Liverpool Transfer Rumours

26 Mar 2026 13:23:51
Stepping away from Salah and Slot.

It looks like Robbo will be leaving on a free also this summer, probably obvious mind haha.

Wharton is the preferred CM option but I'm also told we are looking at Archie Gray as well.

All this talk about a Salah replacement but we may not play with wingers next season. All the Olise, Barcola and Diamonde talks are ols rumours. Nothing new.

26 Mar 2026 14:28:30
That's not allowed, Thefields. This website is reserved for Slot bashing.

26 Mar 2026 14:38:32
Gray would be a shrewd signing if Spurs go down.

26 Mar 2026 14:56:40
Gray's a good little player.

26 Mar 2026 14:58:59
I like Gray, but he won't solve our midfield issues.

He's just a kid. If Spurs go down, we could get him cheap enough to make it worthwhile, though.

I also don't think Wharton is worth even half of what Palace would want.

Good player, nothing more, nothing less.

What's the point having Isak, Elitike and Wirtz costing close to £300 million then an average midfield behind?

Elliot Anderson is undoubtedly the one to sign.

26 Mar 2026 15:02:08
I mentioned on a previous reply that I believe that with Isak, Wirtz and Ekitike we should possibly move to a more narrow formation. Having 3 central forwards and 3/4 wingers in Frimpong, Gakpo, Ngumoha and Chiesa + Salah was a bit much.

I wouldn't mind Doue/Barcola as they can play as a backup 10/striker as well as going on wings along with Ngumoha, leaving us to change formations mid-game for more width if necessary.



I am not sold on Wharton nor Gray, but would pick Gray ahead of Wharton.

26 Mar 2026 15:12:58
Problem with Wharton is he's not very mobile, has had fitness issues, and he's probably worse defensively than Macca. He is a very creative and inventive player, and offers the progression that we very much need in the midfield right now, but not the combative, physical, and mobile aspect.

Anderson, on the other hand, has the engine but not the range of passing and creativity that we need in that position. He's also not the kind of player to sit in a deep position.

26 Mar 2026 15:20:08
Thx Fields ...

Do you think that the wingback will provide the width, so Frimpong and Kerkez will be more bombing forward ..

If that's the case, will we not need a 2nd choice LB ... or the Greek scouser/promote from youth getting a go?

26 Mar 2026 16:04:17
Thanks Fields,

The squad is primed for wing backs and a back 3.

Everything points to it.

The new CBs we have brought in, with the ones still here, with one more to arrive.

Kerkez and Frimpong both wing backs.

Hugo, Alexander and Flo all together in the team.

Szobo being Szobo.



For me, we need one giant strong midfielder who loves a tackle and we are complete.

Personally one of Anderson, Gomes (wolves) or Fernandes (WH) would be great.


Ali
Leoni
Jacquet
VVD
Frimpong
Kerkez
Szobo
Anderson
Wirtz
Isak
Ekitike


That, on paper, is a scary team (in the right hands).

26 Mar 2026 16:37:49
We dropping Gravy, BeKind?

26 Mar 2026 16:47:30
Phil, Gravenberch should not be immune from being dropped. He has underperformed this season, just like Konate, Macca and Salah. Having to fight for his place might wake him up. Even so, with rotation and injuries, he should still get plenty of games.

26 Mar 2026 16:48:14
There is plenty of other options out there and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 2 midfielders come in.

Personally, I think we were starting to move away from it this season tbh with the signings we made. Hindsight is a beautiful thing tho.

Alonso coming in, I can see the formation being changed to wingbacks.

Virgil in between Jacquet and Leoni/New CB, Kerkez and Frimpong as wing backs would be nuts. I would play both Isak and Ekitike up front with Wirtz in behind. Then have Szobo and Grav/Jones/New CM alongside him. I would bring Rio inside as rotation option, with Elliot perhaps for Wirtz. I think both would flourish in that kind of role.

26 Mar 2026 17:20:23
Not a fan of the two striker idea. I really think Isak and Hugo will get plenty of time rotating.

26 Mar 2026 18:05:11
Wharton and Anderson would be ideal signings and both very young and homegrown.

26 Mar 2026 11:59:06.
Hi Diddly Ho,

PSG have got their game vs Lens moved to give them extra time to prepare for the game against us.

Bizarre decision from Ligue 1.

Diddly out.

26 Mar 2026 14:05:53
To be fair we've been resting all season anyway.

26 Mar 2026 14:18:59
It's not really a bizarre decision. Again, it's based on money. If PSG win the CL again, it promotes League 1. More people start supporting them, and their main broadcasters get more money, etc. It's a good business decision by them, really.

26 Mar 2026 14:39:07
Standard behaviour really. Expected outcome.

26 Mar 2026 14:51:28
The owner of PSG is part of the board for the French league, is he not? So basically a shareholder who can approve postponing matches for the club he owns.... but yet somehow this is acceptable?

26 Mar 2026 15:00:10
How is it bizarre, Ned?

I'd say it makes complete sense for them.

Us playing 3 times in 7 days? That's bizarre.

Doesn't matter anyway. We are never going to beat PSG this season. We're terrible. Let's be honest.

26 Mar 2026 15:18:30
Then maybe Slot can give most of the players off for the game in-between the 2 CL games against PSG...

Not like he hasn't given the players time off before...

26 Mar 2026 15:48:04
It's bizarre because it hands one team with infinitely more resources than their league rivals an advantage in their organisation's title race.

26 Mar 2026 16:12:36
I agree with FM - it does degrade their league, given the team they are supposed to face are right in the race.

I'm sure they would have preferred PSG to have to juggle their fixtures, just like every other team, rather than getting a handout from the league.

25 Mar 2026 22:58:57
Hi, this is for anyone with any insight or knowledge on potential summer business. With Mo now leaving at the end of the season. Does anyone know if Cody and Fede will also be sold?

If so, does this mean we will have to replace them both alongside Mo? From what I have read in recent months in various reports, Endo, Gomez and potentially Robbo could also leave this summer.

Surely we need to replace them also? Was just intrigued, so if anyone with any insight can share their thoughts. Thanks.

25 Mar 2026 23:13:33
No insight at all, but we're an attacker short as it is. So we needed at least one this summer.

Factor in the likelihood that at least Chiesa is following Mo out the door, then I would say we need 3 attackers this summer window.

We can reduce this spend by bringing Harvey back, which I would be all over.

25 Mar 2026 23:30:41
I also wouldn't be opposed to the idea of Harvey returning. The only issue I have is I believe he's more of an attacking mid than a winger. I also believe Klopp got better out of him, but that's not to say he won't be able to adapt.

Do you also think we will replace Endo, Gomez and Robbo?

25 Mar 2026 23:33:03
I personally think Szoboszlai will be used more on the right next year, particularly if we start Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz.

26 Mar 2026 00:17:02
Definitely the potential to move to a system with wingbacks instead of the usual wide/inside forwards we have had since Klopp's time.

26 Mar 2026 04:17:24
Szoboszlai should be playing CM. I don't see the value in him playing primarily at RW other than to use his versatility.

Next year's starting midfield should be Grav, Dom and Wirtz. Then, we need wingers who are versatile, but crucially can beat their man and connect, not just run onto a long ball or cut onto their strong foot.

26 Mar 2026 05:39:46
Nice kid, Harvey, good footballer but no pace at all and not top 6 standard.
He is not the answer, he should have been sold last summer, and not to Villa, who messed us around and we agreed to some really poor deal.

26 Mar 2026 07:12:37
I have a contact, brother works at a very high level of the club. I don't pester them for info, I ask them stuff very occasionally. Might have to next time I see him. So I'm also "uninformed".

It seems to me we're having a clear out. Based on what the sites ITKs are saying: I've a theory a new manager has been identified and discussions have been had regarding summer squad movement.


A similar thing happened before Klopp was appointed and we signed Firmino. That was a huge signing at a time when Rodgers was looking very vulnerable. I think it was led by discussions with Klopp.

If Hughes +/- Edwards are moving on, it seems sensible to work with the new manager at an early stage, but keeping talks "under the radar".

26 Mar 2026 07:29:20
I think it's really key, assuming Alonso comes in, that we look at our youth set up more and try and promote from within rather than looking for another left back for cover and another centre back or winger, just for cover.

I understand getting players ready to go in our starting 11, but paying a fortune in transfer fees and wages for cover players seems a bit silly when we could have some great youngsters ready to step up, assuming we have a coach happy to give them a chance and take more of an interest in how they're developing.

26 Mar 2026 08:04:32
Next year's starting midfield should be Grav, Dom and Wirtz? You mean the same midfield that gets dominated week in and week out? So same old s*** next season then, Faith.

26 Mar 2026 08:11:49
Get Harry Wilson on a free! That's if he wants to come, of course, but he would be a great option off the bench.

26 Mar 2026 08:23:36
VV, Well that's if you look at life static, I don't.

Wirtz would have had a full season under his belt. You can't buy that experience. Also, we've barely played this midfield combo together this year, so you're hardly making a fair or reasonable criticism.

26 Mar 2026 08:41:58
Grav is not a starter, imo. At least not in the 6. He's way too soft and he can't pass the ball either. Not sure what he provides half the time. We need grit and passing ability to consistently find our attackers.

26 Mar 2026 09:23:47
I'd be all over that 2shoes, just as long as the kids are good enough.

26 Mar 2026 09:25:59
The same weak midfield, with the same useless manager, will get same pathetic outcomes. Far too soft and lightweight in midfield, and will get bullied every week. Only next season, Slot won't get lucky in his first five or six matches, so if there's any truth that he's not going (which is being widely reported), then we've got a relegation battle to look forward to next season as that has been our form since October 2025.

26 Mar 2026 09:34:12
Ron, genuine question but if Hughes and maybe Edward's are moving on do you think they would be entrusted to have those conversations with the new coach? If they are bring moved on then wouldn't it be because the club have no longer faith in their competency after how this season has unfolded.


Ed001, who would be making decisions on new manager and potential incomings and outgoings if Hughes and maybe even Edward's were being moved on?

{Ed001's Note - I would expect Ward and Werner would then step in, or maybe Henry himself get involved. It was Henry that chose to appoint Edwards, so it is most likely he would want involvement.}

26 Mar 2026 10:02:14
Re the midfield, Slot has used Wirtz, Dom and Grav together in a 3, never worked. Macca gets slammed on here, and yes he does seem slower, but at least he will put his foot in. I know he goes down too easy, but id rather that than some of the others pulling out of challenges. I like Tonali, not sure if we could get him.

26 Mar 2026 10:27:50
Jude Yellingatthem - Grav is very good as a 6 proved that with his ability to bring a ball out of deep position and having the ability to turn away from trouble or a press. It looks like Arne is asking him to do something a little different this year and it has not worked.

I would have no problem playing him as a 6 and bring in a hyper mobile with good duel stats and passing ability to play alongside him. In my opinion, it's what the team needs.

26 Mar 2026 11:23:10
The plan is to pay the release clause for Michael Olise. They're really keen on Wharton. They'll look for a left back and another midfielder.

26 Mar 2026 11:34:58
Thanks Robbo.

26 Mar 2026 11:41:57
No idea why judgement is being passed on the midfield, or anybody else, based on this season. Grav was fantastic last year, and Macallister has been great for us until now, but one bad season under a manager employing ineffective tactics, and the players are rubbish all of a sudden? You can't be claiming the manager's not good enough and all the players aren't good enough either.

They did win the league; somebody's got to be pretty good at something. We didn't fluke our way to a title. Yes, there's been a dropoff, but I think judgement on players who did well last year should probably be reserved until we see how they do under new management... bar Gakpo.

26 Mar 2026 11:42:32
What is the release clause, Robbo?

26 Mar 2026 11:52:24
RobboLFC, do clubs insert release clauses without it having to be in the public domain? Everything I have seen suggests that he does not have a release clause. Thanks for the info mate.

26 Mar 2026 12:50:54
It's not a traditional release clause, there's no fixed amount for "tax" purposes, it's not been made public, but what I have heard is it's acceptable for him to leave if an offer of 2 - 2.5x what Bayern paid for him, arrives.

Liverpool remain in the loop and interested, of course.

Money is there.

26 Mar 2026 13:15:23
Any potential new manager may choose to move away from the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 system.
Therefore, wide attackers are needed less.
What this means for the future of Chiesa, Gakpo, and Rio is up in the air.
We could play a 10 behind 2 more central attackers with the width being generated by fullbacks/wingbacks.


That doesn't mean the 2 central attackers always play straight down the middle though.
We would need more centralish attackers though.

If we do stick with what we've seen for a decade, then we need 2/3 wide attackers.
We will also need another midfielder, a left back and potentially a new centre back... at a minimum.

26 Mar 2026 13:21:19
Robbo's on X.

26 Mar 2026 13:28:20
Robbo, are we interested in Gomez from Wolves, he'd be a good player to have in the midfield if we are looking to bring in Warton and probably wouldn't cost too much (in football terms).

26 Mar 2026 13:28:43
Thanks Robbo, that makes sense, cheers for the info.

26 Mar 2026 13:37:28
Cheers Robbo. Still not convinced Olise is the right player for us, but as I said yesterday, he is very good at what he does do and I'll get behind him if it happens. I am still hoping we end up going for Diomande instead though.

26 Mar 2026 14:11:52
No inside info, but I think Diomande is the one out of the wingers linked I'd expect to see here come the summer.

26 Mar 2026 18:15:36
I would love to see Gravenberch to the bench and defensive midfielder to replace him, not a make shift player someone that can defend for sun.
Mcallister close the door on the way out and Szob never to play RB, he is our best player. If he can gel with Ekiteke and Wirtz too then ill be happy with the team.

25 Mar 2026 21:31:20
I read a post on Twitter and this comes from Sportbild that Liverpool have begun discussing Luka Vuskovic (19) internally as a contingency option if Ibrahima Konate departs. The player's main desire is to play in Europe and compete for titles. Have you ITK's heard anything on this?

25 Mar 2026 22:03:47
We are very keen on Luka Vuskovic.

We would face fierce competition from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Man City and Inter Milan.

Ta.

25 Mar 2026 22:34:12
Maybe with a new man in charge it could enhance our chances of signing him. 🙏

25 Mar 2026 22:54:18
I'd imagine we'd have a fair chance with Slot in charge, Barry. We are Liverpool after all.

25 Mar 2026 23:01:30
I don't even bother YouTubing them once I hear Madrid are keen.

25 Mar 2026 23:14:50
I mean we may as well have the youngest CB group in all of world football. Vuskovic at 19, plus Jacquet and Leoni? Yeah, bring it on lol.

26 Mar 2026 06:52:25
Haha I wouldn't want to play for Slot, I mean if you're naive enough to think that people just come for the badge these days... What am I saying, of course Florian is naive, he'd rather Slot stay and ruin our season further.

26 Mar 2026 08:05:08
We might not gain a player, but we are certainly going to lose a super fan in Florian when Slot leaves Liverpool... Still can't help but support Slot still, even after saying his time is done. I guess you can't see that he has wrecked this club in less than a season!

26 Mar 2026 08:09:18
Agreed, Bazza. It absolutely would be a huge influence.

26 Mar 2026 08:45:05
Virgil, I think is a big pull for cb signings. That, and we already have 2 of the best u21 cbs. If you were Vaskovics you'd be thinking I can come and learn off Virg and I already have two brilliant prospective playing partners here. I hope.

26 Mar 2026 09:28:52
This is nothing to do with supporting Slot. We are talking about a kid just turned 19, and despite a huge reputation at this stage in his career, has done little. It's not Mbappe or Olise we're talking about. He would most likely swim to England to play for LFC despite who the manager is.

If yous wanna turn everything into a Slot thread, go ahead. There was actually a few discussions not revolving around him yesterday. Best discussions on here in a long time.

26 Mar 2026 09:40:08
'Big Pull' didn't work on Dean Huijsen, or the nailed on Guehi.

26 Mar 2026 10:12:41
Worked on Wirtz and Isak though.

26 Mar 2026 10:44:28
Florian, of course the players think who the manager is at a club, and if you don't think that then you are very naive.
It is clear to see why a lot of players would not join LFC based on seeing that the current players are not performing and downing tools because of Slot.

We are yet to see players come out and 100% back Slot, that says it all!

26 Mar 2026 10:54:31
Florian, were both players targeted by bigger clubs? 1 has been injured all season for 150m and the other hasn't settled very well as of yet.

26 Mar 2026 11:27:09
Wirtz was targeted by City and Bayern, Dio, and Arsenal wanted Isak. Didn't go in for him, as he wanted LFC. Bazzinga, you're the naive one. Vuskovic isn't on Liverpool rumours everyday listening to men cry about Slot. He'd see a bloke who won trophies in Holland and, in his two seasons at Liverpool, won a league and who got to a cup final with chances to try for others, who will, in my opinion, have qualified for Champs League football both seasons.

If he does that, he'll accomplish something Utd, Newcastle, Spurs, Villa, and, more than likely, Chelsea won't have been able to do. I know most on here want Slot gone asap. In my opinion, he'll be gone in May. But this notion that players won't sign for us because of him, if he does still happen to be here this summer, is just silly in my opinion. Especially when we're talking about teenagers only starting their career path.

26 Mar 2026 11:58:52
Florian, the manager, his reputation, his tactical decisions and his effect on the team are all massive considerations for any potential signing, there's no doubting that. Slot has only been in the headlines for negative reasons this season, obviously that affects players' decision-making when it comes to transfers. Wirtz and Isak decided to sign for us after we won the league, it's not just the badge, if we came 4th last year I bet we wouldn't have signed either of them.

Also, I can't imagine a single player in the world would rather play for Slot over Alonso right now. Xabi 100% has more pull than Slot, no doubt about it whatsoever, and you can be damn sure that after this season, if Slot was still in charge it would absolutely affect the decision of some potential new signings. And btw, you turned it into a Slot post, you were the first to mention his name.

26 Mar 2026 12:30:43
Ok Chewy, if you wanna pretend Barry didnt first bring Slot into it you be you 😆 I actually agree with a lot of what you say. You say Slot has been in the headlines for negative reasons this season which affects a player's decision. True. But he has also had a career up to this season that was all upward trajectory. A player will not only look at a few months of struggle and forget about years of great work. If that's the case Macca, Grav and Dom would never have signed for Klopp in 23'. On Wirtz and Isak I also agree, but the fact is we did win the league under Slot.

With the Alonso over Slot thing, is that not a bit irrelevant? Like, if by some chance Slot is manager this summer, and the club get in contact with a player, are they really gonna give the reason that they'd rather play under a different manager for not joining. Alonso at the moment is only media speculation. Slot could be sacked in May, and we could be reading about Xabi replacing Pep a few days later. None of us know whats going to happen. Did anyone say anything about Jaquet or the Mo announcement before they were made public? No, not a word. They just came out of the blue.

26 Mar 2026 14:19:40
Florian, unlike most others, I think you're alright, but putting Olise in the same bracket as Mbappe is laughable. Olise is far from that level, and at 19, he either had just joined Palace or was about to. He wasn't pulling up trees at that age.

26 Mar 2026 14:49:17
Sorry Fields, just picked two random very high profile names off the top of my head. Didn't put too much thought into it. Is Mbappe or Messi ok? I'll try to be better.

26 Mar 2026 16:49:00
Come now Florian, you did it again. 😂

25 Mar 2026 20:03:46
Reading that Isak has asked his agent to get him out of Liverpool. Seems unlikely, but anyone else heard anything.

25 Mar 2026 20:06:44
He's some neck if he did!

25 Mar 2026 20:10:34
Why would he want out when he's hardly played and most likely wants a big season next season. I'd suggest it's likely rubbish.

25 Mar 2026 20:13:18
It does seem unlikely.

25 Mar 2026 20:22:39
Tara then.

25 Mar 2026 21:09:58
He's welcome to find a club which will pay a similar transfer fee and match his wages at Liverpool.

Good luck Alex. 👍

25 Mar 2026 21:14:44
It would be the funniest thing in the world if he went on strike during pre-season. 😂😂

{Ed025's Note - then Slot wins manager of the year...and MacAllister is the new star of Gladiators.. :)

25 Mar 2026 21:26:13
I hear Newcastle are after a striker.

{Ed025's Note - quality TIB..

25 Mar 2026 21:42:57
It's fake news, lad, don't listen to 'elnacionalcat'.

26 Mar 2026 08:03:25
That's actually hilarious. 😅

25 Mar 2026 19:55:08
Well people say David Ornstien is the man who knows everything from Liverpool FC and he's just reported on his podcast Slot definitely stays for next season, apparently Liverpool FC will back him all the way he states Arne Slot has the full backing of the board and owners. The merry go rounds goes on. 🤔

25 Mar 2026 20:01:18
Next season written off too then.

25 Mar 2026 20:11:16
Great, so Alonso will be at a club when he finally gets sacked!

25 Mar 2026 20:53:51
More of a mouthpiece for the club to control the media.

Not taking anything about next season as gospel from anyone.

What if Slot resigns?

25 Mar 2026 21:00:05
So many conflicting stories !!

My view is if he gets top 5 he's staying !

{Ed025's Note - this is turning into a soap opera..

25 Mar 2026 21:21:09
I mean, it's absolutely baffling that he's still here now.

So Arne Slot being Liverpool manager next season doesn't seem so strange after sticking with him after this disastrous campaign.

I think he should've been sacked 5 months ago and he's not, so I reckon there's a massive possibility he's still here.

{Ed025's Note - to quote Shakespeare LFC8...its all gone tits up mate..

25 Mar 2026 21:23:19
The only person who says Ornstein knows everything about Liverpool is Ornstein himself.

25 Mar 2026 21:30:10
The club will back any manager until they terminate the contract.

25 Mar 2026 21:30:28
Nonsense. No way Slot is here next season. Ornstein is shilling. Players would down tools, fans would become more vocal and call for FSG to go as well if Slot is here next season. The only way Slot could even remotely stay on as boss is if he wins the Champions League and Premier League this season. Yawnstein is full of it.

25 Mar 2026 22:17:39
I believe the ITK on this site before anyone else.

25 Mar 2026 22:46:58
I honestly don't think he stays even if we win the CL.

25 Mar 2026 22:47:48
I'd rather believe the likes of Carra, TheFields, and NedFlanders on here.

26 Mar 2026 03:00:01
Yawnstein is the hummingbird buzzing around the rhino's backside. I'd sooner listen to that hole

26 Mar 2026 06:35:27
Carra already said that there would be a push on the line, Slot was backed, etc.
Alonso was first choice, now he's available and Slot is struggling. Only heading one way.

26 Mar 2026 12:08:10
Ornstein, although reliable, often releases info he's been briefed on by the club, like a few others. Of course, these sort of briefings are often an attempt to quieten rumours, stabilise situations and quell any doubts over perceived instability.

The club will always back the manager, right up to the very second they fire him. No club has ever come out and said "Yeah, we actually think he's rubbish too, but he's all we've got right now..."

25 Mar 2026 18:47:02
Top news Carra.
Any real interest in Olise?
I would personally love to see this lad join us but can’t help but feel it’s unrealistic and his cost would be astronomical.

25 Mar 2026 19:40:21
Just read Bayerm Space's post. It certainly seems we have concrete interest from what they're saying...we'll see how it plays out. They were right about Wirtz, maybe it'll be 2 from 2?

25 Mar 2026 17:35:00
Ed1,
I've not seen anyone ask your opinion re the manager situation. I'm shocked! I consider you an ITK! i'm sure you love the term lol.

All jokes aside, I do value your info, been spot on for years with lots of stuff.
So I just wanted to ask if you've heard anything with Xabi coming in etc.
Few different journalists reporting from different countries in the last day or two, similar stories, which I think always make a story have more substance: maybe it has legs.

Have you heard anything?

Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - all I have heard is Slot continuing until the end of the season, unless results absolutely nosedive, but then he is expected to go. Xabi is 1st choice, like he was before Slot, to come in.}

25 Mar 2026 20:21:04
Cheers Ed! 🙏

25 Mar 2026 22:48:49
So the current run of results is not considered a "nosedive"?

I'm shocked. If results got any worse, there would be no point in getting another manager before the end of the season, as there would be zero chance to make top 4.

25 Mar 2026 18:32:12
With Salah's contract cancelling by mutual consent, I assume he will walk away on a free.
I also remember that the club were advised not to offer him a large 2 year contract.
Who makes these decisions and how are they still in a job?

25 Mar 2026 18:53:14
It was the right decision at the time, after the season he had, it would have been madness to cut ties. Unfortunately not every decision works out.

25 Mar 2026 18:53:24
The same people who won't relieve the current manager of his duties.

25 Mar 2026 19:00:55
Lots of hindsight geniuses popping up, a year ago, the majority of the fanbase were freaking out because he hadn't signed a new contract.

25 Mar 2026 19:04:17
Yeah it's a negotiation.
I'm sure we did try and get him on a 1yr contract or even a 1yr rolling contract.

However, Salah's form in the first half of last season created a very strong negotiating position.
He forced our hand. He deserved it.

25 Mar 2026 19:14:34
In all fairness, how do you not secure a player who just had a record breaking title winning season? Can you imagine the backlash if we let Salah walk after last year? 46 g/a.

All the cards were stacked in his favour, every last one. It was less of a negotiation and more like a list of demands, all we could do was say yes or no, and no, really wasn't an option.

25 Mar 2026 19:16:07
Not a hindsight geniuses, ArnieJ, just my opinion as a fan of 50 years as I'm not paid hundreds of thousands pounds a year to make these decisions.

25 Mar 2026 19:18:14
It's a business. MO's contract extension reflected his value to the club at the time. Things change and his value to the club has diminished. Apart from anything else, he has been nothing short of world class for the decade he has been at the club. He owes nothing to the club.

{Ed025's Note - did he not get paid (very handsomely) for playing for those 9 years WDW?, i believed that he was signing a new deal last year on a mind boggling £400k a week plus bonuses to protect his value if he was to be sold before its termination mate?..or am i wrong?

25 Mar 2026 20:13:04
I had thought similar to ed25 that a 2 year contract would've been to protect his value to a certain degree. I'm v surprised we haven't tried to get a fee for him, he has had a v poor season but he has still 10goals and 9 assists. Compare that to a lot of wide players and I'd day it's fairly favourable. Stats like that don't tell all the story as there's been games where he's been non existent, but then we could say that about 80% of our team.

Still I would've thought we couldve got decent fee, £15-20m for him. I wouldn't price him out of a dream move if he wanted it but I'm sure whoever he goes to will be paying him handsomely so couldve afforded a transfer fee

25 Mar 2026 21:06:09
If we accepted anything less than £20m fee it would mean we’re losing money compared to just letting him walk.

His wages still have to be paid, by us, if we accept a transfer fee. We have to pay to break his contract which means paying it off. His wages are £20m per season.
Then the player and his agent have to accept the new club and their wages in preference to waiting one more season at Anfield and getting a free transfer.

So essentially you’re looking for a club, which offers significantly more than £20m transfer fee (as the player and their agent take their cut), will pay him a wage which he will accept (so probably close to £20m per year), he will probably want multiple years and it is a club which the player wants to play for.


Otherwise he stays and sits out his contract for a season.

If, if, he was still performing like he performed when he signed the contract then you might just find that Goldilocks of a deal. But the way he’s playing now? No club is going to pay that transfer fee and give him that deal in preference to waiting an extra season.

This solution of negotiating an early end to his contract seems the least painful to me.

{Ed025's Note - you make a good case Ron..

25 Mar 2026 21:13:16
I'm very irritated about this situation. I've been saying it for months, but shipping any players out after the crap Slot has been forcing on all of us makes no sense to me.

What makes even less sense is letting him go on a free.

How is it just one nonsensical, baffling decision after another by our club these days? Is there nothing that isn't a total mess and needing sorted? Why does everything just seem to be put off until this summer? Seems like a lot of serious stupidity going on all season long, and I'm getting more and more frustrated by it.

{Ed025's Note - it seems contracts are not worth the paper they are written on Snuggles, players and their agents hold all the aces it seems mate..

25 Mar 2026 21:15:17
I've got that bit about paying off the wages wrong.

The new club takes over the contract if they get the player.

Still, a club is going to have to pay a transfer fee and pay his wages, probably increase them, sign him up for multiple years, and be a club he wants to go to.



On current form, I don't think any club was coming in for him. Most would wait one more season.

25 Mar 2026 22:08:56
The thing people get wrong about contracts is they're not supposed to reflect the previous season. They're supposed to be a prediction of the following season.

When Salah was given a new contract, it wasn't a reward for last season, it was supposed to be an incentive for this one.

{Ed025's Note - and hows that working out so far mate?..

25 Mar 2026 23:54:43
I'm pretty sure his drop off in form is largely due to the slow, laborious build up play, no mid 30s winger is going to beat 2 or 3 set defenders.
Club legend and I wish him well, but these tactics are totally hamstringing him.

26 Mar 2026 04:19:39
If a club decides to sell a player, then I believe they have to pay the agreed loyalty bonus as well. This does not get paid if a player hands in a transfer request. So, along with the £20m in wages, this could have also been saved.
Loyalty bonuses can be in the millions.

{Ed001's Note - if a player hands in a written transfer request they lose their cut of any transfer fee. They are otherwise entitled to 5%.}

26 Mar 2026 12:51:08
I remember there being a number of dissenting voices, myself included, saying Salah should have been let go last season. There may have been a majority but there was hardly a silent minority, so quit with the "hindsight" comments.

Some of us called it right (probably blind luck), most of us didn't.