Liverpool

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, confirmed its chief executive Omar Mugharbel.

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Riyadh, he said: "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players.

"For sure Salah is one of them [a target]."

So, if Salah is playing in Saudi Arabia by late January, we want to know how you'd feel? Tell us

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah is more than just a footballer - he is a global socio-cultural icon, being named one of the world's most influential people, steering conversations on human rights, and changing attitudes towards Muslims through demonstrations of faith.

He was born in a rural village - Nagrig - about 100 miles from Cairo, where most of the roughly 15,000 inhabitants work as farmers and more than half live in poverty.

That such a region could produce one of the world's greatest athletes borders on impossible.

"What already set him apart as a kid was his discipline," says Maher Anwar Shtiyeh - mayor of Nagrig. "He remains deeply tied to his roots, despite fame and global recognition.

"He only finds real happiness in his village spending time with his family and friends. He is a role model for the youth of Egypt, the Arab youth, and the youth of the whole Islamic world. He has lifted the heads of all of us."

As a child, Salah would travel up to five hours by minibus from his village to the capital, where he played youth football for top-flight club Arab Contractors.

That helped instil a resilience that has guided him throughout his professional career, alongside support from loved ones.

If this is the end of Salah and Liverpool's love affair, the human impact he has had on those around him will not be forgotten any time soon.

"He was one of the first people to welcome me and did so in such an incredible way," says Luis Diaz, who played alongside Salah in Liverpool's forward line for three-and-a-half years before joining Bayern Munich earlier this year.

"He came over to me and said: 'if you ever need my help, I'm here for you.' I remember him telling me on the pitch: 'Let's try this... let's make this move so that it works.' And then it would work in the match.

"To share the moment lifting the Premier League with him, to see how happy he was, how much he was enjoying it, was an incredible feeling.

"He is always wanting to be a better player, to be a better person, and he has left a profound mark on me."

Read more on the real Mohamed Salah here

France centre-back Ibrahima Konate is out of contract next summer but the 26-year-old could still sign a new Liverpool deal in the coming weeks. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Watch full match highlights of Liverpool's narrow victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The Mo Salah situation is obviously one that will continue to dominate the headlines. Whether he's there for the Brighton game on Saturday we shall wait and see, and we may know more when Arne Slot speaks to the media ahead of the game later this week.

But whatever happens, Salah will then be away anyway for the Africa Cup of Nations. That will allow some of the dust to settle, allow some breathing space and help to keep the focus on what's happening on the pitch. Time will tell.

And there are signs of a mini-revival. OK, the draw at Leeds felt like a defeat, in fact you have to remind yourself it WASN'T a defeat, but the win at the San Siro was like the old Liverpool in many ways and surely it will give the team a big lift, despite everything that has been going on this week.

Four games unbeaten, including two away wins with clean sheets - but that has to continue, and that includes at home, where Liverpool have not won since early November. But three games in a week with a European trip thrown in is never easy.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton/Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Explore Liverpool content on BBC Sounds

Chloe Bloxam
Fan contributor

After Liverpool secured a vital 1-0 away to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Reds fan Chloe has been reflecting on the importance of that victory following a turbulent week for the club.

Find more from Chloe Bloxam at The Redmen TV, external

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Mohamed Salah will regret his comments saying he feels scapegoated by the club "when this all calms".

The fallout from Salah's explosive comments is ongoing after the Egypt international was left out of the squad for the Reds' trip to Inter Milan on Tuesday.

"He's obviously really upset he's not playing, which I respect," Gerrard told TNT Sports, external.

"He won't sit out of the team, which I respect.

"A couple of lines about throwing people under the bus - wrong. Need to reverse a little bit away from that. He needs to deal with that with the manager.

"This needs Virgil van Dijk to go 'how are we sorting this out?'. Not for the benefit of the club so much, or the team, but for the fans.

"I've seen this and I've lived it. I lived it with [Luis] Suarez when he fell out with Brendan [Rodgers] face to face. I've seen it all and I've been there from a personal point of view.

"In 30 seconds against [Manchester] United I got sent off so no-one's perfect. We've all had headloss as players. We've all done emotional things where we think 'oh'.

"I know in time when this all calms, Mo will go 'I shouldn't have said that, maybe I shouldn't have said that, I was a bit emotional, I was a bit hasty' and blah blah.

"But at the end of the day Liverpool Football Club need Mo Salah back playing well, back scoring goals, because he is the best player, the best scorer, and he will help them get out of this.

"If this goes on, this is bigger than what we all know, and what we see."

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport senior journalist

Mohamed Salah's relentless intensity and refusal to accept lower standards from himself or those around him have underpinned Liverpool's success, and perhaps also explain why he has found criticism of his diminished role tough to handle.

"We are all massively influenced by our past - how we were raised, where we grew up," says Jurgen Klopp, who won every major trophy in English and European football while managing Salah at Anfield. "Mo knew early on [in his life] that he had to do more than others.

"He always developed. He never stops. That is his mindset.

"After each summer break he came back and had a new skill. It was like he had spent the whole time just practising one particular type of pass."

Salah has been criticised by some for not giving more frequent media interviews before his intervention in the mixed zone at Leeds' Elland Road, particularly after defeats and poor performances.

He has been accused of demonstrating a lack of leadership. But he has often delivered calls to arms to fans on social media and those who have played alongside him describe Salah as a man who refuses to give up and is capable of inspiring others.

"He will always be trying to prove someone wrong," says former Liverpool team-mate Adam Lallana.

"He is not macho. I would often tell my children about how he behaves, how he doesn't get too high in good moments, doesn't beat himself up too much in low moments. He would always remain completely focused on the job in hand.

"I would look at him and it would make me feel calm because of how in control he would be all the time.

"Knowing Mo, he will always be fighting, being resilient, and trying to find ways to better himself."

James Milner, Liverpool's vice-captain during most of Salah's time at the club, says: "He is a really nice guy, considering the success he has had - being a superstar around the globe.

"You need different types of leaders, and Mo is a big leader in that group, in terms of the standards he set every day. When you have young players come and sign, they see him and it's 'this is what it takes to be a top player, this is what it is to be a Liverpool player'."

Read more on the real Mohamed Salah here

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones says the players are "always" behind manager Arne Slot.

Slot has come under pressure in recent weeks after a poor run of form, while controversy around the future of Mohamed Salah has served to intensify scrutiny.

After Tuesday's 1-0 win at Inter Milan, Jones was asked if the squad is behind the manager and said: "We always are. We always are.

"He is human at the end of the day. If we get beat in games, it affects him, it affects us all too the same way it affects fans. He is a positive man, he always makes a change. The style of play has changed a bit. He is as hungry as ever, exactly the same with us. He is there with us and we are there with him as well."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan.

Here are some of your comments:

Killian: Good performance from the team. In total agreement with everything Slot is doing, focus on defence and get Isak and Ekitike playing together. Hopefully as we find form and go through the gears, things will continue to click.

Victor: Not a very good performance but enough for the win and vital points. For the first time in a while, the team stuck together and did everything together, from defending when we didn't have the ball, to retaining possession. Slot did a good job by bringing on Wirtz and Bradley to boost the attack and creativity, which were missing in the first half. In all, to win matches is about staying together which is what they did here and then came the moment with the penalty that sealed the win.

Bob: Looks like Liverpool lost Mo and then found Mojo.

Jacko: Liverpool looked better last night all over pitch, not perfect, but kept a clean sheet. Now we have to be consistent. Hopefully Salah and Slot can sit down before Afcon and talk this out and then when he's back can find some form. I believe true Liverpool fans don't want Slot or Mo to leave yet.

Ben: We started the season by getting late winners, and although we've been given a taste of our own medicine and then some since then, it's good to see another lucky late winner. Szoboszlai yet again shows how valuable he has been this season. If anything he should be the captain as he is one of the few who seems... Hungary... for success.

Robel: Absolutely important win. Some have been overly critical of the manager. Slot is doing his job and deserves to see this team through its tough moments. The team should focus on the pitch and tune out outside clickbait noise.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

With Mohamed Salah out of form and, for now at least, out of favour, other Liverpool players have a chance to step up – and so far, Dominik Szoboszlai is seizing that opportunity.

The Hungarian's late winner against Inter Milan on Tuesday night means he has been directly involved in 10 goals for the Reds this season, more than any other player.

The 25-year-old was already amongst the club's better performers before Salah lost his starting spot, but has since inherited the Egyptian's place on the right flank, taking on a slightly less advanced role which requires both creativity and industry.

He also scored in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Leeds, meaning he has netted in back-to-back games for just the second time in his Liverpool career.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says Dominik Szoboszlai "never slows down" after another all-action performance in the Reds' 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday.

Szoboszlai's 88th-minute penalty gave the Reds a much-needed win after a difficult week, stepping up in place of the excluded Mohamed Salah.

It capped an impressive showing from the Hungary international who started on the right side of a diamond in midfield.

"His energy is absolutely incredible," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He's like a Duracell Bunny when he's on the pitch.

"You just think, 'where does the energy come from?'

"He never slows down. From the first sprint in the first minute to the last in the 90th he's at the same intensity, the same aggression, but the same strength as well.

"If he's competing for a ball, he's no weaker in the 90th minute, he's still physically strong in making those runs and making contact on players.

"I thought he was exceptional against Inter Milan.

"His distribution on the ball was good, his defensive ability to get back in and make recovery runs as well."

Curtis Jones also impressed in midfield, with Warnock praising the 24-year-old's showing.

"Ryan Gravernberch was given Player of the Match, but Jones was absolutely sensational," he added.

"It was a real mature performance where I felt he actually grew up. That was one of the most mature performances I've seen from him."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It's worth bearing in mind that Inter were unbeaten in their last 18 home games in the Champions League, going all the way back to September of 2022.

Liverpool were so impressive, it was such a significant victory.

In the absence of the much talked about Mo Salah, [Dominik] Szoboszlai stepped up to score.

It was Liverpool's work-rate, their organisation, their defensive discipline, the way they pressed Inter, restricting the home side to few opportunities.

I would imagine that with everything that has gone on in recent days this would be an extremely satisfying win for Arne Slot.

Saudi Arabia is prepared to do "whatever it can" to bring Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 33, to the Saudi Pro League in January. (Gulf News), external

Liverpool is the preferred destination for Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, 25, when he leaves Bournemouth. (Team Talk), external

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, 25, remains keen on a move to Liverpool but Barcelona have also shown an interest in the England international. (Team Talk)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Amazon Prime: "We were three points behind Inter, and if you want top eight, 15 is the minimum you need. The best you can do is win over here. They have a really good team. But overall, a good performance from us.

"The midfield is always helping the defence a lot, but there was a lot of commitment from the players. We pressed higher in the second half. We decided to keep a plus one in the back. All 11 players came behind the ball to try and make sure we didn't concede. We got a penalty in the end."

On Mohamed Salah: "I separate these things. It was really hard for the players to concede in the last minute at Leeds. We hardly conceded a chance, and it was really hard to take. That was already emotional, and what happened afterwards was emotional. 13 players were available that had Premier League or Champions League experience. You concede, and then a lot of things are being said. Normally, that affects players as well because he's been so influential for the club and the players, so it's never nice when something happens to their teammates.

"It should be about what we've done over here. I fully understand that on Friday, in the press conference, all the questions will be about Mo."

On questions that face him: "Everyone makes mistakes in life, but does the player know he's made a mistake? Should the initiative come from him or me? That's another question. Ibrahima Konate has had some difficult moments lately, but he played an outstanding game.

"After PSV and Forest games, where we conceded seven goals in two games, it was time for us to concede less, and that's what we did against West Ham. Then we played Sunderland, and their first chance came in the 86th minute. Their first goal wasn't even a chance, and then came Leeds.

"We showed character in the second half and changed the tactics a little bit."

How Liverpool can build: "It's mainly video you can use, but then we have a week off after Saturday when we go to Tottenham. We have a bit more training time coming up. It's not common in football that you play four games in 10 days, and that's what we had to deal with."

Hear more from Slot on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Amazon Prime: "It's a good feeling of winning. Especially in a period we are in, trying to find consistency and something to build on. Hopefully, tonight is one of those performances. It was always going to be tough. We handled the game well. It could have been a 0-0 game in the end but it ended positively for us in the end.

"It doesn't change anything. There's obviously so much noise from the outside world, which is normal when you don't perform. It's deserved as well. We want to improve, we want to be consistent and win games. We're not doing it as much as we like. We have to stick together and be a unit as we have been. That's what Liverpool stands for."

On Mo Salah: "It's difficult but it's a collective difficult situation that we're all in. Between Mo and the club, things are going on and he's not here today, that's the reality. I don't think anything has changed in terms of our focus and determination."

Should Salah apologise? "I'm not the one to speak if someone has to apologise. It's him airing his feelings for the past couple of days. That's something the club has to deal with, obviously, me as well. The focus was there, nothing else changed. He trained as well.

"The reality also is that Mo is going to Africa soon. I've known him for such a long time, we are good friends and have been through highs and lows. We speak and those types of things will stay indoors as it should be. We have to brace ourselves and be against the outside noise.

"The most important thing is that you speak with each other. You have to recover and get back to Brighton already. You have to celebrate good moments and enjoy it otherwise, what's the point of winning? We stay overnight here, we have to sleep well and eat well. We try to never get too high or too low."

On being solid: "Against Leeds for 60 minutes as well but when you don't win and concede easy goals like we have done. We try to find consistency but we know they are very comfortable on the ball. Everyone put a shift in and run so hard. It could have been 0-0 but we take the three points and move on."

On VAR decisions: "It goes so fast so I have no idea if it actually hit his arm. When the ref makes a decision like this, it has to be clear and obvious but they're looking for something that could be there. I don't think it's good for the game."

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, spoke to Amazon Prime after the 1-0 win at Inter: "Huge result. We knew we were coming to a tough place, to a team that's in a good moment. We had to show fight and dig in. The clean sheet was crucial and then we go and scored the goal.

"The handball for me, I think it took seven or eight minutes. If you do that, then you have to stick to the on-field decision. You have to stick to the decision. The penalty did look soft but that's given anywhere else on the pitch.

"We all needed it. We know the results and performances aren't good enough. It's important this club is in the Champions League. It was a huge result for all of us.

"We know how important being in that top eight is and avoiding a play-off. We got unlucky last season with who we drew."

On Salah's situation: "A tough situation. We're talking about one of the greatest players to play for this club. I signed in the same window as him. Whatever has happened, happened. Internally, we're all together."

On Salah's future: "That'll be up to other people, it's not up to me. I love playing with Mo Salah and I hope to continue playing with him."

Aadam Patel
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Away from the Mohamed Salah saga, Arne Slot decided to alter things as Liverpool started in a 4-1-2-1-2 shape with a diamond in midfield.

They started well, keeping the ball and moving it with intent in a notable shift in tempo from previous games, with Jones at the heartbeat.

For just the second time this season, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike started together as Slot made four changes from the side that drew 3-3 at Leeds, with Florian Wirtz dropped to the bench.

Isak struggled with the physicality of Inter's defence and finished the first half limping, but Ekitike again posed a threat, buoyed by his double at Leeds. Nevertheless, the pair simply didn't link up enough before Isak was replaced by Wirtz.

With Salah's future uncertain and Cody Gakpo set to spend a "few weeks" on the sidelines, that's a connection that needs to be forged sooner rather than later.

But, ultimately, this was a night where Liverpool showed their spirit and togetherness. It was a vital victory for the under-pressure Slot and his players, and joy for the 4,400-strong travelling support high up in the stands at the San Siro.