Everton are now ready to pounce to sign an “insane” Premier League striker in the January transfer window, and his club are open to offers.

Toffees' January transfer window plans taking shape

The Toffees are flying high in the Premier League, moving up to seventh place after winning four of their last five matches, but one position in which they arguably need to strengthen next month is centre-forward, considering they have scored just 18 goals this season.

No side above 17th place has scored fewer goals than David Moyes’ side, although they were impressive going forward in the last match, breezing past Nottingham Forest with a 3-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Thierno Barry scored the second goal in the rout, with the Frenchman finally managing to get off the mark, having failed to score in his previous 14 outings for the Merseyside club.

Beto hasn’t fared any better, however, with the 27-year-old also on just one Premier League goal, which will be a worry for Moyes, given that we are now approaching the half-way stage of the season.

Consequently, Everton are now looking at bringing in a new striker next month, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are ready to pounce to sign Joshua Zirkzee, should Manchester United be willing to lower their £35m asking price.

The Toffees are joined by three other Premier League clubs in the race for Zirkzee’s signature, but AS Roma are currently in pole position, and the Serie A side have recently opened direct negotiations over a January deal.

Man United are now open to offers for the Dutchman, who is the Red Devils’ second choice striker behind Benjamin Sesko, and he has struggled for game time, starting only three Premier League games this term.

"Insane" Zirkzee would be risky signing for Everton

Moyes will be hoping Barry scoring against Forest can be a turning point for the 23-year-old, but the early signs haven’t exactly been encouraging, so a new striker may be required if the Merseysiders are to make a serious push for Europe.

There are some indications Zirkzee could be a solid replacement, having been lauded for his “insane” quality by scout Ben Mattinson, while also scoring a very well-taken goal in United’s recent 2-1 triumph against Crystal Palace.

Much like Barry and Beto, however, the Netherlands international has struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis this season, having scored just one goal in the Premier League, following up a debut campaign in which he scored three.

Everton launch enquiry to sign "superb" £40m South American forward for Moyes

The Toffees are on the hunt for a striker.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 6, 2025

As such, with Everton in a strong position to make a real success out of this season, should they get their January recruitment right, they should look to bring in a striker who is much more prolific in front of goal.

He says he was bowling a lot at that time and was “so tired”

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2025

Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has revealed that he had been bowling with an illegal action “a little bit intentionally” when he was reported for a suspect action and subsequently suspended after his county stint with Surrey in 2024.Shakib had been suspended from bowling in all competitions organised by the ECB after his action was found illegal at an independent testing at Loughborough University in December last year. As per the ICC’s regulations, his suspension was automatically enforced in international cricket.”I think I was doing it a little bit intentionally because I bowled more than 70 overs [in one match],” Shakib told the podcast. “I never bowled 70 overs in my career in a Test match. I was playing that four-day match for Surrey against Somerset in Taunton. I was so tired.Related

'I am officially not retired from all formats' – Shakib reverses Test and T20I retirement

Shakib suspended from bowling in all top-level cricket

Shakib suspended from bowling in ECB-run cricket

“I played back-to-back Test matches in Pakistan. We won that series and then I went to play those four-day matches. The only thing I was thinking the umpire could have done was just warn me first, at least. But it is in the rules, so they had the right. I didn’t complain.”I went to do the test, I failed. And then I saw my test. I was like, ‘okay, so these things are happening’. Then I had to train for a couple of weeks so I went back to Surrey again and they were kind enough to help me. I did two sessions and I was back to normal. I was like, ‘it’s so easy’.”Shakib played just one game for Surrey last season and bowled 63.2 overs, split into 33.5 and 29.3 overs across the two innings. He was later cleared to bowl earlier this year after he gave his third bowling assessment test at Loughborough University in the UK. In the meantime he had failed a second bowling test in Chennai, after which the BCB selectors didn’t pick him for the Champions Trophy, even the board had clarified he was available to play as a batter in all forms of domestic and international cricket.

Newcastle United could now be without one of Eddie Howe’s mainstays in the Tyne-Wear derby following the latest injury news.

Newcastle vs Sunderland team news

It’s the biggest game of the season for both Newcastle and Sunderland, as they do battle in the Premier League for the first time since 2016. Form will go out the window, as one of English football’s most dramatic rivalries reignites on Sunday afternoon.

It’s particularly a must-win game for Newcastle, who have unexpectedly found themselves trailing Sunderland so far this season. Victory would change that, however, and could take Howe’s side back into the top four if other results go their way.

Howe knows exactly what’s at stake against the Black Cats and told reporters that he simply wants to do “the club, the city, our people proud”.

That said, it hasn’t been the easiest preparation for those at St James’ Park. Bayer Leverkusen’s late goal denied them a much-needed victory in the Champions League in midweek and it also handed Howe some ill-timed injury blows.

As revealed by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, although Nick Pope could be back in contention to play against Sunderland, Newcastle could be without summer signing Yoane Wissa once again due to illness and midfield star Joelinton.

Newcastle dealt fresh Joelinton injury blow

As reported by Hope, Joelinton could miss the Tyne-Wear derby thanks to a “groin issue” and will be assessed before Sunday’s meeting. After playing an hour against Germany, there’s no doubt that the Brazilian faces a race against time to feature in a game that no player will want to miss.

Whilst Joelinton hasn’t been at his best this season, the derby is exactly the type of game that he usually thrives in. If Howe’s side are to enter battle, they would no doubt prefer to do so with one of their best enforcers at the heart of their side.

As things stand though, the £150,000-a-week star may be forced to step aside for someone that knows all about the Tyne-Wear derby in academy graduate Lewis Miley.

Fewer touches than Ramsdale: Howe must drop Newcastle man who won 2 duels

Eddie Howe must now drop this Newcastle United star ahead of this weekend’s hotly anticipated Tyne-Wear Derby.

1 ByKelan Sarson 4 days ago

The 19-year-old emerged from the bench before finding the back of the net against Leverkusen on Wednesday night and may get the chance to repeat his heroics on the biggest stage.

Not just Smit: Newcastle looking to sign midfielder who's "Premier League-ready"

Manchester United’s tactical imbalances have seen Ruben Amorim caught in a headwind as he fights to lift the club back into the title contention in the Premier League.

For now, inconsistency reigns, with the draw against West Ham United at Old Trafford at the weekend marking just one win across five league fixtures. Amorim’s side are 12th, four points behind fourth-place Crystal Palace, who they beat at Selhurst Park only one week ago.

Flashes of progress are dimmed by an inability to play with the balance and gusto that is needed for true success in the English top flight, and it’s clear that INEOS need to prioritise the signing of a new centre-midfielder

Why Man United need a midfielder

Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford has become a flashpoint for an outfit struggling for consistency. Many fans are perplexed at Amorim’s decision to keep him on the fringes, given the defects within the United engine room.

Casemiro is getting on a bit, and Bruno Fernandes does not boast the deep-lying profile needed to establish fluidity and work in conjunction with a tough-tackling anchor.

This is where Adam Wharton comes in. The England midfielder has been in fine fettle since joining Crystal Palace in January 2024, and the Mirror report that United have learned they will need to pay £70m to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams in 2026.

Wharton is attracting interest from numerous suitors, but the Red Devils have made him their top target, and that follows claims from the 21-year-old’s agent that his client has ambitions to star in a Champions League-competing squad.

Why Man United should sign Adam Wharton

Wharton is still young and relatively inexperienced at the highest level, but there’s no denying his quality and potential for further growth.

Hailed as a “passing machine” by journalist Henry Winter, he has been instrumental in the trophy-winning Oliver Glasner era, and his is a technical profile that has caused a stir within many elite offices across England and Europe. United need to win this race, and making Wharton a priority will help them in their bid to sign a star midfielder, someone who would eclipse Mainoo and end the malaise around the Carrington prospect’s name.

It would be negligible to pull Mainoo’s data from the current Premier League campaign, so far on the fringes he’s been, but he excelled during a 2023/24 breakout season in Erik ten Hag’s team, and from here we can see that Wharton would be an exciting upgrade on Mainoo in his finest form.

Matches (starts)

24 (24)

13 (13)

Goals

3

0

Assists

1

2

Touches*

49.0

48.2

Pass completion

87%

81%

Big chances created

0

6

Key passes*

0.6

1.5

Dribbles*

1.3

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.6

Duels won*

5.0 (52%)

3.5 (52%)

Though Wharton is less precise with his passing, this is principally because he is an inherent playmaker, looking to break lines and influence while protecting the backline behind him.

Wharton ranks, moreover, among the top 13% of Premier League midfielders this season for through balls and the top 16% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Less of a dribbler than Mainoo, Wharton’s stable and dynamic midfield came would provide Amorim with the style he is searching for, and it could have quite the ripple effect in giving rise to wider tactical green shoots.

His ability to ‘run the show’ is something that the Red Devils simply don’t boast in the way that Amorim needs to establish full throttle, and given his obstinacy in not giving Mainoo the playing time he and the fanbase are desperate for, Wharton would provide the missing link, the tonic for all that has been inconsistent at Man United in recent times.

A new Amad: Man Utd could sign "one of the best LWs in Europe" in swap deal

Manchester United are plotting a sensational deal for this exciting winger who could be Ruben Amorim’s next Amad Diallo.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 7, 2025

كشفت وسائل إعلام إسبانية تطورات مفاجئة بشأن مصير مدرب ريال مدريد تشابي ألونسو بعد تعادل الفريق أمام جيرونا بهدف لمثله في الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

وكان جيرونا قد افتتح التسجيل أمام ريال مدريد عن طريق عز الدين أوناحي في الدقيقة 45، قبل أن يتعادل كيليان مبابي من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 67 من الشوط الثاني.

وتضاربت الأنباء مباشرة بعد انتهاء لقاء ريال مدريد وجيرونا، حيث تسارعت وسائل الإعلام الإسبانية للحديث عن تشابي ألونسو ما بين استقراره في منصبه أو أنه أصبح تحت الخطر ومهدد بالرحيل في الفترة القادمة.

أقرأ أيضاً.. قناة ريال مدريد تهاجم حكم مباراة جيرونا: الليجا فسدت.. وتحاولون عرقلتنا

ووفقاً للصحفي المقرب من ريال مدريد “بيبي ألفاريز”، فإن المباريات المقبلة أصبحت حاسمة بالنسبة لإدارة النادي، ويرى فلورنتينو بيريز خياراً واحداً فقط إذا احتاجه لتغيير اتجاه الفريق.

وأوضح أن ذلك الخيار الوحيد يتمثل في الاستعانة بالأسطورة الفرنسية زين الدين زيدان لكي يتحمل المسؤولية حتى نهاية الموسم.

أما عن مذيع برنامج “الشيرينجيتو” جوزيب بيدريرول، فقد ظهر في برنامجه وأكد أن ريال مدريد لا يفكر في تغيير المدرب تشابي ألونسو في الوقت الحالي.

وخاض تشابي ألونسو آخر 4 مباريات وتعادل في 3 منهم، وحقق الفوز في مباراة واحدة فقط أمام أولمبياكوس بأربعة أهداف لثلاثة في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

England have hinted that they will pick Ollie Pope at No. 3 in their warm-up game against the Lions on Thursday, indicating that he is likely to beat Jacob Bethell to selection for the first Test against Australia in Perth next week.Harry Brook said that players were told they will be “going hard” against the Lions in their three-day practice match by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes at the start of their Tuesday training session. Some England players may also feature for the Lions, who have brought an 18-man squad to Australia.”That was partly what Baz and Stokesy said,” Brook told England’s social channels. “We’re going hard. We’re going to go 100%. We’re going to try and beat them. I think we’re going to be selecting an XI and playing against another XI, so it’s not going to be just a mess-around… It’s good preparation playing against some of the best players in England ahead of the Ashes.”Pope’s position at No. 3 has been under pressure ever since Bethell’s maiden Test series in New Zealand last year, when he made three half-centuries in the role. England’s decision to transfer the vice-captaincy from Pope to Brook last month only fuelled speculation that Bethell would start the Ashes in the role.But Marcus Trescothick, one of McCullum’s assistant coaches, gave a strong hint that Pope will retain his spot for the warm-up match. “I’m presuming the same sort of No. 3 we’ve had for a period of time,” he told BBC Sport, when asked who would bat there. He added: “I can only say we are a very consistent team in what we’re trying to do.”Trescothick also said that performances in the warm-up match were unlikely to affect selection for the first Test.”It’s definitely not going to change dramatically before the start of an Ashes series because someone puts their hand up by taking five wickets or gets 150,” he said. “The team has been what it has been for a period of time for a reason, so that when you come to big series, you are more settled and confident going into it.”England have trained at Lilac Hill, the venue for the warm-up match and the home ground of grade team Midland-Guildford CC, since they arrived in Perth and Brook said that conditions will be “completely different” when they arrive at Optus Stadium for the first Test.”It’s completely different here, if I’m being brutally honest,” he said. [The pitches] are slow and low here. It’s going to be slightly different to the Optus, but we’ve got three or four days before that first Test where we can utilise [those] pitches… It’s a perfect opportunity in this game to try and get some time out in the middle and use it wisely.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians entra em campo neste domingo (13), na Neo Química Arena, contra o Cruzeiro, em busca de uma vaga na final da Copa do Brasil e de continuar sonhando com seu quarto título da competição. Caso seja campeão, Dorival Júnior também alcançaria sua quarta conquista no torneio.

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Ao longo de sua carreira, Dorival Júnior conquistou a Copa do Brasil em três oportunidades: com o Santos (2010), o Flamengo (2022) e o São Paulo (2023). O treinador também disputou a final em 2015, no comando do Peixe, mas foi derrotado pelo Palmeiras.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

O treinador, inclusive, não é eliminado da competição desde 2016, quando comandava o Santos e acabou superado pelo Internacional. Na ocasião, a equipe santista venceu na Vila Belmiro por 2 a 1, mas foi derrotada fora de casa por 2 a 0, resultado que marcou a última eliminação de Dorival Júnior na Copa do Brasil.

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Números gerais de Dorival Júnior

Dorival Júnior acumula 82 partidas à frente de equipes na Copa do Brasil, com 54 vitórias, 15 empates e 13 derrotas, o que resulta em um aproveitamento de 72%. Durante esse período, seu time marcou 166 gols, média de 2 por jogo, e sofreu 62, com uma média de 0,8 gols por partida. O treinador tem sido presença constante na competição, com 14 participações, e conquistou 3 títulos ao longo de sua carreira.

Pelo Corinthians, somando todas as competições, Dorival Júnior comandou a equipe em 40 partidas, com 17 vitórias, 11 empates e 12 derrotas, alcançando um aproveitamento de 52%. Sob seu comando, o time marcou 43 gols, média de 1,1 por jogo, e sofreu 36, com média de 0,9 por partida.

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Dorival Júnior na Copa do Brasil

82 jogos54V | 15E | 13D72% de aproveitamento166 gols marcados (2.0 por jogo)62 gols sofridos (0.8 por jogo)14 participações3 títulos

Dorival Júnior pelo Corinthians

40 jogos17V | 11E | 12D52% de aproveitamento43 gols marcados (1.1 por jogo)36 gols sofridos (0.9 por jogo)Corinthians x Cruzeiro

O primeiro confronto entre as equipes ocorreu na última quarta-feira (10), no Mineirão, e terminou com vitória do Timão por1 a 0, graças ao gol de Memphis Depay. Diante do resultado, a equipe comandada por Dorival Júnior entra em campo na segunda partida precisando apenas de um empate para garantir vaga na final do torneio nacional.

Já o time de Leonardo Jardim precisa vencer por dois gols de diferença para se classificar diretamente, sem a necessidade de disputa de pênaltis. Se o Cruzeiro vencer por um gol de vantagem, a decisão será nas penalidades.

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Copa do BrasilCorinthiansFutebol Nacional

Gill was in sublime touch as India raced away to 52 for no loss in 4.5 overs before lightning and rain took over

Tristan Lavalette08-Nov-20255:57

Takeaways: Who won the Jitesh vs Samson debate?

No result India claimed a 2-1 series victory over Australia in an anti-climax after the fifth and final T20I was abandoned due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in Brisbane.After being sent in to bat, there had been intrigue over how India’s top-order would fare on a Gabba surface with plenty of bounce and carry. But with their nemesis Josh Hazlewood in Ashes prep mode and again not in the line-up, Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill plundered 52 runs before play came to a halt after 4.5 overs.Abhishek did have luck having been dropped twice, but Gill was in sweet touch as he smacked 29 off 16 balls.The series ended the same way it began after rain ruined the opening T20I in Canberra. Australia dominated game two in front of 82,000 fans at the MCG, largely thanks to a rampant Hazlewood but India ultimately prevailed in the series after their spinners gained a stranglehold on slower surfaces in Hobart and the Gold Coast.The India T20I squad with the series trophy in Brisbane•Matt Roberts/CA/Getty ImagesIndia will head home well pleased ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.”The way everyone chipped in every game, it was a complete team effort with the bat, ball and in the field,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said.”I saw what happened with the women’s team winning the World Cup in India, having unbelievable support. When you play at home there is pressure but at the same there is a lot of excitement.”In their final hit-out in the format before the T20 World Cup, Australia’s aggressive batting approach against high-quality spin attacks has come under scrutiny although recriminations are unlikely amid Ashes hysteria.”I don’t think I can remember the last time we had so many rain interruptions,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “I think there are a lot of learnings to take forward, a lot of positives. The flexibility of our group and the squad that we’re trying to build in a World Cup year has been amazing.”Earlier, a grinning Marsh once again won the toss but his mood soon soured after the start India’s openers got.There was no settling in for left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis as Abhishek bludgeoned a trademark boundary over mid-off on the fourth delivery of the match.He tried to repeat the dose on the next ball only to miscue high into the air where Glenn Maxwell nestled under having trudged back from mid-off. A resigned Abhishek had already begun walking off only for the unthinkable to happen, with Maxwell spilling a straightforward catch.While Abhishek lived dangerously, Gill was in sublime touch as he stroked four boundaries off Dwarshuis’ second over with the best being a gorgeous cover drive. Gill was in the type of commanding form that had eluded him during a tough tour – which started with an ODI series defeat in his captaincy debut in the format – and he looked determined to finish on a high.Abhishek, on 11, received another life when he was dropped by Dwarshuis who ran in from fine-leg before compounding Nathan Ellis’ misery by smashing him over midwicket for six.Typical for Brisbane this time for year, bad weather loomed large and the players went off due to lightning before heavy rain cascaded onto the ground in a major disappointment for the sold-out crowd.

Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, with both Premier League giants pushing to position themselves ahead of Paris Saint-Germain in the race for one of Europe’s brightest youngsters. Lille are determined to extend the teenager’s contract and protect a fee that could soar past €50 million (£43.6m/$58.2m) next summer.

• Chelsea and Arsenal interested in Lille's Bouaddi

  As per Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea and Arsenal have emerged as leading contenders in the growing race to sign Lille midfielder Bouaddi, whose reputation has soared after breaking through as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting young talents. The report has indicated that Arsenal are pushing aggressively, while Chelsea have stepped up their monitoring as they explore reinforcements in midfield ahead of next summer. Lille are aware of the competition and anticipate bids surpassing €50 million, with some earlier valuations even suggesting the figure could rise closer to €100 million. Paris Saint-Germain, who have long tracked Bouaddi, remain linked, though sources close to the player insist that no talks with the Paris club are currently taking place.  

  The 18-year-old has drawn increased attention following standout performances in domestic and European competition, most notably his display in Lille’s famous Champions League win over Real Madrid on his 17th birthday. His rapid rise has made him a key figure for Lille, prompting renewed attempts by the club to secure a contract extension beyond 2027.

  Despite the mounting interest, Lille have yet to receive concrete proposals, and sporting director Olivier Letang is expected to hold firm until their valuation is met. Bouaddi’s camp also remains calm about the situation, with the teenager fully focused on his development and his club’s ambitions this season. Still, the intensity of the pursuit suggests that Lille face a defining summer as Europe’s elite prepare to circle.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lille view Bouaddi's sale as a massive financial opportunity

  Bouaddi’s emergence as a top-tier midfield prospect has positioned him at the heart of a broader strategic battle between Premier League clubs seeking long-term control in midfield. Chelsea and Arsenal both view him as a rare profile: technically secure, physically mature, and tactically advanced for his age. 

  For Lille, the midfielder represents both sporting value and major financial leverage at a time when retaining their top prospects is increasingly difficult. The club’s determination to extend his deal reflects a belief that another season of development could elevate his price well beyond the €50m threshold. Bouaddi’s contractual situation is locked in until 2027, but without a renewal, Lille risk losing negotiating power next year if progress on an extension stalls. 

  PSG’s position further shapes the landscape, as their interest persists despite denials of active talks. The Ligue 1 champions have historically battled both Arsenal and Chelsea for emerging French talent, and Bouaddi’s profile fits their long-term recruitment model. Whether or not they join the bidding, their shadow looms large over negotiations involving one of France’s most sought-after prospects.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  PSG also interested in Bouaddi — no concrete talks yet

  Bouaddi’s rise has been so rapid that it has redefined expectations for teenage midfielders in France, with his maturity and tactical awareness drawing widespread acclaim. He made history as the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA club competition at 16 years and three days, before becoming one of the youngest to start a Champions League match, against Real Madrid, just over a year later.

  His style of play makes him an ideal candidate for Premier League football, though Lille remain convinced he should continue developing in Ligue 1 for at least another season. Scouts highlight his versatility as another major asset, as he can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, defensive anchor or advanced link player depending on tactical demand.

  While ESPN suggested Bouaddi was nearing a move to PSG, sources linked to the player and journalist Sacha Tavolieri have dismissed those claims, asserting that no concrete discussions have taken place. For now, the real momentum sits with Chelsea and Arsenal, whose recruitment teams see Bouaddi as a generational opportunity. 

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• All three clubs expected to make move in the summer of 2026

  Chelsea and Arsenal are expected to continue tracking Bouaddi closely ahead of the summer window, with both clubs preparing for negotiations that could become one of next year’s major transfer stories. Lille will focus on securing a contract extension, knowing that their leverage hinges on tying the midfielder down before rival clubs formalise their interest. With PSG still lurking in the background and valuations rising, Bouaddi’s future looks set to spark a fierce continental battle in 2026. 

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future remains shrouded in uncertainty after a dramatic public outburst intensified his feud with manager Arne Slot, but the Egyptian has received unexpected support from his first-ever coach. Ivica Todorov has spoken out to defend Salah’s professionalism and commitment, urging observers not to rush to judgment as the transfer storm grows louder.

Salah's deteriorating relationship with Liverpool

Salah’s situation at Liverpool has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with the Egyptian superstar finding himself at the centre of a major stand-off with manager Slot. A run of poor form, combined with tactical disagreements and his shock interview following the draw with Leeds United, has amplified speculation over whether he has already played his final game for the club. The matter escalated further when Salah was excluded from the squad for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, a clear sign of ongoing tension behind the scenes at Anfield.

The Liverpool hierarchy is now attempting to navigate a crisis involving one of the club’s greatest-ever players, who until recently had been indispensable to their attacking structure. While most figures around the club have supported Slot’s approach, Salah’s own camp has remained firm in their belief he has been unfairly targeted for the team’s struggles. The growing division has prompted major questions about his contract, his January availability, and whether the Saudi Pro League or MLS may attempt a swoop.

Amid the noise, former coaches, pundits and former players have weighed in on Salah’s character, but few have taken his side until his first manager, Todorov, stepped forward. The Serbian-French coach who gave Salah his debut at El Mokawloon in Egypt has defended the forward’s integrity and work ethic.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSalah's first manager defends Egyptian's professionalism

Speaking to Africa Foot, Todorov delivered an emphatic defence: “I know Mo Salah well. I don’t doubt for a moment his commitment, his work ethic, his lifestyle.”

He continued with strong praise for the professionalism of the Liverpool icon: “He’s a great professional. But time passes, he’s 33 years old, he’s been at Liverpool for more than eight years. I get the impression that Arne Slot no longer really trusts him.”

Todorov also questioned the club’s handling of the situation: “It’s going to be difficult for the two men to mend fences. Liverpool is struggling in the Premier League. I don’t understand why the coaching staff is depriving themselves of such an important player to try and get out of it.”

He concluded by warning that only a few clubs could realistically match Salah’s value: “There aren’t many clubs in the world that can offer him a higher salary than he earns at Liverpool. The Saudis can, but does he want to play in a league that, while it has improved over the last three years, isn’t as competitive as those in England or Spain?”

Salah linked with a January transfer away from Anfield

Todorov’s comments arrive at a time when Salah’s relationship with Liverpool feels more strained than at any point since his arrival in 2017. The winger, who once dominated the Premier League and led the club to Champions League and Premier League glory, is enduring one of his least productive seasons, scoring only five goals so far. As the team’s struggles intensify, Slot appears to have made the bold choice to reshape Liverpool’s attack without its long-standing talisman. The fallout has shifted into the public sphere, something extremely rare for Salah, whose career has been defined by professionalism and discretion.

Meanwhile, external pressure continues to mount, with the Saudi Pro League monitoring developments closely and MLS officials openly expressing interest. Salah remains under contract until 2027, but the longer the tension persists, the more likely Liverpool will need to make a definitive decision. For now, Todorov’s public support adds a rare positive voice for the Egyptian star during a turbulent chapter of his career.

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Saudi Pro League move on the cards for Salah?

Liverpool now face a delicate balancing act as they attempt to stabilise their season while addressing the future of one of the club’s most influential players. Slot’s tactical rebuild appears incompatible with Salah’s current form and relationship with the manager, raising questions about whether a January exit may become inevitable. If Salah departs, Liverpool will be tasked with replacing not only his goals but his leadership, a challenge that could reshape the club’s trajectory.

For Salah, the next few weeks could define the twilight of his career. A move to Saudi Arabia would provide financial magnitude, while remaining in Europe may offer the competitive edge he still craves. Alternatively, a shock move to MLS has entered the conversation, though a resolution between him and Slot remains the least disruptive scenario for Liverpool.