinrich Klaasen and Reddy continued to belt sixes and even though neither closed out the chase – and Shahbaz Ahmed might still be looking for runs this month – SRH showed strong signs that they had regained their batting groove after a brief stutter in the middle of the season. It started with the jaw-dropping opening stand against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and with their best chase of this IPL sealed in the same manner that has fetched them buckets of runs batting first, they have ticked the last remaining box they had to before the playoffs.

Four-wicket salvo keeps tourists in contest but allrounder’s no-ball could prove pivotal

Valkerie Baynes04-Jun-2022Kyle Jamieson embodied the ecstasy and Colin de Grandhomme the agony of New Zealand’s bowlers as their first-Test match-up with England stood poised on a knife-edge at the end of the third day at Lord’s.Jamieson bowled beautifully, making early inroads on the hosts’ pursuit of their 277-run victory target before putting them firmly on the back foot and then grabbing the crucial wicket of Ben Stokes just as England were frustrating their visitors.de Grandhomme, meanwhile, could be in doubt for the rest of the three-Test series after picking up a foot injury early in England’s second innings to cap a forgettable day for the New Zealand allrounder.Related

• Kane Williamson philosophical after 'knife-edge' Test slips away from New Zealand

• Stuart Broad has 'good feeling' about victory as England promise positive final push

• Character becomes destiny as Ben Stokes fires up England's new era

• To leave or not to leave: Mitchell and Blundell answer the question

• Ben Stokes, Joe Root carry fight as England wrest back advantage

As it stands, England need 61 runs more with five wickets in hand, leaving New Zealand with plenty of work to do, but Jamieson was hugely influential in getting them this far.He claimed the wicket of England opener Alex Lees, who looked in decent nick stroking four boundaries on his way to 20 from 32 balls before he somewhat inexplicably left a delivery which nipped back and crashed into the top of off stump shortly before lunch.Another brain fade – this time from de Grandhomme – had contributed to New Zealand’s second-innings collapse in which they lost 6 for 34 in eight overs within the first 90 minutes of play on Saturday following a half-hour rain delay at the start.No sooner had Stuart Broad had an exuberant appeal for lbw against de Grandhomme turned down than Ollie Pope gathered the ball at fourth slip and fired it into the stumps at the striker’s end. de Grandhomme, meanwhile, had wandered down the pitch and had his back to the action, seemingly oblivious to the urgency required as he turned sluggishly and tried to regain his ground but was run out for a duck.The blame for New Zealand’s demise cannot be laid entirely at de Grandomme’s feet – far from it – with Broad’s wickets either side of his bizarre dismissal removing centurion Daryl Mitchell and Jamieson to make it a team hat-trick, as only Tim Southee offered some resistance from the lower order with an enterprising 21 from 26 balls. But losing de Grandhomme did nothing to help New Zealand’s cause.Nor did de Grandhomme’s no-ball when he thought he had Stokes out chopping on to his stumps for just 1. Stokes was three-quarters of the way through his journey back to the pavilion when he was called back after de Grandhomme was found to have overstepped.It was another insult and then came the injury, de Grandhomme pulling up on approach to Stokes on the last ball of his fourth over and limping off the field almost immediately. Team management later confirmed that de Grandhomme would play no further part in the match after suffering a suspected tear in his heel and that an MRI scan on Sunday would determine his outlook for rest of the series.Colin de Grandhomme had a day to forget•AFP/Getty ImagesDespite a streaky continuation to tea, Stokes returned after the interval more composed and worked his way to a half-century – including three sixes off spinner Ajaz Patel – in a 90-run stand for the fifth wicket with Joe Root.He fell in ugly fashion though, cramped by a Jamieson short ball that had him performing a backbend, hands straight up as the ball brushed his glove and flew into those of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Furious with himself, Stokes looked skyward as he dropped his bat in disgust, knowing the importance of the moment.That brings us back to Jamieson and the impact he had on the state of the game with his impeccable probing line on the top of off stump.His second over after lunch was superb as he stayed in the attack and picked up where he left off having snared Lees’ wicket. Jamieson’s first delivery drew an inside edge on to Zak Crawley’s back leg and, two balls later, Crawley missed an attempted drive by the barest of margins off one that was full and outside off but swung away a fraction too much. The final ball of the over swung perfectly though on a full length as Crawley defended away from his body and edged to Southee, who took a strong diving catch at third slip. At that point, Jamieson had 2 for 8 from four overs.A loose drive from Jonny Bairstow delivered Jamieson’s third as he was bowled through the gate for 16, having narrowly avoided nicking the previous delivery full outside off stump. At that point, Jamieson ended his nine-over spell with 3 for 24 and England were 69 for 4, in all sorts of trouble.But by tea, Stokes and Root had built their partnership to 30 and, when Jamieson returned to action inside the first half-hour after the break, his day soured slightly, with Stokes clobbering him through the covers for four, evading what could have been an outside edge and then seeing the ball disappear leg side for five wides.Patel conceded 17 off his first over back into the attack, all of them bar four byes etched next to Stokes’ name, including two sixes heaved over the leg side.When Jamieson finally sent Stokes packing, New Zealand might have scented the collapse that many a pessimistic England fan feared but an unbroken fifty stand between Root and Ben Foakes had the match firmly in the balance at the close.Playing his 15th Test, Jamieson ended the day with 4 for 59 from 20 overs and Mitchell backed his side to take the remaining wickets they needed.”We can see with the nature of this wicket the morning is the toughest time to bat and hopefully we can show up tomorrow morning and it zips around a little bit like it has the last three days and we give ourselves an opportunity to win a Test match,” Mitchell said.”The wicket has slowed as the game goes on and you can probably see by the scores that are happening that it is getting easier to bat but we know that we’re literally one wicket away from being into their bowlers.”Kyle bowled awesome, the way he came in and he bashed a length for long periods of time and he really brought some energy, which we know Kyle does every time. He’s a world-class bowler and I know he’s only had a short career but what he’s done in a short period of time is very special.”

Don’t look now, but the Houston Astros are just 3.5 games out of first place in the AL West, taking nine of their last 10 games heading into Monday’s matinee matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto still sits in last in the AL East, and it could be a team that is active at the trade deadline as a seller if things don’t turn around soon. 

Despite being just one game over .500, Houston has the sixth-best run differential in the American League, and it is climbing with the Astros playing some of their best ball of the season. 

Houston took two out of three games from the Jays earlier this season, outscoring them 19-2 over the course of the series. That’s not good news for the Jays, who come into this game as home underdogs. 

Let’s dive into the odds, probable pitchers and a best bet for the first of just three matchups in Major League Baseball on Monday. 

Astros vs. Blue Jays Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line

• Astros -1.5 (+114)
• Blue Jays +1.5 (-135)

Moneyline

• Astros: -135
• Blue Jays: +114

Total

• 9 (Over +100/Under -120)

Astros vs. Blue Jays Probable Pitchers

• Houston: Hunter Brown (5-5, 4.37 ERA)
• Toronto: Yariel Rodriguez (0-2, 5.94 ERA)

Astros vs. Blue Jays How to Watch

• Date: Monday, July 1
• Time: 3:07 p.m. EST
• Venue: Rogers Centre
• How to watch (TV): AFN, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
• Astros record: 42-41
• Blue Jays record: 38-45

Astros vs. Blue Jays Key Players to Watch

Houston Astros

Yordan Alvarez: June was a great month for the Houston slugger, as he hit .349 with seven homers, eight doubles and 19 runs batted in. Alvarez has pushed his season slash line to .294/.371/.520, and he should tee off on a struggling pitcher like Rodriguez on Monday afternoon. 

Toronto Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: A candidate to be moved at the trade deadline, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. certainly has held up his end of the bargain for the Jays in 2024. The slugging first baseman is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 runs batted in, posting an OPS+ of 141 this season. While the Toronto offense has not been as good as it would have hoped, Vladdy Jr. has been a bright spot all of 2024. 

Astros vs. Blue Jays Prediction and Pick

There’s no doubt that the Astros are the better team right now, and they actually have a massive edge on the mound with Hunter Brown’s recent performance. 

The young right-hander posted a 1.16 ERA and 2.97 Fielding Independent Pitching across five starts in the month of June, leading the Astros to a 4-1 record in those outings. Brown has not allowed more than three earned runs in a single outing dating all the way back to May 22. 

Jays starter Yariel Rodriguez has been on a much different path, allowing at least three runs in each of his last three outings, pushing his ERA from 2.35 to 5.94 in the process. In his last start, Rodriguez was chased after just 1.1 innings of work, as he allowed five runs to the Cleveland Guardians. 

Toronto is still 3-2 in his five outings this season, but I have a feeling that doesn’t hold on on Monday. The Blue Jays likely will have to use a lot of their bullpen tonight since Rodriguez hasn’t pitched more than four innings in a single outing in 2024. 

That’s an issue, as the Jays rank 28th in Major League Baseball in bullpen ERA (4.74) this season. 

With Brown running hot on the mound and the Astros playing their best baseball of the season, I can’t help but take them as road favorites on Monday. 

Mohamed Salah has been told his complaints that Liverpool have "thrown him under the bus" after another first-team omission "don't stack up". The Egypt international dropped a bombshell interview after his side's 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Saturday, throwing his Anfield future into question. Now, ex-Reds ace Danny Murphy has criticised the 33-year-old for his "emotional response".

• Salah in another remarkable interview

  Just over a year ago, Salah shocked the footballing world when he said he was "probably more out than in" as his contract ticked towards its final six months. The former Chelsea man eventually signed a new two-year deal earlier this year but it hasn't taken long for him to be back in the headlines. Not long after Liverpool's thrilling draw at Elland Road, Salah said it is "very clear" someone wants him to "get all of the blame", that the club has "thrown him under the bus" and that this situation was unacceptable. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has slammed his outburst and now ex-England international Murphy has weighed in on the matter.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  'It's not true'

  Murphy made it clear he didn't give much credence to Salah's claims and that this was something said in the heat of the moment.

  He said on BBC's Match of the Day: "We know that’s an emotional response and doesn’t really stack up. Everyone has to keep fighting for their place and performing at a certain level. I don’t think he’s [Salah] on his own. I think there are a lot of other big-name players starting to get stick and get the fanbase turning a little bit against them. Everyone’s getting judged."

  The former Fulham player also doesn't believe that Salah is unfairly being singled out, particularly as lots of his team-mates are being criticised for their performances as well. He added that this is not how a top professional conducts himself.

  "It’s not true, it’s not true. I think you can be emotional and you can be angry and frustrated, he’s done wonderful things for the football club. [But] you have to keep it in the four walls of the club," Murphy said. "Knock on the manager’s door, go and see the CEO, whoever it is, go and see the owners, do whatever you’ve got to do, express your frustration. He’s causing the team a problem and the manager a problem. And he’s making it all about him. And you just can’t do it. Whether you agree with him being left out or not you don’t deal with it like this."

• Slot on Salah omission

  For the second time in three Premier League outings, Salah was an unused substitute for Liverpool, who sit eighth in the table. The defending champions are 10 points behind table-toppers Arsenal, with Arne Slot's side looking almost unrecognisable from the team that romped to the league title last term. 

  When asked why Salah did not come off the bench, manager Slot said: "It was more about controlling the game at [3-2 to Liverpool] and we didn't need a goal. Normally, when you need a goal, like last week against Sunderland, I brought Mo on."

  Not long after, Salah – who scored 29 goals and added 18 assists in the league last season but this campaign he has just four goals and two assists – would say he no longer had a relationship with the Dutchman. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Salah?

  It remains to be seen what Slot will say about Salah's outburst and if he will start against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Reds then take on Brighton next weekend, which will be Salah's last match before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. So, does the veteran have a future at Anfield? Murphy thinks so. 

  "I do think he will [play again]," he said. "I think he'll have time to settle down. Everyone will want a legend like Salah to go on good terms with a wonderful send-off, maybe at the end of the season as great players have had in the past. I hope it doesn't end badly because of everything he's given but there's always a chance if he's adamant. Liverpool are in charge of what happens because they have got his contract. But if he's adamant he wants to leave, maybe we'll see something in January."

Amad Diallo has been told he remains a "worry" for Manchester United as the Ivory Coast international is "not Daniel Munoz" when it comes to filling a wing-back role. Paul Parker has also explained to GOAL why Patrick Dorgu is a source of concern, with the Denmark international often looking like a "rabbit in headlights" when it comes to defending.

• Amorim system: Portuguese sticking with 3-4-3 formation

  Ruben Amorim has continued to favour a 3-4-3 system across his reign at Old Trafford, despite facing plenty of questions when it comes to that tactical approach. United have been accused of lacking the players to meet the demands of their Portuguese head coach.

  Defenders more accustomed to filling full-back roles, such as Diogo Dalot, are required to offer width and attacking threat on the flanks, while natural wingers – such as Amad – are often asked to track back into positions that feel slightly alien to them.

  Premier League rivals have acquired performers that fit the wing-back mould, with Crystal Palace star Munoz considered to be the poster boy for that role – with the Colombia international as comfortable flying forward as he is helping out at the back. United are still looking for options that tick both of those boxes.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  No Munoz: Amad uncomfortable in wing-back role

  Premier League title winner Parker admits as much, with the former United right-back – speaking in association with gambling portal British Gambler – telling GOAL of obvious areas that are in need of reinforcement at Old Trafford: "You look at it and it isn’t about one player with Manchester United. You are, in my opinion, looking across the line of midfield – that’s including the wing-backs, the four right across that area. All of those areas could do with bits at the moment.

  "There are good bits, good bits with Amad playing as a wing-back – really good bits – but there are still those bits you worry about because he’s not a Munoz. You look at him at Crystal Palace, and he’s [Amad] not him. He can beat people one-on-one a lot more times but you are looking at the longer game, the bigger picture, and Munoz will offer you more on a regular basis than Amad does attacking-wise and defensively.

  "You look on the left side with Dalot, and Dorgu is lacking confidence. He is a different player when he plays for Denmark, he looks a different player. There are too many players, we are seeing two of them at Napoli – not so much with Scott McTominay but you saw it with [Rasmus] Hojlund that he just couldn’t evolve at Manchester United. Dorgu at this moment is like a rabbit in the headlights."

• Dorgu concerns: Dane still searching for a spark

  Amorim has conceded that Dorgu, who moved to Manchester from Lecce for £25 million ($33m) in January 2025, is still searching for a spark in English football. He has said of the 21-year-old: "When I see them training they are doing so much better than in games. Then Patrick, when I see him playing for the national team, he’s scored a great goal against Scotland, the decision that he made under pressure was completely different [to calmly sidefoot home] to the decision[s] he’s making in our team. You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel it, the anxiety."

  Amorim has also said of efforts being made across transfer windows to get more bodies on board: "We need time to improve the characteristics of the team. I've said that. It is these characteristics that in time we will try to get to be a better team. If we are the perfect set-up to play in this way, not yet. But like any team, we need time to put the right characteristics into every position."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Transfer plans: Will Man Utd spend again in 2026?

  United are expected to spend again in 2026, in January and over the summer, with it possible that they will look to bring in more wing-backs – with specialists required in order for full potential to be unlocked in Amorim’s tactical blueprint.

Matt Short wants to make the T20 World Cup side for Australia next year and knows a role in the middle order is his best hope

AAP06-Nov-2025

Matthew Short made 26* off 15•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Australia allrounder Matt Short prefers opening the batting, but has revealed his best chance of playing at next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka is in the middle and lower order.The 29-year-old toured the West Indies for Australia’s underwhelming 2024 World Cup showing as a reserve player outside of the 15-man squad and did not play.The current T20 series against India, which concludes in Queensland with matches on the Gold Coast and at the Gabba, has a lot riding on it for Short.Related

Power-packed, but not bulletproof: where Australia stand ahead of T20 World Cup

Unbeatable series lead on the line in rare Gold Coast fixture

Head leaves T20I squad for red-ball Ashes preparation

His best innings for Australia, including a dynamic 66 off 30 deliveries against South Africa in 2023, have come as an opener. However, Short, who played his first two matches of the current series at No.7, has been given a clear picture of his path to T20 World Cup inclusion by the side’s brains trust.”Personally I think I am suited to the top of the order, but having conversations with selectors and coaching staff, I think, looking forward to that T20 World Cup, I know that our top four or five is going to be pretty locked in,” Short said.”If I was to make the XI in the World Cup, I think my best chances are in the middle or lower order. We are probably using this series to see guys in different positions and looking ahead to that World Cup.”[To play at the World Cup] would be massive. I missed out on the one in the West Indies where I was a travelling reserve, but I love playing cricket for Australia no matter if it’s in the World Cup or a series like this. I am happy taking what I am getting, whether that is in the top order or through the middle.”The Adelaide Strikers captain confirmed himself as a cricketer of absolute class when he was player of the tournament in BBL 12 and BBL 13, where his powerful batting and crafty offspin stole the show.That high level of consistency was the stepping stone for Short to gain selection in both the Australian T20 and ODI sides, where he debuted in 2023.Short enjoys the ball coming onto the bat, but has set himself a goal of upping the ante when facing spinners.”There’s always ways to improve,” he said. “Looking at the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, it is probably my game against spin that probably needs a little bit of work.”Especially when you look at our squad and the power hitters we have got through the middle like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis … guys that have had that experience in India before and have that real power game against spin.”It is obviously a challenge, and playing for Australia is not easy, so we will have to wait and see.”