Shane Ireland

Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in a chaotic 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. Senegal's players briefly left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a contentious stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review, but Sadio Mane persuaded them to return. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye later scored in extra time to secure Senegal's second AFCON title.

Liverpool have reportedly agreed a summer deal to sign Austria Vienna centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, an Austria youth international who is expected to begin with the club’s under-21s. The report also details unconfirmed claims that Liverpool are close to a deal worth up to £43 million for Club Brugge and Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez. Liverpool’s defensive recruitment has been influenced by Giovanni Leoni’s long-term ACL injury and Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation, although manager Arne Slot has indicated that the club remains wary of expensive January spending.

Mohamed Salah has suggested that his relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot has broken down after being dropped for three consecutive matches. He said he feels unwanted and unfairly blamed for the club’s struggles, while hinting that an upcoming match against Brighton could be his farewell before the Africa Cup of Nations. The article contrasts the current tension with Jürgen Klopp’s earlier praise of Salah and his desire for the forward to remain at Liverpool, while also recounting their 2024 touchline confrontation and Klopp’s insistence that mutual respect prevented a lasting rift.

Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool is in doubt after he criticized the club and manager Arne Slot following his omission against Leeds United. Salah said his relationship with Slot had broken down and hinted that the Brighton match could be his final appearance at Anfield before the Africa Cup of Nations. Saudi Pro League clubs, particularly Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, are described as the likeliest destinations, with a potential package worth about €90 million per season. His Liverpool contract reportedly pays around £350,000 per week and runs until 2027, while Galatasaray and San Diego FC are also mentioned as possible suitors.

FIFA has allowed Premier League clubs to retain African players until December 15, meaning Liverpool can field Mohamed Salah against Brighton on December 13 before he joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. If Egypt reaches the final, Salah could miss up to seven Liverpool fixtures, including league matches against Tottenham, Wolves, Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley, plus a potential FA Cup tie. Arne Slot said Liverpool, Salah and Egypt are discussing what is best for all parties and defended the forward’s importance after leaving him on the bench against West Ham because of tactical considerations and fixture congestion.

Arne Slot is facing mounting pressure at Liverpool after a severe run of results, including a 4–1 Champions League defeat by PSV Eindhoven and a drop to 12th in the Premier League. Former manager Jürgen Klopp has become the bookmakers’ favourite to replace him, while comments that a return to Liverpool is theoretically possible have intensified speculation. Klopp has nevertheless said he would not manage another English club. German journalist Marcel Reif described Klopp as hovering over Anfield and argued Liverpool should try to bring him back, while Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness questioned the durability of Klopp’s current advisory roles and suggested he may be ready to coach again.

Steven Gerrard says he remains interested in returning to management but will wait for the right club, challenge and backroom staff before doing so. He wants to lead a team capable of competing for titles or promotion and says several opportunities since leaving Al-Ettifaq came at the wrong time. Gerrard is being linked with Middlesbrough, where Rob Edwards is expected to leave for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the club’s strong position near the top of the Championship could make the role attractive.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk declined to dwell on the controversial decision to disallow his headed equaliser against Manchester City, saying the key reality was Liverpool's 3-0 defeat. City dominated much of the first half, with Jeremy Doku causing problems for Conor Bradley, while Erling Haaland scored after missing an earlier penalty. Van Dijk later deflected Nico Gonzalez's shot into his own net before Doku sealed the victory. Van Dijk acknowledged Liverpool's pressing and consistency needed improvement but insisted the team would not give up during the season.

Real Madrid have reportedly abandoned their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi because his wages and signing-on fee would make the deal financially impossible after the club's £50 million acquisition of Dean Huijsen. Liverpool remain keen on the England international after his proposed £35 million deadline-day move collapsed, but Bayern Munich are now viewed as the main competition, with Barcelona also monitoring him. Guehi can negotiate a free transfer from January ahead of his contract expiry in June 2026. Palace chairman Steve Parish has indicated that the club prefers retaining him for the season rather than selling him in January, while Liverpool's defensive needs have increased following Giovanni Leoni's ACL injury.

Steven Gerrard has declined Rangers' attempt to bring him back as manager, despite travelling for talks and initially being viewed as the leading candidate to replace Russell Martin. He said the timing was not right but thanked Rangers supporters for their backing and wished the club well. Gerrard remains interested in returning to management, provided the opportunity involves a team capable of competing for major honours. Rangers, struggling domestically and in Europe, are now reportedly considering former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni tore his anterior cruciate ligament during his Liverpool debut against Southampton and is expected to be out for around a year. Leoni joined from Parma for £26 million in the summer. The injury leaves Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as its recognised centre-backs, while Slot said the club’s players and rehabilitation staff would support Leoni’s recovery. Liverpool had previously tried to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but the deal collapsed on transfer deadline day. Liverpool were preparing to face Palace, who had gone 17 matches unbeaten.

Manchester City are expected to compete with Liverpool for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who could become a free agent next summer. Liverpool had nearly signed the England defender for £35 million on deadline day, but Palace withdrew from the deal. Guehi is reportedly committed to Palace for the current season, ruling out a January move, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea are also linked. Arne Slot acknowledged that Liverpool came close to signing Guehi and said the club remains interested in strengthening its squad.