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Liverpool are reportedly at risk of losing an off-field “genius” this summer, amid claims that a Saudi Pro League club are interested in snapping him up.

A busy summer awaits at Liverpool

After some relatively quiet summers in recent years, under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, this upcoming transfer window has the potential to be the busiest in a long time at Anfield, with lots of funds set to come the Reds’ way.

Jeremie Frimpong is believed to be closing in on a move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, filling the upcoming void that will be left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, not to mention also being able to thrive as a right-winger.

Meanwhile, the Reds are said to have held talks with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez over a summer switch, with the Hungarian seen as the leading option to be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor on Merseyside.

There are also expected to be plenty of summer exits alongside Alexander-Arnold, with doubts over the futures of players all over the pitch, from Jarell Quansah to Darwin Nunez. It is going to be a busy period for the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes behind the scenes, but now a major update has dropped regarding the former.

Liverpool at risk of losing "genius" Edwards after Saudi approach

According to a worrying update from Give Me Sport journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool CEO of Football Edwards is wanted by Saudi club Al-Ahli, as they look to steal him away from the Reds this summer.

The report claims that the transfer guru has been “approached” by them to “discuss a senior role” there, adding that they “hold a firm desire to try and appoint Edwards, even though he is relatively new to his current job” at Anfield, having previously been sporting director there. Edwards isn’t actively looking to leave Merseyside, however, he “does see appeal in speaking to clubs wishing to overhaul their sporting department”.

Losing Edwards would be an undoubted blow for Liverpool and FSG, considering his reputation in the game, being considered as one of the best sporting directors of his generation, masterminding the signings of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, among others.

Virgil van Dijk

2018

£75m

Mohamed Salah

2017

£37m

Sadio Mane

2016

£34m

Alisson

2018

£67m

Andy Robertson

2017

£10m

Fabinho

2018

£39m

Gini Wijnaldum

2016

£25m

Joel Matip

2016

Free

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

2017

£35m

Takumi Minamino

2020

£7.25m

His influence hasn’t been lost on former Reds CEO Peter Moore, who has said of him: “Analytical genius. The ability to look at data and then look at the players. This is why I bring up the Dave Fallows and the Barry Hunters, it’s one thing looking at data but you need boots on the ground and eyes on the pitch.”

Hopefully, Edwards will feel that he is still new to his CEO role and has plenty more to achieve at Liverpool, but the financial lure of the Saudi Pro League is obvious.

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It would be a step in the wrong direction if he did decide to once again leave Liverpool for a new challenge, at a time when things are going so smoothly both on and off the pitch.

A £70m Premier League forward is now “in the frame” to join Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Man Utd pursuing new forward

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Man United this season, with Ruben Amorim perhaps relying on Bruno Fernandes a little too often, and the manager has now set out to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

An out-and-out striker is of particular interest, and United have now held talks over the signing of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, which have progressed well, while they are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.

Cunha is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the Red Devils working to finalise a deal soon, which means the next task may be to strengthen their wide options, and they have now set their sights on a Premier League winger.

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According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is “definitely in the frame to join Man United this summer”, having caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League this season.

Brown said: “Man United have been impressed by Semenyo this season. He certainly didn’t do himself any harm with that performance on Sunday.

“He fits the bill of the type of player Ruben Amorim is looking for, he’s strong, quick, he’s got plenty of energy and works hard, he’s good in shooting situations and good in the air too.

“They’ll know all of that and they’ll know his weaknesses too from watching him this season.

“Amorim likes to play his 3-4-3 system, and Semenyo could fit into any of those three positions, so that’s another point in his favour.”

"Sensational" Semenyo shining for Bournemouth

It has been a steady rise to the top for Semenyo, who has worked his way up the English pyramid, spending time at Newport County and Bristol City before establishing himself as a key player for Bournemouth.

This season has been the Ghanaian’s best to date, picking up nine goals and six assists in the Premier League, most recently setting up Dean Huijsen’s equalising goal with a long throw in the Cherries’ 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Brown believes the “sensational” 25-year-old would be a perfect fit in Amorim’s system, which could also make him an appealing option, with the manager in need of players capable of flourishing in his three-at-the-back formation.

Given his age, Semenyo’s best years could still be ahead of him, and his exploits in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, although the rumoured £70m price tag is a little on the expensive side.

In all the money they have spent over the past few summers, Chelsea have not been afraid to splash the big bucks on players from within the Premier League.

Without doubt, the best example of that is Moises Caicedo, who cost them a British record fee of £115m.

In fact, Brighton and Hove Albion has been a club they have regularly turned to for new players. They have also signed Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella from the Seagulls, of course, also previously hiring Graham Potter from the south coast.

On top of those additions, they have signed the likes of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers and have also dipped into the loan market, temporarily signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.

Now, they might be set to repeat the feat in the summer transfer window once again.

Chelsea’s new Premier League target

One man who could be of interest to several elite Premier League clubs this summer is Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Ghanaian attacker has impressed at West Ham United during his time there, and they may be forced to sell him in the next transfer window.

Well, according to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of the sides interested in signing Kudus this summer. They are thought to be ‘monitoring his situation’ ahead of a potential transfer saga in the coming months.

It could well be one of the sagas of the window, too. Chelsea might have to go head-to-head with two divisional rivals in order to sign the attacker.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also thought to be interested, with Football Insider reporting that he could cost upwards of £85m for English top flight clubs. Saudi side Al-Nassr could also make a move, but would have to pay £125m.

How Kudus could help Cole Palmer at Chelsea

It has not quite been the electric season Kudus might have hoped for this term in a Hammers shirt. He has only managed three goals and two assists in the Premier League, having made 27 appearances so far.

That is a far cry from his numbers in the previous campaign. The Ghana international notched up an impressive eight goals and nine assists in the 2023/24 Premier League season, in just 33 games.

He has shown quite a lot of inconsienty this term, having not scored in the top flight since his goal against Brighton at the London Stadium in December, just days before Christmas. It has now been 15 Premier League games without a goal for Kudus, although he did grab an assist against Bournemouth three games ago.

There is a Chelsea star going on a similarly lean run of form at the moment, Cole Palmer. Despite the fact he has 14 goals and nine assists this term in the top flight, the England international has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks.

It has now been 11 top flight games for the former Manchester City star since he last scored, against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge in the middle of January. Given the talent Palmer has, that might certainly be a surpise.

Well, just maybe Kudus can help spark Palmer back into life again next season. Even though it has been a campaign in which he has struggled, the creativity numbers as per FBref have still been noteworthy. For example, he averages 2.66 progressive passes this season, ranking him in the top 15% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues.

Key passes

1.07

63rd

Passes into final third

1.45

83rd

Passes into penalty area

0.97

89th

Progressive passes

2.66

85th

Shot-creating actions

3.84

95th

Making the move to Chelsea could certainly reinvigorate Kudus’ career. It has not exactly been an easy season for West Ham, with the change of coach and the fact they find themselves not too far from the relegation zone.

With Kudus’ natural ability on the ball, particularly when carrying forwards, and the creative spark he has, it should pair well with Palmer, who would benefit from another player on his wavelength.

The Ghana star is a “beast” in the words of Antonio Mango, and he could really elevate Chelsea and help bring the best out of one of their most important players.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou’s future appears more and more likely to be away from north London, and his potential exit could have a knock-on effect when it comes to Spurs keeping a “top-class” player this summer.

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Last week, Postecoglou conceded that the general sentiment around his position was that he could be sacked regardless of how the Lilywhites perform in Europe.

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This remains the case, especially after Spurs’ seventeenth Premier League defeat of the campaign against Wolves, with journalist John Cross of The Mirror reporting of a “growing belief” that Postecoglou may well be fired even if they win the Europa League.

Supporters will be very keen to put this season behind them following a 2024/2025 of historic lows, and there is a serious lack of confidence in Postecoglou being the right man to take them forward, regardless of the Australian’s misfortune with injuries.

In terms of Tottenham’s managerial targets to replace Postecoglou, it is believed Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi are all admired.

Spurs’ managerial situation also appears set to play a key role in keeping their best players at the club this summer, as well as attracting key transfer targets.

Defender Cristian Romero is rumoured to be pushing for an exit from Tottenham, amid interest from La Liga heavyweights Atlético and Real Madrid, while striker Richarlison is another who’s repeatedly been linked with a departure.

The Brazil international has been unable to showcase his best this campaign due to consistent injury problems, but did score against Wolves over the weekend and has impressed in flashes under Postecoglou when given the chance.

As well as Romero, it has been claimed that Richarlison is also keen on leaving Tottenham (Football Insider), and South American journalist Jorge Nicola reported earlier this month that the £60 million forward is a target for the likes of Palmeiras, Fluminense and Flamengo – even if the cost of an operation makes their moves for him unlikely.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an interesting update on his future.

Richarlison could decide to stay at Tottenham if Postecoglou is sacked

Writing for The Boot Room, Bailey reports that Richarlison could decide to stay at Tottenham if Postecoglou is sacked, due to the prospect of a new manager potentially being keen to work with him.

However, while the 27-year-old threatens to perform a full U-turn over leaving N17, Spurs’ stance is that they’d like to find a permanent buyer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.

While Richarlison’s suffered from a lack of availability when he has played, the former Everton star’s notched an impressive 16 goals and five assists over the last two seasons under Postecoglou – so there can be no complaints about his return in the final third.

Perhaps a fresh face in the dugout can revitalise Richarlison, who’s been called a “top-class” player for Spurs in the past (Paul Robinson).

Nottingham Forest have now held talks with the agents of a £25 million winger who has also been contacted by Serie A champions Inter Milan, according to a new report.

Marinakis chasing attacking reinforcements ahead of busy summer

The Reds’ Champions League hopes suffered a blow over the weekend, as not only were they beaten by Everton but the teams around them won to close the gap in the race to finish in the top five. Forest are still in a good position to finish in a European spot, but Nuno Espirito Santo and co. are desperate for a Champions League berth given how long they have been in the top three this season.

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Securing a place in the Champions League could see owner Evangelos Marinakis unleash the purse strings and spend big, as he wants his club to continue their rise in England and abroad. It’s been recently reported that Forest are keen on signing Clayton, a striker who is currently on loan at Rio Ave from Vasco da Gama.

That loan is expected to turn into a permanent switch, and given Marinakis owns Rio Ave, it makes the Reds’ pursuit easier, as it could cost them as little as £9 million to get it completed.

As well as looking at Clayton, Nuno’s side are also keeping their options open, and it’s been reported that the Reds are willing to fork out £75 million to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the Brazilian is wanted by several teams from the Premier League and could cause quite a chase in the market this summer.

Nottingham Forest hold talks with agents of £25m winger Henrique

The options for improving their attacking threat for next season don’t stop there, as according to L’Equipe, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in talks with Luis Henrique’s agents over a possible move to the City Ground this summer.

The report states that the Reds are very much interested in signing the 23-year-old, so much so that they have held talks with his entourage, and Marseille are potentially open to a sale as they look to balance their books.

His age, physicality and versatility make him a ‘rare profile’, but Forest are not the only Premier League team interested, as Newcastle United are also keen on the Brazilian, who has seven goals in Ligue 1 this season.

Both English teams face a further obstacle, as Inter Milan and AC Milan are also keen on signing the winger, with Inter president Giuseppe Marotta holding talks with Lyon director Medhi Benatia. The report does go on to state that Henrique’s agents could be using Forest and Newcastle’s interest to ramp up the pressure on Inter, who are very keen on a deal.

Apps

104

Goals

11

Assists

14

Henrique, who has been dubbed “explosive” by football scout Jacek Kulig, has been with Marseille since September 2020, and during that time, he’s played in multiple positions across the attack, much like Forest’s current group of wingers. It’s been previously reported that the French side may want as much as £25 million before they consider his departure.

Nottingham Forest are now monitoring a £40 million striker as a cheaper alternative to Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest hatch plan to sign Gyokeres

The Reds are firmly in the hunt for a top four spot this season, and if that is sealed, owner Evangelos Marinakis may be planning to spend big, looking to the likes of Aston Villa as examples of how to spend effectively to cement European status.

Nuno Santo will of course want to add more depth and quality to his squad if Champions League football is secured, and one surprise name that has emerged on their list is Gyokeres.

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The Sweden international has been linked with every big club around Europe, but that hasn’t put Forest off from putting their name forward in a bid to secure his signature. It was first reported last month that Forest were in contact with Gyokeres’ representatives over a move to the City Ground, seeing him as the ‘ideal’ long-term successor to Chris Wood.

In a new report, it has now been stated that Forest are willing to offer Jota Silva in a swap deal for Gyokeres. The Sporting CP manager is a big fan of Silva, and Marinakis hopes offering him can help them secure a deal for the star striker. But it could still be a hefty transfer for the Reds, as Gyokeres is said to be valued between £50-58 million.

Nottingham Forest now look towards Bournemouth star Evanilson

While Forest remain interested in signing Gyokeres, they are also looking at other options, potentially cheaper ones, and according to TBR Football, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Evanilson from AFC Bournemouth.

The report states that the Reds are closely monitoring the Bournemouth striker, as they were interested in securing a deal for him last summer before he joined the Cherries in a deal worth £40 million. The report goes on to add that current Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi is likely going to be allowed to leave come the end of the season, and therefore, Evanilson could be his ideal replacement, as he could provide sterner competition for Wood.

Forest are not the only team from the Premier League taking notice of the Brazilian international, as Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keeping a close eye on his situation. Evanilson has scored nine goals in 24 league games this season, as Bournemouth continue their pursuit of finishing in their own European spot.

Apps

24

Starts

21

Goals

9

xG

10.28

Shots per game

2.3

Goal conversion

16%

Goals per game

0.4

Assists

0

Key passes per game

0.9

Big chances created

2

Evanilson is not the only Brazilian striker to on Forest’s radar either, as the Reds continue to be interested in signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves, as he looks set to leave the Midlands side.

Forest are also in the race to sign Luis Henrique from French side Marseille, and he could be another cheap option for the Premier League side, as Marseille are looking to get around £25 million for their centre-forward, who can also play out wide.

Arsenal have now joined the race for a £88m forward who recently entered “very advanced” talks over a move to Tottenham Hotspur…

Gunners ramping up pursuit of forward amid Eze criticism

The Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to just two points on Saturday, with Aston Villa securing a 2-1 win at Villa Park, and Shaka Hislop was particularly unimpressed with Eberechi Eze’s performance.

Hislop said: “He could have been taken off after 30 minutes, I’ll be honest.

“Now I am as willing as anybody to sing Eze’s praises, but everything from Arsenal came down the right in that first half.

“Everything came through Bukayo Saka, so the change had to be made at half-time because Eze was non-existent.”

In fairness, Eze has made a very promising start to life at the Emirates Stadium, with the England international amassing nine goal contributions in his opening 22 matches across all competitions.

However, the 27-year-old’s best performance arguably came in the 4-1 victory against Tottenham, during which he played through the middle, so there may be room to bring in another left-winger this winter, and Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit.

It was recently revealed that a strong move is being made for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, but the Frenchman is not the only target, with a report from Caught Offside revealing Arsenal have now joined the race for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

The Gunners have been monitoring Diomande’s progress over the past few weeks, alongside a number of Europe’s top clubs, while Spurs are also keen, with Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently stating they are in “very advanced” talks with the left-winger.

A deal could be on the expensive side, however, with it being suggested RB Leipzig could look to hold out for around €80m – €100m (£70m – £88m).

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ByEmilio Galantini 7 days ago Diomande making "sensational" impact in Germany

The Ivorian only made the move to Germany during the summer, but he has already started to make a major impact, being singled out for high praise by scout Jacek Kulig.

Most recently, the 19-year-old put in a remarkable performance in his side’s 6-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a hat-trick and completing more dribbles than any other player.

Yan Diomande’s key statistics vs Frankfurt

Number completed

Dribbles (successful)

8 (4)

Key passes

1

Duels (won)

13 (6)

Goals

3

Considering Diomande is still a teenager, the level of his performances in the Bundesliga this season have been remarkable, and he may be ready to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs soon, so it would be fantastic if Arsenal were able to beat Tottenham to his signature.

Noni Madueke scored his first Arsenal goal on Wednesday and challenged the Gunners to “keep pushing boundaries” ahead of their weekend showdown against Chelsea.

Arsenal cruise past Bayern as Madueke returns with a bang

Madueke returned from two months out with a knee injury to score the winning goal in what eventually turned into a comfortable 3-1 win over Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Chelsea in the summer amid some opposition – and a petition against his signing – from Arsenal fans, replaced the injured Leandro Trossard, as the Gunners continue to struggle to keep all of their forwards fit at once.

Bayern teenager Lennart Karl had cancelled out Jurrien Timber’s opener for the hosts before Madueke tucked in a cross from Mikel Merino after half-time.

Gabriel Martinelli, also back from a spell out, capitalised on goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s error to hit the third as the Premier League leaders maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe and hit the top of the Champions League table.

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“It was a top night, a great night,” Madueke told Arsenal’s official media channels. “A Champions League night, so it was perfect to get my first goal for the club and for the win on top. It’s a perfect night.

“I had a long injury, it was difficult, but now I’ve made up for it. It’s amazing. I can’t really say much more, just amazing.

“It’s massive, it’s massive what we’re producing at the moment, not just in the Champions League but our domestic form, and we need to continue at this level and just keep it going.

“The level we’re playing at right now is incredible and we need to try and keep adapting, keep pushing it, keep pushing boundaries and that’s the only way we can stay there.”

Madueke "can't wait" to play against Chelsea

The big games keep coming for Arsenal, who face a Premier League trip to second-placed Chelsea on Sunday. Defeat at Stamford Bridge would trim their lead at the top of the table to just three points, with Enzo Maresca’s side looking win their fourth consecutive top flight match.

Madueke is looking forward to the trip to his old stomping ground, having left west London in the summer for a fee of up to £52m.

“You go eight weeks without the thing you love the most in the world,” said the winger, who is now one of Arsenal’s highest earners on £150,000-a-week.

“So you are chomping at the bit to just be on the pitch as much as possible. I can’t wait.”

Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in any competition since a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in August 2021, while each of the last two meetings at Stamford Bridge have ended in score draws.

Liverpool have now reportedly sent scouts to track RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents around European football.

The Reds will be relieved to have an international break. It’s been a disastrous month or so for Arne Slot’s side, who have lost five of their last six Premier League games and were just humbled by a superior Manchester City side. In the space of 11 games in a fresh campaign, the champions’ crown hasn’t just slipped, it has crumbled.

After FSG spent over £400m to break Liverpool’s transfer record twice in the summer, Slot simply must turn things around. The Dutchman will be given time to do that – Liverpool have never been a side to make rash decisions – but the pressure is certainly growing on the Dutchman.

The solutions could yet come courtesy of even more spending in the January transfer window. There’s been something missing from the current squad so far this season and as the Premier League becomes more physical, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes could adjust their strategy.

Liverpool’s struggles have already sparked several rumours ahead of the winter window, too. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Wilfried Singo have been among those mentioned as potential reinforcements, but it remains to be seen whether the Reds splash the cash once again.

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Semenyo would certainly add another attacking spark to a frontline full of talented players who are currently struggling to find form. The addition of someone who needs no introduction to Anfield goals could go a long way towards solving Slot’s problems. Meanwhile, Edwards and Hughes also have one eye on the future and those who will make an impact in years to come.

Liverpool send scouts to track Yan Diomande

As reported by Bild in Germany, Liverpool scouts have now been spotted watching Diomande at RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old winger has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals and assisting another three in 10 league games, and has attracted the interest of PSG as well as those at Anfield as a result.

The teenager is not short on confidence or ambition, having compared himself to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior when speaking to reporters about his current role models to Transfermarkt.

It’s not just the left-winger, himself, who believes in his ability though. Talent scout Jacek Kulig praised Diomande for the “brilliant” spell of form that he’s enjoyed in recent months to attract the likes of Liverpool and PSG.

FSG enter race to sign "world-class" £79m star for Liverpool

Football fans far and wide, heading into the 2025/26 Premier League season, must have been expecting that Liverpool would continue their domestic dominance.

It started well for Arne Slot’s Reds, too, as they went about defending their status as reigning champions, with five straight wins picked up in league action in the early stages of the campaign.

However, since they got the better of Everton in the Merseyside Derby in mid-September, it has all gone rather pear-shaped for the Reds, with an alarming six defeats now collected in all competitions, pushing them down to a dire seventh position in the Premier League standings.

Things have to change, and quickly, with many of the players Slot and Co. purchased in the summer failing to live up to their grand expectations.

Liverpool's most underwhelming signings

Liverpool really didn’t hold back this summer when breaking the bank.

Indeed, a jaw-dropping £415m in total was spent on revamping the Reds, with the triumphant top-flight champions waving goodbye to the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer for mega money.

Unfortunately, despite sitting at the top of this above list with their spending power, a lot of their high-profile signings have flopped so far at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz – who cost a whopping £116m just on his own – still yet to pick up a single goal or assist in league action, culminating in the German being labelled as “pretty average” by ex-Liverpool midfielder, and compatriot, Dietmar Hamann.

Milos Kerkez has also been subject to some scathing criticism, with the £40m recruit looking like a shadow of his expansive AFC Bournemouth best, particularly against Crystal Palace last time out in the EFL Cup, as Ismaila Sarr confidently collected two goals down his left flank.

Another former Liverpool favourite in Jason McAteer, has even suggested that the move to the Reds was “too big for him”, amid concerns he looks “lost” donning the number six jersey.

Thankfully, Hugo Ekitike has shone in spurts as another flashy new signing, but there is one dud that is extremely concerning now, as Slot potentially has to contend with his own Naby Keita-style blunder.

The £280k-per-week star who is Slot's own Keita

Glancing over Liverpool’s most expensive signings of all time is an intriguing read.

Of course, they struck gold when landing Virgil Van Dijk for £75m as he remains the club’s top leader to this day. But, when you

scroll down more, you’re then greeted by Keita’s name, who is still Liverpool’s eighth most expensive recruit at the £48m mark.

Keita did, of course, have a stunning goal up his sleeve at Liverpool – as evidenced in this glittering highlight package – but he didn’t consistently shine bright enough to justify his once club-record fee, with injuries galore often stopping him in his tracks.

Fast forward to the present, and an eerily similar tale could now be unfolding with Alexander Isak, with the ex-Newcastle United striker – who is prone to an injury niggle himself – yet to get up and running at Anfield, after breaking the Reds’ transfer record when joining in the summer for a ludicrous £125m.

Games played

8

Goals scored

1

Assists

1

Games missed through injury

5

After all, Liverpool must have thought they’d sealed the signing of the window when landing the £280k-per-week hotshot, considering he was once branded as a “world-class” talent at Newcastle United by ex-boss Eddie Howe when burying a lethal 62 strikes from 109 games.

But, caution should have been exercised here in trying to temper expectations, considering Jurgen Klopp also hailed Keita as the “best player in the league” in the Bundesliga when sealing his services, only for everything to fall apart.

Indeed, as is the case looking at the table above, Isak has only one paltry goal next to his name so far in his uncomfortable new surroundings, with the extortionate number nine already falling foul of sitting out five games for club and country this season through injury issues.

The hope will be that it doesn’t get as bad as Keita’s injury situation got, with his penultimate season in England seeing him miss a staggering 40 games with recurring trips to the treatment room.

He looks set to miss Liverpool’s must-win clash with Aston Villa on the weekend, to add insult to injury.

Isak, additionally, has the pressure of being known as a lethal goalscorer weighing him down, as the burden of being Liverpool’s most expensive signing proves, yet again, to be a debilitating hindrance, rather than a badge of honour.

The Reds waited a year for Keita to arrive, after initially signing him in advance in 2017, only for the move to end in disappointment.

Having waded through a whole summer saga before landing Isak, it looks as if the Swede could be heading for similar frustration at Anfield.

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