Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester United in the Premier League

Paul Gorst's weekend Blood Red column assesses whether Liverpool need to target some experience and leadership in the upcoming transfer window

Paul Gorst's weekend Blood Red column assesses whether Liverpool need to target some experience and leadership in the upcoming transfer window

Arne Slot says the time to properly judge Liverpool's season will be at the end of the campaign as Manchester United lie in wait on Sunday

Arne Slot says the time to properly judge Liverpool's season will be at the end of the campaign as Manchester United lie in wait on Sunday

Liverpool is losing Mohamed Salah this summer, with Arne Slot yet to see the best of Swedish forward Alexander Isak since his big-money move from Newcastle last yearPaul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent and Matt Addison Liverpool FC Reporter

22:35, 01 May 2026

Alexander Isak during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arne Slot says Liverpool will need to get more out of its $169 million (£125 million) striker Alexander Isak next season in order to cope with the loss of Mohamed Salah, who is leaving after nine years.

The deal that saw Isak arrive at Liverpool from Newcastle on September 1 was a British record fee, but a lack of match sharpness and then a broken leg have meant that the Swede is yet to get going in a Reds jersey.

Remarkably, it was only last weekend that he scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield, netting the opener in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace that edged Liverpool closer to confirming a Champions League spot.

READ MORE: 4 things spotted in Liverpool training before Man Utd after Alisson update and injury boostREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp won't join Real Madrid - but there is one job that could see him return to coaching

"[Getting the most from Isak] is definitely part of thinking about the [Salah] replacement," Slot said. "Because since I have been here — and it is the same at a lot of clubs — it is mainly a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left.

"I have seen Alex scoring also a lot from crosses which were played from the right, right footed — Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses, if you want to call them like that.

"So that is definitely part of how we are looking at things, but we try to sign the best possible available player who we can afford.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during a training session.(Image: Nikki Dyer - Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"Something else which also happens at certain clubs is: ‘OK, that is the best player in the world in that position, let’s try and get him.’

"That is not how we work. We try and sign the best possible player who is available for us."

Salah is not the only player who will leave Liverpool this summer. Andy Robertson is set to depart as well, with Slot's roster set to be light of two huge members of the squad in terms of leadership and experience.

"I think the transition hasn't been completed yet," Slot added. "And by that I mean this cycle, the players that won the Champions League and Premier League with Jurgen [Klopp].

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"I think if you look now, it might only be Virgil [van Dijk] and Joe [Gomez] contracted to the club. So, yeah, again this summer, as a minimum of two will leave, so you can say you are at the end of a transition, there's still a transition to be done.

"We know Hugo [Ekitike] will be out for a long, long time. We haven't used Alex [Isak] this season hardly, so there is a lot to win and improve with this group of players we have now and next season.

"We all know the longer a team plays together, the better they get. That makes complete sense, and this summer will see a few changes again because Robbo and Mo are already leaving the club."

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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been speaking about his former teammate, Mohamed Salah, ahead of the Egyptian leaving Liverpool this summer after nine years with the Premier League side

21:10, 01 May 2026

Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid.(Image: Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Trent Alexander-Arnold says Mohamed Salah has matched Steven Gerrard at Liverpool ahead of the Egyptian departing this summer after nine years at the club.

Now at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold won every major trophy in the club game alongside Salah when they were at Anfield together, and he had some kind words for the 33-year-old forward ahead of this weekend's trip to Manchester United.

"For me, I have always said Stevie is the number one, but I would put them both in the number one spot now, for sure," Alexander-Arnold said in a video message for Sky Sports.

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah reveals Liverpool injury return plan and selfless hope for surprise extra send-offREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp won't join Real Madrid - but there is one job that could see him return to coaching

Speaking on the same video, Andy Robertson, who is also leaving Liverpool this summer, added: "He came in for not a massive transfer fee from Roma and nobody expected him to do what he did. But there was one person who did, and that was himself."

Salah will miss out on playing at Old Trafford for a final time because of a hamstring injury. But he says he will be back in time to face Brentford in the last game of the season in the absolute worst-case scenario.

Alexander-Arnold was among a number of people, including Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland and Declan Rice, to send a message of congratulations to Salah ahead of his summer departure.

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Jurgen Klopp also sent a heartfelt message to the player that he brought to the club in 2017. Salah has gone on to score 257 goals for Liverpool and he will hope to further add to that tally this month.

"Wow. Time flies. You leave with a smile on your face, and you leave loved by so many people," Klopp said.

"The best thing you can do is to work hard and put everything in, so that when we meet in the future — in five, 10, 15, 20 years — we look back and share the best memories of our lives."

Salah's old skipper, Jordan Henderson, was also a part of the video. The pair won everything together before he left to sign for Al Ettifaq in 2023.

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"As time went on, his confidence grew," Henderson explained. "Then what that does is create a culture where everyone starts to step up."

Salah said in a TNT Sports interview with Steven Gerrard — the manager who signed Henderson from Liverpool — that he wants Reds fans to give Henderson a belated send-off.

Henderson left unexpectedly and was therefore not afforded the celebration of his Liverpool tenure before his exit. However, he is now at Brentford, who the Reds play in their final match of the campaign.

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"You know how passionate he is and how much he loved the club," Salah said. "I really wish that the club can do something for him and the fans also, because this is Liverpool and we do it this way."

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Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has outlined when he hopes to return from injury ahead of his summer exit, and why he wants his final game to be about Jordan Henderson as well

20:08, 01 May 2026

Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah in an interview for TNT Sports.(Image: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah has selflessly revealed that he wants Jordan Henderson to get a belated Liverpool send-off on the final day of this season, alongside himself and Andy Robertson.

Salah and Robertson have both confirmed that they will be departing the Reds when the campaign comes to an end. Henderson left Anfield in the summer of 2023, but the deal that saw him move to Saudi Arabia was done during the close season and came as a surprise, meaning he didn't get a chance to get a proper goodbye.

While Salah and Robertson will take center stage once the Brentford game is played, Henderson will be at Anfield with his new side and could be a part of the post-match ceremonies that will take place to honor some club legends.

READ MORE: 4 things spotted in Liverpool training before Man Utd after Alisson update and injury boostREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp won't join Real Madrid - but there is one job that could see him return to coaching

"There is no better place to mention it than with you," Salah told Steven Gerrard in an interview for TNT Sports. "I think the last game of the season against Brentford, people in the city know how much it meant to Hendo also.

"Being here, captain of the club, for 12 years — more than me, more than Virgil, more than Robbo, more than anyone. He didn't get the send-off or the farewell that he deserved because he left immediately.

"I don't know how the club is going to manage it and I have no plan. I don't know how the supporters will also manage it, but I really wish they do something special for him.

Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool ace was substituted against Crystal Palace.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I've been there in the dressing room and without him, we wouldn't have achieved what we achieved. I really hope that the fans will give him a good send-off.

"You know how passionate he is and how much he loved the club. I really wish that the club can do something for him and the fans also, because this is Liverpool and we do it this way."

Asked if he would be back in time to face Brentford, Salah almost looked surprised at the question. "The injury is fine," Salah said. "I will definitely [play in the final game of the season] and probably before that, hopefully."

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Arne Slot was asked about Salah in his pre-match press conference ahead of taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

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"As we know from Mo, he's always working incredibly hard during the season when he's fit, but definitely also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible," Slot said.

"That's what he's trying now so well. Usually he's earlier fit than other players after a minor injury — because he has a minor injury.

"We expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday."

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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.

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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.

The Sky Sports campaign to try and destabilise Alexander Isak and get him out of Newcastle United is relentless, with the likes of Paul Merson and others, always willing to...

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