Liverpool is reportedly leading the race to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the German club said to be demanding $116M for the Ivory Coast international

09:08, 23 May 2026Updated 09:12, 23 May 2026

Liverpool is targeting Yan Diomande ahead of the summer transfer window(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liverpool has overtaken Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of Yan Diomande. However, RB Leipzig will command an eye-watering $116 million should it choose to part ways with him.

The 19-year-old Diomande had an outstanding breakthrough campaign with Leipzig following his move from Spanish club Leganes in July 2025. The versatile winger, capable of operating on either flank, concluded the season with 13 goals and nine assists across 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Beyond his club performances, Diomande also represented the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations. His rise has attracted attention from clubs throughout Europe, notably from both Liverpool and PSG.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: New coach incoming, Yan Diomande latestREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola's new job confirmed immediately after Man City exit announcement

According to The Athletic, Liverpool is now well-placed to secure Diomande's signature as it seeks a successor to Mohamed Salah. Leipzig would require around $116M for his services, though it is keen to retain him for another campaign having secured Champions League qualification.

Should Liverpool choose to pursue it interest further, Anfield officials will commence discussions with their counterparts at the Red Bull Arena. PSG, meanwhile, would need to offload a player before acquiring Diomande, and is considering alternative options in its search for a wide forward, reports the Mirror.

RB Leipzig reportedly wants $116M for Yan Diomande(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Ivorian, who is contracted until June 2030, has admitted to being 'motivated' by speculation surrounding a lucrative transfer. "Imagine people say you go to Chelsea or Real Madrid (as examples of big clubs) to do this job... you're going to be happy and motivated to do more," Diomande remarked earlier this month.

"I don't think about it too much because my focus is on the pitch, my job is playing football, that takes care of everything but it gives me a lot of motivation to see people talking about me."

Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£85

LFC Shop

Buy Now on LFC Shop

Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.

Article continues below

However, Leipzig chairman and Red Bull figurehead Oliver Mintzlaff is intent on retaining him until at least next summer. "If I were sporting director, I wouldn't sell this young player, who hasn't even completed a full season with us yet," Mintzlaff recently stated.

"No matter what price is being offered. I believe he's a player who still has room to develop, because he's still very young. He certainly has the potential to become even more valuable."

Liverpool.com says: Diomande is clearly set for a big future, and no doubt there is a transfer to one of Europe's big clubs in his future. The question for Liverpool will be whether it is prepared to pay up to $116M for his services, given he has only played one season in the Bundesliga, which is a big call.

Adblock test (Why?)

With Andy Robertson‘s Liverpool career drawing to a close, Jurgen Klopp has revealed the conditions of his signature and the honest assessment he gave the left-back.

Robertson has been the ultimate professional in his time at Liverpool, providing constant energy up and down the left, contributing to the attack while also playing as a steady companion next to Van Dijk in defence.

The 32-year-old wasn’t always the all-round great he became, though.

Prior to arriving at Liverpool, he was a brilliant full-back talent, shining through his marauding runs into the opposition half.

Defensively, though, like with the Reds’ other option in 2017, Alberto Moreno, there was an issue.

“You saw Robbo at Hull playing and you saw his potential offensively and you saw his weaknesses,” Klopp said on The Anfield Wrap‘s documentary, ‘One Of Us: Becoming Andy Robertson‘.

“He was involved in so many goals conceded in his path was crazy; it’s like he’s not there.”

“We had the conversation in my house in Formby. Robbo came with his agent and we had a great, great talk. You cannot imagine today but a really shy boy, really didn’t speak a lot. It’s so funny to think back on that.

“And I told him, ‘I like everything about what you’re doing offensively and I don’t think I like anything of the things you do defensively’.

[embedded content]

“‘So if we agree on working on that and you pay completely in and stuff like that, then we will have a lot of fun together.'”

Robertson, who had previously been turned down by Everton after they deemed Dundee United’s £1.5 million asking price too high, was fully on board with Klopp.

The Scotsman recalled: “I just walked out of that house and just thought I need everything I can to play for that manager and I want everything I do to play for Liverpool. ”

Jurgen Klopp tells Robertson how to get in the team

So Robertson had secured his dream move, but he wasn’t yet a guaranteed success at Anfield.

With Moreno enjoying his best period of form as a Liverpool player, Robertson had to wait until December to get a proper run in the team.

He remembered: “I think even my debut at Crystal Palace, the fans took to me pretty early which was an amazing feeling.

“I think they probably seen a player that would probably play exactly like them if they got given the chance.

“But then obviously the next three or four months were a bit difficult in terms of not playing, trying to get up to speed and obviously things were happening in the background to then make me, when the opportunity came, to fly.”

Klopp told the tale of how Robertson came into his office to ask why he wasn’t starting more often. The German was blunt in his response:

“He came in my office and said, ‘Boss, I’m working really hard every day and I don’t get a chance’.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’m really surprised you are here because we had an agreement [that] you start thinking like a defender and that’s the first step you had to do.

“‘You still defend like a, I don’t know, a striker. And in that position, it’s not possible.'”

From then on, things improved quickly for Liverpool’s new £8m signing from Hull.

“We spoke plenty of times but then the last time we spoke about it, and that was the moment when the penny dropped for him,” Klopp added.

[embedded content]

“The next day, he trained completely different. I’m pretty sure he would say the same. If he wouldn’t have done that, you stay on a specific level.

“From that day on, he became for a while definitely the best left-back in the world.”

A hard worker on and off the pitch, Robertson put in the hours to ensure he reached the standards required to become an elite player.

Ex-captain Jordan Henderson commented: “I think you still see that now, like top, top players will still need that adjustment, will still need that bit of time.

“I can see what’s going on in the background, he’s out on his own doing one v one training with the coaches.

“He’s doing crossing on his own, working on his crossing and he’s preparing himself for when he gets that opportunity.”

Robertson made sure he took that chance and would go on to be Liverpool’s starting left-back for the next eight years.

Now, with regular football less forthcoming, he has chosen to leave at the age of 32, but he goes knowing that his work ethic and quality helped drive Liverpool back to the top of world football.

Robertson was a key figure in Klopp’s great Liverpool side and added another title under Arne Slot in 2025. The full-back finished by saying:

“I was guilty of, when I first came to the club I seen myself still as an opposition.

“I came in and I’m looking at Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Bobby Firmino and I still looked at them going, ‘I’m playing against these guys’.

“Whereas I had to start believing, ‘No, no. They’re my teammates and I’m going to start playing with them’.

“And I think it was more a belief thing than anything. The manager and his coaches done a good job in terms of telling what I had to do in terms of a full back: when to press, when to jump, all these little things that made Jurgen Klopp the manager that he is.

“But for me, it was more just trying to believe that I was a Liverpool player. I had to find that belief that I was at one of the best clubs in the world.”

Now, in 2026, Robertson is one of the senior figures who has been helping the next generation settle and understand what is expected.

Adblock test (Why?)

Can Spurs avoid unthinkable relegation?

Tottenham vs Everton, live on Sky Sports Main Event

Sunday 24th May 3:00pm Kick off 4:00pm

Tottenham's ever-present Premier League status is at stake on Sunday.

There are nine different final-day outcomes across the final-day games involving Spurs and West Ham - but only one scenario sends the club to the Championship, and that is if Roberto De Zerbi's side lose at home to Everton and West Ham beat Leeds at home.

What are the relegation permutations?

If Tottenham win, they will be safe.

If West Ham win, they need Tottenham to lose to ensure their survival.

Even if West Ham win, a draw would likely be enough for Tottenham, who have a superior goal difference. A draw will not be enough for West Ham.

If both teams lose, Tottenham will stay up.

The odds are nearly 90 per cent in Tottenham's favour for survival, but this is Spurs, and their fans will be fearing the worst.

What will heighten those nerves is Tottenham's abysmal home record. Winless in their last 10 home league matches and having won just twice at home in the league this season (D6 L10), the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become a place of dread and fear. The anxiety on Sunday will be like nothing ever seen before in N17.

With Spurs starting the day two points above 18th-placed West Ham and having a far superior goal difference over the Hammers, Tottenham only need a point to guarantee their safety against Everton.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jamie Redknapp criticises Spurs for their performances this season

When these two sides last met in late October, Spurs eased past the Toffees 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to sit third in the Premier League and just five points behind leaders Arsenal.

It is a position that seems scarcely believable now.

In the space of seven months, Spurs have had three different head coaches, lost six games in a row for the first time in the club's history and have been on a 15-match winless league run.

Yet the worst could still come, with a first relegation in 49 years looming.

Make no mistake, this is Tottenham's biggest game in recent history. The future of the club is on the line. Relegation is simply unthinkable.
Declan Olley

Arsenal to get the party started

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal, live on Sky Sports Premier League

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

We pick out the top ten moments that defined Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years.

The waiting is nearly over. On Sunday, Arsenal will get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years.

It will be a day of celebration in London, with Mikel Arteta's side playing their first match since they were crowned champions on Tuesday night. Sunday's images will be played around the world - and will last for generations.

The celebrations will start before the match itself, with Crystal Palace expected to give Arsenal a guard of honour before kick-off. That moment will go down nicely for Eberechi Eze - in his first game back at Selhurst Park since leaving Palace for Arsenal last summer.

Sunday 24th May 2:00pm Kick off 4:00pm

The game itself has little meaning - with both sides expected to rotate heavily and give their big stars a rest. Both teams have huge European finals next week - Palace have the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, before Arsenal take on PSG in next weekend's Champions League final.

But it will be a different story at full-time. Oliver Glasner will wave goodbye to Selhurst Park before he departs Palace this summer. Then Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will lift the Premier League trophy.

And just like on Tuesday night, the red half of north London will go into party mode. If neighbours Spurs end up getting relegated that afternoon, there will be even more to celebrate from an Arsenal perspective.
Sam Blitz

Guardiola's emotional goodbye to Man City

Man City vs Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports Action

Man City meet Aston Villa with virtually nothing to play for on the final day. Man City are guaranteed second by quite some distance and Villa nearly assured of fourth, albeit they can still be caught by Liverpool on goal difference. In terms of jeopardy, though, the game ranks low.

Where this occasion holds its significance is over the great Pep Guardiola, confirmed to be leaving Man City after a magical decade in charge.

All the signs were there that the end was nigh.

Image: Pep Guardiola is bidding farewell to Man City after 10 years in charge

The nostalgic tinge to his press conferences, the animated celebrations, even his casual attire - like mufti day at school when term is coming to a close. Enzo Maresca, Pep's supposed successor, is reported to already be making plans with sporting director Hugo Viana, looking towards a future with the intention of continuing the cycle of success Guardiola started.

And so this is much less game, more jamboree. A swansong. A last dance. At some point some players will probably turn up and a kick a football about in the sunshine.

But really this will be a chance for one of the Premier League's greatest, most decorated to bask in the adulation he deserves. The Etihad will be in peak party mode despite narrowly missing out on the Premier League title to Arsenal this week. A domestic cup double is not exactly a bad way to bow out.

Pep has already proven himself to be the ultimate winner; all that is left to do is celebrate his success.
Laura Hunter

West Ham praying for a miracle

West Ham vs Leeds, live on Sky Sports Football

West Ham will need the football gods to be looking down on them on Sunday.

For the most part, their own Premier League survival is out of their hands and the aim is simple - they need to win to give themselves any chance of staying up and relegating Tottenham.

This moment has been a long time coming. West Ham have been flirting with relegation, but perhaps a drop into the Championship with a squad clearout, new manager and new direction might be just what the club needs.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Jarrod Bowen says an inconsistent season has cost West Ham and feels it's 'just not good enough'.

Leeds have done well on the road recently too. They are unbeaten in their last seven in the Premier League away from home, drawing six - which would not be enough for the Hammers to stay up.

The memories of their dramatic FA Cup tie at the London Stadium from April will also be fresh. West Ham scored twice in injury time to force extra time, although Leeds ultimately won on penalties.

West Ham will be hoping the game swings in their favour this time round.
Charlotte Marsh

Will Salah and Robertson get their Liverpool farewells?

Liverpool vs Brentford, live on Sky Sports+

All eyes will be on the Liverpool team sheet at 2.45pm on Sunday to see if both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson take on Brentford in what should be the duo's final appearances for the club.

'Should', as it will be up to head coach Arne Slot to make the final call for a fixture which, although highly unlikely, could yet result in the Reds missing out on Champions League football next season.

That would take a strange set of results, including Liverpool losing to the Bees and Bournemouth winning at Nottingham Forest, as well as a six-goal swing in goal difference

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Andy Robertson reacts to messages from former Liverpool team-mates and Jurgen Klopp, with the defender set to leave the club at the end of the season.

But Salah's recent criticism of the club's style of play under Slot, on the back of his attack of the Dutchman in December, could see him benched for his Liverpool farewell, while Robertson has not started the previous two games having mostly served as Milos Kerkez's backup all season.

Some have called on Slot to make an example of Salah - back to full fitness now after a recent hamstring injury - and play his strongest XI with next season in mind, which would also mean Kerkez getting the nod over Robertson.

Liverpool vs Brentford permutations

• Liverpool need just a point to be mathematically sure of Champions League qualification
• Brentford need to win at Anfield to finish seventh and make it into next season's Europa League
• But the Bees would then need Chelsea and Brighton both fail to win at Sunderland and home to Man Utd respectively.

But with the Liverpool boss also under mounting pressure himself after an underwhelming title defence, just how would that go down with the Anfield faithful?
Rich Morgan

Brighton-Man Utd script flips as Seagulls aim for Europe

Brighton vs Man Utd, live on Sky Sports Tennis

This very fixture took place on the final day of the season two years ago, and it was Man Utd who needed to win and for results to go their way for their European hopes. This time, it's the Seagulls' turn.

Man Utd can't go any higher or lower than third. This is as meaningless an end-of-season game as you can get for them. However, Brighton's future is all to play for.

The odds are slim, but there is a scenario where sixth place is enough for a place in next season's Champions League. And that could belong to Fabian Hurzeler’s men if they win and Bournemouth lose to Nottingham Forest, owing to the Seagulls’ superior goal difference.

They can’t worry too much about that. They need to focus on getting the job done themselves. And history is on their side. Brighton have come out on top in three of the last four meetings at the Amex between these two sides.

Brighton's European permutations

• If Aston Villa finish fifth, Bournemouth lose and Brighton win, Brighton secure Champions League qualifcation.
• If Aston Villa finish fourth and Brighton win, Brighton secure Europa League qualifcation.
• If Brighton lose and one of Chelsea, Sunderland Brentford win, Brighton secure Conference League qualification.
• If Brighton lose and two of Chelsea, Sunderland and Brentford win, Brighton miss out on Europe.

It wouldn’t be the ideal end of Michael Carrick's initial half-season spell in charge, but he is already guaranteed to stay on having signed on until 2028. With nothing to play for, he may choose to rotate his side. And given the question marks surrounding the depth of the Man Utd squad, that could play into Brighton's hands.
Callum Bishop

Can Sunderland finish above Newcastle?

Sunderland vs Chelsea, live on Sky Sports+

While Sunderland are still in the hunt for a European finish, they will also be hoping to get one over on their local rivals by finishing above them in the Premier League table.

The Black Cats are 10th, two points above Eddie Howe's side. Sunderland have not finished above the Magpies since the 2016/17 season, when Sunderland were 20th in the Premier League and Newcastle won the Championship.

Regis Le Bris' team still have the chance to finish in seventh, although would need to win their game and hope Brighton and Brentford both lose. They have not finished in the position since 2000/01, with their best Premier League finish since then coming in 2010/11, when they were 10th.

Sunderland vs Chelsea permutations

• Sunderland need to win and hope Brentford and Brighton lose their matches.
• Chelsea also need a win to give themselves the best chance of European football. However, a draw would also likely be enough if Brentford also draw against Liverpool due to goal difference.

A home win would also see Chelsea drop out of European contention in what has been the most turbulent of seasons. The will need to arrest a poor run of form away from home too, having not won any of their last four games on the road in all competitions.

They too need three points to ensure they are playing some form of European football next season under Xabi Alonso.
Charlotte Marsh

Cherries fans will have one eye on Anfield & Etihad

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports+ and Sky One

Bournemouth will have all eyes on both the Etihad and Anfield on Sunday as they look to seal an unlikely spot in next season's Champions League in what is also Andoni Iraola's final game in charge.

And that is because Aston Villa's Europa League win in midweek has opened the door for a sixth qualification spot in Europe's premier club competition next season, but crucially only if Unai Emery's side finish fifth.

Forest vs Bournemouth permutations

• Bournemouth will finish fifth if they beat Nottingham Forest and overturn a six-goal swing in goal difference with Liverpool losing to Brentford.
• Bournemouth need a point to confirm sixth place
• Bournemouth will finish sixth if they get a point at Forest

For that to happen, Villa must lose at Man City and Liverpool must also beat Brentford at Anfield, while the Cherries themselves will need a point in their clash at Nottingham Forest to be guaranteed to finish in sixth - unless Brighton fail to beat Man Utd at home.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City.

So it will be an afternoon for Bournemouth fans to have the Sky Sports app downloaded as they learn their European fate.

A final Fulham game for Silva?

Fulham vs Newcastle, live on Sky Sports+

Image: Marco Silva could manage his final Fulham game this weekend against Newcastle

Fulham host Newcastle on Sunday, with both sides' hopes of European football having recently come to an end.

There is a feeling of uncertainty among the Craven Cottage faithful, who continue to wonder whether they will be seeing Marco Silva in the dugout come the start of next season.

With reports of a move to Benfica persisting, Silva's deal is up this summer, having established Fulham as a top-flight side since winning promotion from the Championship in 2022.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Wolves’ match against Fulham in the Premier League

Victory would see Silva's men equal a club record for most Premier League wins (15) in a season. But with just two league victories in their last nine, and having failed to score in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions, Fulham seem to be closing out the year with a whimper.

Alongside the Silva saga, there are the impending departures of their two top scorers this year - Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez - so it's easy to see why there's a sense of unease among the fanbase.

A win might just lift the mood ahead of a big summer. But it's far from a guarantee against a Newcastle side looking to avoid a lowest league finish (11th) since their 2021 takeover.
Adam Howarth

One final battle left for Burnley and Wolves

Burnley vs Wolves, live on Sky Sports+

Come Monday morning, Burnley and Wolves will be breathing a sigh of relief.

The managerless Clarets are 11 league games without a victory and Rob Edwards' side have won just three times all season. Relegation was confirmed long ago and the misery will finally be over.

There is one last fight for both, though: to avoid finishing bottom of the pile.

Wolves have been relegated from the Premier League twice and finished 20th on both occasions, while Burnley have dropped four times, but twice in 18th and twice in 19th.

Based on last season, finishing 19th is worth £2.5m more than finishing 20th. A drop in the ocean in Premier League terms, but a sum not to be sniffed at nonetheless.

But it's also a chance for these two to get one final feel for one another before they go into the Sky Bet Championship next season, more than likely as two of the favourites for promotion.
Dan Long

Adblock test (Why?)

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, signed within weeks of each other in the summer of 2017, will bid farewell to Anfield against Brentford on Sunday - two era-defining figures whose journeys have helped reshape Liverpool’s modern history.

Both crucially came with points to prove to all the doubters that ultimately made them into the players they are today and will see them leave on the Mount Rushmore of Liverpool greats, having won every single trophy possible during their nine years together in the team.

Jurgen Klopp had wanted then Bayer Leverkusen forward Julian Brandt to occupy the vacancy on the right hand side of the Reds' attack, only for the German to get cold feet over the move, unsure he would get enough game time at Anfield.

Instead, Klopp was persuaded by the club's data analysts - including Dr Ian Graham and current chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group Michael Edwards - to pivot instead to sign Salah from AS Roma for £34.3m. That was despite his underwhelming year at Chelsea between 2014 and 2015 that produced just two Premier League goals.

As for Robertson, the Scot was brought in from recently relegated Hull City for just £8m having only a few years earlier been packing shelves at M&S while turning out for amateur side Queens Park in Glasgow's South side.

"I remember my first impression was that he [Salah] was exactly what we needed," recalls former team-mate Adam Lallana on Sky Sports documentary 'Mo Salah: When he was King'.

Image: Mohamed Salah (left) and Andrew Robertson both joined the Reds in the summer of 2017 (Getty)

"In the first week of training he was just completely different to what we had. His attitude and application immediately was at the level. What I could see straight away was that he'd already played in the Premier League. He understood the mindset, the pace of the league, and it was like he had a big, big, big point to prove."

Salah hit the ground running, scoring on his debut at Watford en route to a record-breaking first season with the Reds, although it took his fellow new arrival longer to adjust to his surroundings.

"I like everything about what you're doing offensively and I don't think I like anything of the things you do defensively," Klopp recalls telling Robertson when they first met at his house in Formby to discuss the left back's move to Anfield.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Following Mohamed Salah's announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, we look back at his first Sky Sports interview at the club

Despite like Salah also making his Reds bow in August 2017, Robertson actually had to wait four more months to nail down a regular spot in the team after an ankle injury to first-choice left-back Alberto Moreno - one he has not relinquished until this season.

And it was a memorable seven-goal thriller with Man City at Anfield in January 2018 that personified just what this duo was all about, with Salah scoring an outrageous long-range lob as the soon-to-be champions lost for the first time that season. Robertson, meanwhile, enacted a manic press that went viral at the time and has since been used by various managers - including current Reds boss Arne Slot - as part of their coaching sessions.

"I think we all remember the press versus Man City, many, many managers showed that to their players. I was one of them," the Dutchman has revealed.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mohamed Salah twisted through the Watford defence before brilliantly finishing at the far post - is this the Liverpool forward's best Premier League goal?

That encounter was the first time the pair had played together against Pep Guardiola's side in what was the start of an intense rivalry between the clubs, but tellingly it was also a fixture that brought out the best in both.

Salah has scored nine league goals for the Reds against City, including a sizzling solo effort at Anfield in October 2021, while Robertson created another for him in a crucial home win over their rivals in November 2019 en route to a first title for 30 years.

In fact, that is one of 60 assists from the Scot, just four behind the Premier League record for a defender held by his former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the two marauding full backs going on to revolutionise the role during their time together at Anfield.

"He is maybe the player that changed that position into a player that constantly goes up and down, important on both sides of the pitch," said Slot of his left back. "One of the full backs that changed that position."

Salah has also broken a few records along the way, starting with his debut campaign that saw him score 32 times, the most in a 38-game Premier League season, while his current total of 283 goal involvements for one club - many of them outrageous efforts - is unmatched in the Premier League era.

Those include 13 against Liverpool's biggest rivals Man Utd - more than against any other team - as well as nine against old foes Everton, as Ian Rush, the club's all-time record scorer, notes.

Did you know?

Salah is the joint eighth highest goal scorer at Old Trafford in the 2020s

"For me, what makes him special among the fans is the goals he scores against Everton and Manchester United," he said on 'Mo Salah: When he was King'.

"You can go on all day when he's asking about his goals against Everton and United and I think when you're scoring goals against them teams, you become someone special with the fans."

And it says everything about the Egyptian's supreme conditioning over the years that last season, aged 32, he produced his best-ever campaign in front of goal, including a league-high 29 goals and 18 assists, to help fire the Reds to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

I am still tired just looking at Robertson. He makes 100-metre sprints every minute, absolutely incredible, and these are qualities. Then Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho in Dec 2018

How will they both be remembered then after bowing out together on Sunday having won nine major trophies and featured in 818 matches in all competitions for the club?

Well, Robertson has been much more than just an energetic full back who could press, with the Scotland captain first and foremost a highly accomplished defender who became the best player in his position in the world while also forming a devatating partnership with Sadio Mane down Liverpool's left flank during their time together at Anfield.

As for Salah, sometimes it is best to just let the numbers do the talking and nothing illustrates his impact at Liverpool more than the fact that since his debut for the club, the forward ranks No 1 in the Premier League for goals, total shots, shots on target and assists.

"He came in, not relatively unknown, but not a massive transfer fee," says Lallana. "And I think nobody expected him to do what he did.

"But there was one person that did and that was himself, and he became the best player in the world at the time and he became one of the greatest players at the club and that's a special legacy to have."

Sunday 24th May 3:00pm Kick off 4:00pm

The duo have also been hugely influential presences in the dressing room and their combined loss of experience - both will lead their country at this summer's World Cup - will be near impossible to replace at Anfield.

And while their final season at the club has been, for different reasons, largely one to forget, that will in no way impact how they are viewed by the club's fans - as two of Liverpool's all-time greats.

Perhaps, though, it is fitting to leave the final word to Robertson, who neatly encapsulated their nine trophy-laden years together by telling his team-mate: "We started together and I'm glad we're going to end this incredible journey together."

Watch Mo Salah and Andy Robertson's final Liverpool game against Brentford on Sky Sports+ from 3pm on Sunday; kick-off 4pm

Adblock test (Why?)

Liverpool transfer news and rumours, including the latest on Bradley Barcola, Jarrod Bowen, Yan Diomande, and others

Liverpool transfer news and rumours, including the latest on Bradley Barcola, Jarrod Bowen, Yan Diomande, and others

Liverpool are hosting Brentford in the Premier League this weekend in the final fixture of the 2025/26 season

Liverpool are hosting Brentford in the Premier League this weekend in the final fixture of the 2025/26 season

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid 12 months ago, and one former Premier League footballer thinks he hasn't been replaced

Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid 12 months ago, and one former Premier League footballer thinks he hasn't been replaced

The final Blood Red column of the season focuses on Andy Robertson, Liverpool's poor season and why the impact of Diogo Jota's death cannot be overlooked so easily

The final Blood Red column of the season focuses on Andy Robertson, Liverpool's poor season and why the impact of Diogo Jota's death cannot be overlooked so easily

Inside Xabi Alonso's Chelsea appointment and why Liverpool did not turn to manager seeking 'mentality monsters'

Xabi Alonso wants to turn Chelsea into 'mentality monsters' and the club will support him with at least two new top-level signings

Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson and more232

Adblock test (Why?)

Arne Slot says another transitional summer cannot be used as an excuse at Liverpool as he targets a massive improvement going forward

Arne Slot says another transitional summer cannot be used as an excuse at Liverpool as he targets a massive improvement going forward

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday's newspapers...

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have sensationally reached out to Jurgen Klopp as they consider the future of Arne Slot, with Andoni Iraola the number one target for the Reds if they sack Slot, but it is unclear whether the contact with Klopp is by means of asking for his advice or as a managerial candidate - The Sun

Liverpool are close to appointing Etienne Reijnen to their coaching team in a move that will remove speculation about Arne Slot's future - The Telegraph

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool in their bid to strengthen the wide attacking positions this summer - The Athletic

Liverpool are working on a deal to sign emerging Colombian talent Samuel Martinez - Daily Mail

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News

Back Pages is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm.

Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Back Pages podcast.

ENGLAND

England boss Thomas Tuchel's reservations about forward Cole Palmer's personality led to his World Cup squad omission - The Sun

The Football Association is worried England's World Cup training ground in Kansas City lacks privacy and will try to erect protective fences to guard against the team being spied on by rivals - The Guardian

PREMIER LEAGUE

Bayer Leverkusen are ready to offer Andoni Iraola an alternative to Crystal Palace should the Spaniard decide to leave the Premier League - The Telegraph

Real Madrid will make a move to sign Enzo Fernandez, while Manchester City are also interested, but that may depend on the future of Rodri - The Independent

Manchester United are expected to resume talks with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, with the Italians looking for a fee of £34.5m plus a further £4.3m in add-ons after seeing a deal with Atletico Madrid break down - Daily Mail

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Valentin Barco from Strasbourg this summer - Fabrizio Romano

Legendary defender Thiago Silva is still weighing up his options after announcing his Porto exit, but a coaching role at Chelsea's academy for the 41-year-old is not on the table at present - BBC Sport

Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders will leave the club at the end of the season - The Athletic

Glenn Hoddle has launched a withering attack on club captain Cristian Romero for his plan to stay in Argentina this weekend rather than support Tottenham in their relegation decider with Everton - Daily Mail

WORLD CUP

Brazil will have to play the waiting game to find out if Neymar will be available for the final warm-up games before the World Cup - ESPN

Congo's team must isolate for 21 days or risk the ability to enter the US for the World Cup as the country deals with an outbreak of Ebola, said Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup - ESPN

A one-of-a-kind Cristiano Ronaldo trading card sold for $1.35 m in a private sale, according to Fanatics Collect, which says it brokered the deal - The Athletic

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Hearts want to sign York City star Malachi Fagan-Walcott in a significant six-figure deal - Daily Record

Motherwell face the prospect of losing Elijah Just this summer, following the departure of boss Jens Berthel Askou - Daily Record

WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

A proposal to allow four academy sides from Women's Super League clubs to join the third tier from 2027 has been approved by the FA Women's National League board - The Guardian

Captivate This content is provided by Captivate, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Captivate cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Captivate cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Captivate cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once CRICKET

England's best all-format players are likely to miss home Tests in 2028 because of a direct clash with cricket's long-awaited return to the Olympics - The Telegraph

BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk has been so focused in his training camp to fight Rico Verhoeven that he has banned his phone and family from the gym - The Sun

Adblock test (Why?)

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

Join our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day's top stories straight to your mobile

One year on: EOTK's tribute to Alex South – the former LFC defender who played with Liddell & Paisley

The post Arne Slot directly responds to rumours of Salah and Van Dijk’s new contracts being signed appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.