Liverpool's season comes to a head this weekend as reports continue to swirl on the future of Arne Slot

Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will say their goodbyes at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, and our Liverpool jury have been reminiscing about their time in Red

Arne Slot has endured a difficult second season at Liverpool

Arne Slot has endured a difficult second season at Liverpool

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool after the final game of the season against Brentford on Sunday

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool after the final game of the season against Brentford on Sunday

Andy Robertson gives one of his final interviews as a Liverpool player before leaving the club when the season ends on Sunday

Andy Robertson gives one of his final interviews as a Liverpool player before leaving the club when the season ends on Sunday

Liverpool FC have released two tribute magazines celebrating Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson

Liverpool FC have released two tribute magazines celebrating Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson

"Slot has not played him at times and I think just purely on statistics you would argue that he was right because Mo was nowhere near performing the level he was last year," former Reds goalkeeper David James told Liverpool.com on behalf of 442bet.

"What is interesting in this though is what players are available? How much are they going to cost and are we going to be in a situation or are Liverpool going to be in a situation which they had last summer where you bring in new players and it takes time for them to bed in?

"He has to be replaced of course but it's whether you go for tried and tested experience or whether Liverpool think that they can find a gem somewhere and sort of gradually bring him into the side.

"How do you replace the most successful player? You look around the world of football at the moment and you could argue maybe someone like [Ousmane] Dembele at PSG someone like [Désiré] Doué at PSG. They are probably the go to team at the moment.

"But how much is a player like that going to cost you? It's going to cost you hundreds of millions. And it doesn't seem financially worthwhile in that sense, when you can't guarantee that they're going to give you the performances.

"I think the recruitment team will already have identified where they need to go to replace [Mo] Salah. I think that having signed the contract last year, they're going to have to fast track that now with Mo leaving at the end of the season. But I do not have any concerns over them getting the right player."

Salah will play in his final Liverpool game on Sunday at Anfield(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Adblock test (Why?)

Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is expected to be included in England's 2026 World Cup squad, while Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are among those left behind

19:18, 21 May 2026Updated 19:23, 21 May 2026

Jordan Henderson is expected to keep his place in the England team for this summer's World Cup(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is widely expected to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel will announce the full 26-man squad headed to the United States for this summer’s World Cup on Friday, May 22, and some notable names have already been omitted.

Manchester United center back Harry Maguire, left back Luke Shaw, and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden are among those reportedly set to miss out, while ex-Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold awaits his fate. With the full squad announcement imminent, ex-Reds captain Henderson is rated a strong shot to be included and head to his fourth World Cup.

READ MORE: Liverpool stance on Arne Slot after social media rife with firing claimsREAD MORE: Arne Slot overtaken as favorite to be Liverpool manager by next season's opener

The current Brentford man is -1600 to be named in Tuchel’s squad, odds which reflect the trust factor the England coach has in an experienced leader like Henderson.

The 35-year-old has made 33 appearances for Brentford this campaign, including 21 starts in the Premier League under first-year manager Keith Andrews.

Before his move to West London, Henderson spent six months playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq before transferring to Ajax, where he played from Jan. 2024 until July 2025.

After failing to make a single appearance for the national team in 2024, Henderson returned to the fray once Tuchel took over in Jan. 2025 and has since made eight caps under the new Three Lions boss, six of which came in World Cup qualifying.

Tuchel called up Henderson to the England team back in March 2026(Image: Photo by Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In total, Henderson has 89 England caps to his name, 11 of which have come in World Cups. His lone goal in World Cup play came in England’s 3-0 victory over Senegal in the 2022 Round of 16.

Even if Henderson doesn’t start for the Three Lions this summer, he is bound to play a major role as a leader and one of the most experienced players on the team.

While the squad has not formally been announced as of Thursday afternoon, fans are starting to get an idea for who will be on the plane to the US and who will be left at home.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher's England World Cup squad already ruined with shock axe from Thomas TuchelREAD MORE: 'I've managed in the Premier League - Arne Slot deserves at least another season at Liverpool'

Outside of Maguire, Shaw, and Foden, Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer, AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and Newcastle defender Lewis Hall will all reportedly miss out.

Article continues below

Newcastle’s Dan Burn, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, and Arsenal’s Noni Madueke are expected to be included.

This information is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial reasons or to determine a specific course of action. Information should not be used in violation of any law or regulation. Use this information responsibly and at your own risk.

Gambling problem? Click here or call 1-800-522-4700 for help from the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

Adblock test (Why?)

Andy Robertson will leave Liverpool as a club legend this weekend, although he might have ended up as a villain to the Reds had a transfer earlier in his career gone through

19:17, 21 May 2026

Andy Robertson has revealed he almost joined one of Liverpool's fierce rivals before landing at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson has revealed he came close to joining Everton long before he became a Liverpool legend.

The left-back will bring the curtain down on his Anfield career this weekend, having made 377 appearances for the Reds and won every major honor available during his nine-year spell on Merseyside, including two Premier League titles.

Robertson will go down as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever signings, having joined the club back in 2017 for just $10.7 million from Hull - although he might not have been held in such high regard by Reds fans had Everton got its way earlier on in his career.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future update, Bowen interest, Diomande decisionREAD MORE: Harvey Elliott immediately mocks Aston Villa transfer after Europa League success

Having been released as a teenager by Celtic, Robertson had to build his career the hard way, signing for Queen’s Park before breaking into the first-team at the Glasgow club, and earning a move to Dundee United in 2013.

He only needed a season at Tannadice Park before interest started to roll in from England. Among those casting a keen eye, as Robertson reveals in The Anfield Wrap’s new documentary One Of Us: Becoming Andy Robertson, was Liverpool’s neighbor.

“Funny story actually, before Stan [Ternent, Hull City scout] had kind of come and watched me in the January, Roberto Martinez came up and watched me and he was the Everton manager at the time,” Robertson explained.

Everton decided against signing Andy Robertson when he was still at Dundee United(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“I was going to be back-up to Leighton Baines and then, obviously, Leighton Baines was going to go and I was hopefully then going to take over and things like that.”

He went on to add: “Everton actually bid for me when I was at Dundee United in January. I think it was like 700 grand or whatever. Dundee United said they wanted £1.5 million.

“Everton started laughing and then I think that was the end of the negotiation.”

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.

With the Toffees dropping out of the running, Hull ended up winning the race for Robertson’s signature in 2014. He would go on to spend three years with the Tigers, where he would catch Liverpool’s eye despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League in 2017, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Article continues below

“Obviously, the way everything’s turned out, I’m glad that [the Everton move] never happened because I don’t think I’d be sitting here today. You’d probably hate me instead!” Robertson went on to say.

Liverpool.com says: Not Roberto Martinez’s finest hour. And to think, he might be the biggest bargain Liverpool has ever had, and Everton turned down the chance to sign him for a fraction of that price!

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.

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...

You can click here to read the full article.

Source