4 REASONS FOR JEFF BEZOS TO BE BULLISH ON LIVERPOOL

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 06: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Soobum Im - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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According to a report early Monday from Sky Sports, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium that is nearing a purchase of one-third of Liverpool Football Club. The transaction will value the famous English Premier League outfit at about $6 billion, per that report.

With a current net worth estimated at $283.8 billion, Bezos is the world’s third-wealthiest man. And while Amazon Prime Video has become an increasingly prominent player in the world of live sports TV rights, the investment would be Bezos’ first directly into a major professional sports team.

Bezos wouldn’t be anywhere close to a majority investor in the club, given that there are several members of the consortium that would take one-third control of the 20-time English league champions.

Even so, it’s intriguing that Bezos might begin his dalliance in sports ownership in the Premier League, rather than an American league such as the NFL, where he was once linked to a potential purchase of the Washington Commanders.

Why might one of the world’s most influential businessmen think the Premier League is the right place to invest right now? Read on for four possible reasons.

Bang for the Buck?

While $6 billion is a substantial figure, it’s less than half of the going rate for the Dallas Cowboys, currently the world’s highest valued sports franchise at $13 billion.

Yet Liverpool has exponentially more followers worldwide, a figure estimated in the hundreds of millions thanks to the Premier League’s unrivaled global distribution.

Of course, the overwhelming majority of Cowboys and other NFL fans live in United States, the world’s wealthiest economy, and it’s the NFL’s domination of that economy that leads to the high valuation of the Cowboys and other franchises. But there’s still a case that global soccer entities like Liverpool bring more for their investment buck.

Unique Growth Potential

The immediate aftermath of the 2026 World Cup in the United States could prove uniquely favorable when it comes to global soccer brands growing their profile among American audiences.

For better or worse, the assumption among sports media types has been that fans newly infatuated with the sport will seek to continue their interest by watching the Premier League, rather than MLS or other domestic U.S. leagues. And there could be a lot of those folks if the TV numbers are any indication.

The final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 drew an audience of more than 60 million viewers in the United States, according to data provided by rights holders Fox and Telemundo. That made it the most-watched non-NFL sporting event in the U.S. since the Nancy Kerrigan-Tanya Harding scandal captivated audiences at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games.

Premier League audiences on NBC have already proved sizable, rivaling national NBA or MLB regular season broadcasts on network TV.

More Revenue Control

Unlike NFL franchises, which operate with widespread revenue sharing between the 32 teams, Liverpool FC and other huge soccer brands have more control over their own revenue generation.

Money from the Premier League’s TV contracts are distributed partially by merit, meaning higher achieving clubs and those appearing in more televised games take in a larger share. And unlike the NFL, soccer clubs keep all of the revenue they generate from commercial partnerships, matchday revenue and merchandise sales.

If this is truly a watershed moment for major European soccer in the U.S., the revenue potential of that moment may be even larger than an equivalent opportunity within U.S. pro sports leagues.

Better Competitive Prospects

After a famously long drought, Liverpool have won two of the last seven English Premier League titles. And with Pep Guardiola departing as Manchester City manager following last season, it feels like there is an opportunity for another club to overtake City as the dominant force in English football.

Liverpool certainly won’t be the only team trying to do that. But they are among the clubs most suited to be successful, given the combination of their recent upward trends and history of success.

On the flip side, global soccer isn’t constrained by the same North American competitive models that create the parity of the NFL. Only seven clubs have won the Premier League since it split from the old English Football League in the early 1990s. So if Liverpool can emerge as the new dominant force, their place atop the English football pecking order could become relatively stable.

- Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes

LIVERPOOL OWNERS CLOSE TO €1.58BN SALE OF 30% STAKE TO CONSORTIUM INCLUDING JEFF BEZOS

Group including Amazon founder has held talks with Fenway Sports Group

It is understood the deal is effectively agreed but may take up to a month to complete. Photograph: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is close to completing a deal for a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool after months of talks with Fenway Sports Group.

The investors are led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, who previously was a shareholder at Queens Park Rangers. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is another member of the group who are set to pay in the region of £1.35 billion (€1.58 billion) for almost a third of the Premier League club. It is understood the deal is effectively agreed but may take up to a month to complete.

Bezos has a personal fortune of around $257 billion (€223 billion), according to Forbes, making him the fourth-richest person in the world, while Saverin is reportedly worth $32 billion (€28 billion). This will be Bezos’ first investment in football but he has previously looked into bidding for NFL franchises. The 62-year-old will receive equity as part of the deal, which it is understood Deloitte has advised on.

Bezos is the executive chair of Amazon having relinquished day-to-day control when he stepped down as chief executive five years ago. Under his leadership the online retailer has looked to diversify as an entertainment provider in recent years and has bought numerous sports rights for its streaming service.

Amazon had live UK rights for 20 Premier League games each season for six seasons until the end of last year, and broadcasts the Champions League in several European countries, as well as NFL in the US.

FSG bought the Merseyside club in 2010 and have overseen an era which has included two Premier League titles. FSG previously sold 3 per cent of the club to the US private equity firm Dynasty Equity in 2023.

It has been a summer of change at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot as head coach, while Mohamed Salah left on a free transfer and has since joined Trabzonspor. Meanwhile, Michael Edwards departed his role as chief executive officer at FSG.

FSG has been approached for comment. 

– Guardian

- Will Unwin

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI SIGNS NEW LIVERPOOL DEAL

 

LIVERPOOL REMEMBERS DIOGO JOTA AND ANDRÉ SILVA

Today, as every day, we remember Diogo Jota and André Silva, who tragically passed away one year ago.

Through immeasurable loss and incalculable pain, the impact they made and the legacies they left behind - not only within the footballing world, but in the hearts and minds of so many around the world - has shone through over the last 12 months.

All of our love, support, thoughts and prayers continue to be with Diogo and André's families, friends and all those whose lives were touched by them.

Forever in our hearts, forever our number 20 ❤️

- LFC

LIVERPOOL UNVEIL NEW £60M DEFENDER JEREMY JACQUET - AS ENGLISH FOOTBALL AGENTS INVOLVED IN DEAL FOR 20-YEAR-OLD LAUNCH NEW FRENCH VENTURE

English agency Unique Sports Group has invested in leading French counterparts One Team Football, to launch Unique France.

The two have collaborated on the £60million deal that took 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to Liverpool which was confirmed today.

The move brings together two of the more established football agencies in England and France, combining decades of experience, extensive international networks and a shared philosophy of developing and representing elite players throughout all stages of their careers.

Unique already have operations in the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, Ivory Coast and the UAE.

One Team client Jeremy Jacquet, regarded as the best defensive prospect coming out of France, officially became a Liverpool player today on a five-year contract in a transaction where Unique Sports Group worked alongside Michael Manuello from the French agency.

Unique also concluded the transfer of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona in May, two of the biggest moves in terms of fees for the summer window so far.

Liverpool's new signing Jeremy Jacquet with Will Salthouse and Michael Manuello 

Unique’s client roster also includes three members of England’s World Cup squad in Gordon, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson, as well as Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix who is representing France.

Discussing the launch of Unique France, Will Salthouse, CEO and founder of Unique Sports Group said: 'When Unique was formed, the ambition was always to build a business that could grow beyond the UK and become one of football's leading international agencies.

By making a key investment with One Team and launching Unique France alongside Michael and his team it represents another significant step on that journey. France continues to produce some of the world's best talent and bringing together the strengths of both businesses creates an exciting platform for the future.'

Steve Hitchen, Director of Football at Unique Sports Group added: 'I've known Michael and One Team for many years. They have built an outstanding reputation through their knowledge of the French market and their ability to identify and develop top players. 

'Bringing our joint experience together through Unique France is hugely exciting, not only because of the quality of players already within each of our organisations, but because of what we can build together over the coming years.'

Michael Manuello, founder of One Team Football said: 'This is an exciting new chapter for One Team. We have built a fantastic business in France and are proud of the players we represent. 

'Joining forces with Unique in this venture gives us access to one of the strongest Premier League platforms in football, creating even more opportunities for our clients and allowing us to continue doing what we do best in France. We share the same values and long-term vision, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together through Unique France.'

- SIMON JONES

LIVERPOOL MEME 😂

 

JÜRGEN KLOPP'S £4MILLIION FORMER HOME ON MERSEYSIDE'S MILLIONAIRE'S ROW FINALLY SELLS

EXCLUSIVE: The property - which boasts three living rooms, a games room, swimming pool, two-storey gym, solarium, jacuzzi, sauna and cinema - was put on the market after Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool

Jürgen Klopp moved into the home after Brendan Rogers was sacked by Liverpool (Image: (Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images))

Jürgen Klopp's former home has finally been sold - nearly two years after he quit Liverpool.

The luxury house in Formby’s exclusive Victoria Road - branded Merseyside's Millionaire's Row - was on the market for a cool £4.25million when it first went up for sale in October 2024. The new owners of the prestigious detached property are unknown.

It comes just days after the appointment of new Reds boss Andoni Iraola, 43. The palatial home boasts an impressive swimming pool and gym complex, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and four reception rooms.

It sits in gated, manicured gardens and includes a grand entrance hall, open-plan kitchen, dining, and family areas. Upstairs, the master suite features two dressing rooms, an en-suite bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the garden.

Klopp's old house in Liverpool was put on the market after he left Liverpool but has only recently sold(Image: Rightmove)

Additional features include a cinema room and a luxury spa room. When it went on the market estate agent Berkeley Shaw described the property as a "beautiful home tucked away in the prestigious area of Freshfield, set on a private plot with impressive gardens and secure gated access".

At the time of it first being listed, estate agent William Goulden said: "This is an exceptional home in a beautiful part of the country. Many will be aware of the property's recent history." Property website Rightmove reported that the house as being one of the most viewed listings of 2024.

Klopp, 58, moved into the luxurious home on millionaire’s row in 2015 with his wife Ulla Sandrock and their children. The couple soon settled into the local Formby community, often being spotted at the local pub The Freshfield enjoying a meal or walking their dog in the local parks and on the beach.

The house has six bedrooms and the principal suite boasts two separate dressing rooms plus a luxury ensuite(Image: Berkeley Shaw)

Klopp was even spotted watching a one day match at the local Formby Cricket Club. The family were known to enjoy a take away from local chip shop The Good Catch, or restaurants Suay and Sorrento.

Ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, 46, bought the home in Formby in 2005 after it was built by a local developer. When Gerrard left for US side LA Galaxy in 2015 he sold the house to incoming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, 53.

He was sacked that October but kept the property and rented it to Klopp. In 2019 Liverpool bought it as an investment and are said to have allowed Klopp to stay on rent-free. His successor Arne Slot, 47, and wife Mirjam were shown around the seven-bed home when he was handed the job but turned it down.

The main house has an indoor pool wing that is like a spa and leisure suite at a fancy hotel.(Image: Berkeley Shaw)

It is believed to have been sold this month with the sold sign going up today. Klopp swapped life on the Sefton coast for Majorca at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Formby has long been a popular area for footballers and managers of the Merseyside clubs. Ex Blue Duncan Ferguson still lives in the area and current Everton defender Jarrod Branthwaite is a familiar face in the village.

- Dan Warburton

JAMES MILNER RETIRES AT AGE 40 AFTER LIVERPOOL ICON BREAKS PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD

Premier League and England legend James Milner has retired after a 24-year career in the top-flight, playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton

James Milner has announced his retirement from football(Image: Getty Images)

Premier League legend and former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.

The versatile midfielder left Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season when his contract expired after three years on the south coast. But instead of finding a new club, Milner has decided to call time on his illustrious career just months after breaking the record for most Premier League appearances in February.

Milner played for six teams in England's top flight. The 61-time England international came through at Leeds United before joining Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. He won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester City before winning all there is to win under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

James Milner won multiple honours at Liverpool(Image: (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images))

Taking to X, Milner shared an emotional statement: "After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer.

"I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc — and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc — has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way."

He continued: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

- Cameron Winstanley

MOHAMED SALAH AMAZING STATS AT LIVERPOOL

 

JOEY BURTON ARRESTED AFTER ASSAULT NEAR GOLF CLUB

Former footballer Joey Barton has been arrested as well as a second suspect after a man was assaulted near a golf club.

It happened on Sunday at 21:00 GMT in Fairway, near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Merseyside.

Officers arrived at the scene and found a man with injuries to his face and ribs, Merseyside Police said.

A 50-year-old man and a 43-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of wounding. Both men remain in custody for questioning.

Police said the victim was taken to hospital for assessment of injuries to his face and ribs.

Barton played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Rangers.

The midfielder then moved into management after his retirement from playing football in 2017.

- Lauren Hirst

LIVERPOOL SENDS ITS SUPPORT TO KEVIN KEEGAN

The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC and Forever Reds are with Kevin Keegan after he was diagnosed with cancer.

A legendary former Reds player, Keegan scored 100 goals in 323 appearances during a six-year spell at Anfield, with his honours at the club including three league titles, a European Cup, two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

In a statement today, the Keegan family said: "Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.

"These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Keegan's playing career also saw him represent Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, and he subsequently went into management, taking charge of the Magpies twice, as well as Fulham, England and Manchester City.

All of us at LFC and official former players association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.

- Liverpool FC

MO SALAH'S TEAN-MATE TAKES BRUTAL SWIPE AT 'DISGRACE' JAMIE CARRAGHER

Jamie Carragher has found himself on the receiving end of a blast from Mohamed Salah's former Egypt team-mate Ahmed Elmohamady after his rant on Monday Night Football

Jamie Carragher made his feelings clear on Mohamed Salah on Monday night(Image: Sky Sports)

Jamie Carragher has been branded a “disgrace” following his lengthy attack on Mohamed Salah in the wake of his explosive interview. Salah has rocked the boat at Liverpool by going public with his grievances against Arne Slot after being benched for three straight games, with Carragher among his chief critics.

The Liverpool star claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by Slot, with whom he now had “no relationship”. His shocking comments in the wake of the 3-3 draw at Leeds, in which he didn’t get off the bench, have turned heads and prompted a backlash.

Slot left him out of the travelling squad to play Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night. And Carragher used his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football to continue his criticism of the club legend, calling him a “disgrace” among other things.

His opinion has angered Ahmed Elmohamady, who has played alongside Salah for Egypt. The former Hull City and Aston Villa defender wrote on X: “Right Jamie you’re a disgrace. Salah completely rewrote his story through hard work, humility, and world-class performances.

“He didn’t ‘fail’ at Chelsea – he was never given the chance. He went to Italy, rebuilt himself, then came to Liverpool and became: A Premier League legend, Egypt’s greatest ever player, One of the most consistent forwards of his generation.

“Salah has carried Egypt for years. And getting Egypt qualified for the World Cup twice after so long, Salah earned everything. No wonder you got blanked by C.Ronaldo. No wonder Messi called you out. No wonder Mourinho said you were below average and not even in the top 1000 defender in PL.”

His comments came after an eight-minute clip of Carragher talking about Salah on MNF went viral on Monday night. "I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game," Carragher began. "Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst, I don't think it was.

"I think whenever Mo Salah stops in a mixed zone, which he's done four times in eight years at Liverpool, it's choreographed, with him and his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.”

He added: "He's chosen this weekend to do this now and he's waited, I think, for a bad result for Liverpool... Everyone involved with the club feels like they're in the gutter at the moment, and he's chosen that time to go for the manager, and maybe try and get him sacked. That's the way I felt about it.

"The one line that stands out for me is 'thrown under the bus'. He's tried to throw the club under the bus twice in the last 12 months with the situations that I've just mentioned."

- Felix Keith

ARNE SLOT HAS ‘NO CLUE’ IF MOHAMED SALAH WILL PLAY FOR LIVERPOOL AGAIN

• Head coach also insisted he is not ‘weak’ amid row

• Egyptian left out of squad for game at Inter

Mohamed Salah with Hugo Ekitiké (right) and Florian Wirtz during training but the Egyptian was left at home for the trip to play Inter. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters

Arne Slot has cast further doubt on Mohamed Salah’s future at ­Liverpool by admitting that he has “no clue” whether the forward has played his last game for the club. The head coach also insisted his politeness should not be mistaken for weakness after leaving Salah out of the Champions League game against Inter on Tuesday.

Slot gave his first public ­reaction on Monday to Salah’s incendiary interview at Leeds when ­previewing ­Liverpool’s match at San Siro. He denied Salah’s claims that their relationship had broken down and said only the Egypt international knows who supposedly threw him under a bus and wants him out of the club.

Salah trained on Monday for the second day in succession before Slot told him directly that he would not be travelling to Italy for the Champions League game. The decision to remove the 33-year-old from selection for a short period was taken by the Liverpool hierarchy in conjunction with Slot, and with the full support of the Dutch coach. Salah could also miss the home game against Brighton on Saturday. He is due to report for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt on Monday and could be away from Liverpool until mid-January, when Saudi Arabian interest in the forward is likely to be rekindled.

Asked whether there is a way back for Salah at Liverpool, who have the player under contract until the summer of 2027, Slot replied: “I am a firm believer that there is always a possibility to return for a player. But that is not … I can leave it with that I think.”

The head coach, however, was pressed again on the possibility that the third highest goalscorer in Liver­pool’s history may have played his last game for the club. “I have no clue,” Slot replied. “I cannot answer that question at this point in time.”

Slot said that he was taken aback by Salah’s comment that their once‑healthy relationship has broken down, having been benched for three consecutive games for the first time in his Liverpool career. “That is not the way I feel, but he has the right to feel how he feels things,” Slot said.

Arne Slot said he was baffled by the claim that he had no relationship with Mohamed Salah. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

“I haven’t felt that at all until Satur­day evening for sure. When I don’t play someone usually players don’t like the manager that much but he was really respectful to the staff and manager, his teammates and he trained very hard so it was a surprise to me when I heard the comments he gave. But it is not the first or last time a player who doesn’t play says something similar to what he did. But my reaction to that is clear and that’s why he is not here tonight.”

Slot said it was difficult to know who Salah was referring to when he claimed someone at Liverpool had thrown him under a bus. But he admitted having only a brief exchange with the player since Saturday – when informing him of the decision to leave him behind on Merseyside – and insisted the club’s reaction demonstrated his authority.

“Usually I’m calm, I’m polite,” Slot said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m weak so if a player has these comments about so many things then it’s up to me and the club to react. We reacted in a way you can see – he’s not here.”

Liverpool would have been low on numbers against Inter even if Salah had been included on the trip. Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are absent through illness and injury – Chiesa could fly out on the day of the game should he recover from illness, while Gakpo is out for a few weeks having picked up an injury against Leeds – leaving Slot with a squad of 19 players that includes three goalkeepers and three teenagers.

The first-choice keeper Alisson also addressed the media on Monday and said he hoped Salah would play for Liverpool again. “I don’t think anything but I hope he plays again for the club,” he said.

“That’s a personal situation between Mo and the club. We as his teammates and his friends, we hope the best thing ­happens for him, but as Liverpool players we want the best for the club as well. We want a win-win situation for everyone.”

Alisson also insisted the remainder of the squad were firmly behind Slot following a miserable run of results and performances. The Brazil international said: “Before Arne came in everyone talks about the huge challenge being a substitute for Jürgen Klopp. Now it looks like everyone takes for granted what we achieved last season. It should not be taken for granted. That should be enough but we believe in his knowledge. We believe in his style of play and that he is capable of helping us to turn around this situation. I believe this is not only about ourselves [the players being behind Slot] but that’s the situation with the club as well.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher spoke out strongly against Salah on Monday night on Sky Sports. Among a series of criticisms, the former Liverpool player said: “He’s chosen this weekend to do this, and he’s waited I think to choose a bad result for Liverpool. Supporters, the manager, everyone at the club feels like they’re in the gutter and he’s chosen that time to go for the manager and maybe get him sacked.

“I’d remind Salah and his agent that before he came to Liverpool he was known as the man who failed at Chelsea. He’d never won a major trophy before he came to Liverpool.”

- Andy Hunter in Milan

MOHAMED SALAH IS 'MAKING IT ALL ABOUT HIM,' DANNY MURPHY CLAIMS AS FORMER LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER HITS OUT AT REDS STAR'S RANT

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has slammed Mohamed Salah for his Liverpool outburst that left his future at the club up in the air.

The Reds star shocked the football world on Saturday night when he launched a tirade on his club and manager Arne Slot, admitting he may have played his last game for the side and taking aim at the Dutchman for dropping him from the starting XI in recent matches.

Salah said, among other lines: 'I'm very disappointed, I've done so much for this club - everyone can see that - over years, especially last season, sitting on the bench I don't know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That's how I feel it.'

The rant comes at a tough time for Liverpool. The Reds are ninth in the Premier League standings and have won just one of their last five league matches, with uncertainty rife over Slot's future.

Murphy, who played 249 times for the Reds, argued that point, suggesting Salahis causing the team another issue by speaking out for personal gain.

Salah blasted Liverpool and manager Arne Slot (right) following his side's 3-3 draw with Leeds

'I think you can be emotional, you can be angry and frustrated. He's done wonderful things for the football club, (but) you have to keep it within the four walls of the football club.

'Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do. By doing what he's done he's causing the team a problem, he's causing the manager a problem and he's making it all about him. You just can't do it. 

'We know that's an emotional response and doesn't really stack up,' he said on Match of the Day. 'Everyone has to keep fighting for their place and perform at a certain level.

Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy said Salah has been 'making it all about him'

'I think you can be emotional, you can be angry and frustrated. He's done wonderful things for the football club, (but) you have to keep it within the four walls of the football club.

'Knock on the manager's door, go and see the CEO, the owner, do what you've got to do. By doing what he's done he's causing the team a problem, he's causing the manager a problem and he's making it all about him. You just can't do it. 

Salah has expressed his frustration at being left out for three games in a row under Slot. He has one game left he can play in - away to Brighton next weekend - before he heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

'Whether you agree with him being left out or not, you can't do it like this,' Murphy continued. 'I think he will have time to settle down.

'The reality is everybody would want a legend like Salah to go on good terms with a wonderful send off. I hope it doesn't end badly because of everything he has given, but there's always a chance if he's adamant.

'Liverpool Football Club are in charge of what happens because he's signed the contract but if he's adamant he wants to leave maybe we will see something in January, but I hope not.'

- LEWIS BROWNING

CRITICS SLAM ARNE SLOT ONLINE

 

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LIVERPOOL UNVEILS NEW 2025-26 KIT | LIVERPOOL FC

DIOGO JOTA'S HEARTBROKEN WIFE RUTE CARDOSO MAKES EMOTIONAL VISIT TO LIVERPOOL TRIBUTE

Diogo Jota's widow Rute Cardoso visited the mountain of flowers that have been laid outside Anfield to pay tribute to the late Liverpool forward, whose number has now been retired

Rute Cardoso visited the tribute at Anfield (Image: getty)

The football world is in mourning as Rute Cardoso, the widow of the late Portuguese star Diogo Jota, visited a sea of floral tributes at Anfield on Friday. The heartfelt memorial has grown significantly since Jota, aged 28, and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car crash in Spain last week.

In a touching gesture, Liverpool players, alongside head coach Arne Slot, paid their respects by each laying a single rose amid the tributes.

Liverpool's key players, including Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo, joined manager Arne Slot in laying tributes outside Anfield, where fans have been gathering to honour the memory of the beloved player.

In a historic move for the club, it was announced on Friday that Jota's number 20 shirt will be retired by the Premier League champions, marking the first time such an honour has been granted in Liverpool's history.

Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football, released a statement saying: "As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way," confirming the decision to retire Jota's shirt number was made with the full involvement of his wife Rute and his family.

Edwards added: "I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club's history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person."

The club announced: "By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20."

Liverpool players view tributes to Diogo Jota at Anfield (Image: gettyy)

Jota, aged 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident as Jota was returning to Merseyside for pre-season training.

The retirement of the shirt number will extend across all levels of the club, including the men's senior team, women's team, U21s, and academy teams, following discussions with Jota's wife, Rute, and their family.

The family and the club believe that this heartfelt tribute is an appropriate way to commemorate not only Jota's contributions on the pitch but also the profound effect he had on his colleagues, the staff, and fans alike.

Despite the sombre mood, Liverpool's fixture against Preston North End will go ahead as scheduled on Sunday, with coverage on ITV 1, as confirmed by Liverpool on Friday. This match will mark the first since Jota's untimely death.

In remembrance, the Reds have detailed plans for the upcoming game: "Ahead of the 3pm BST kick-off, there will be a rendition of LFC anthem You'll Never Walk Alone and the home club will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters."

A minute's silence will be held in honour of Diogo and Andre, with digital tributes to be displayed on screens and pitchside LEDs at the match. Players from both teams will don black armbands as a mark of respect, and Preston has produced a special edition of their matchday programme featuring written tributes to the brothers.

The Liverpool ace and his younger sibling were returning from Portugal after Jota tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart. The Anfield star was unable to travel by air due to a minor lung surgery.

Following the heartbreaking event, the brothers were laid to rest in Gondomar, Portugal, on Saturday morning. A wave of tributes has been placed at Anfield and Molineux, reflecting on Jota's time at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2017 to 2020.

Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan, along with the club's executive team, visited the memorial site to pay their respects to Jota, hailed as an "incredible footballer and really good person".

In a heartfelt interview with LFC TV, Hogan expressed: "First, I would just say that obviously we're here today – and so many people have been here before – to just offer condolences and thoughts and prayers for Diogo and for Andre, and most importantly for their family."

He continued, "It has only been a couple of days but, as we all know, it has been just absolutely devastating. We're a club in mourning. We have all been completely shocked by the situation and, again, can only think of what this has meant to their family."

The football world is in mourning as tributes pour in for the late Jota, with an emotional scene unfolding where fans have left heartfelt messages and tributes. The anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' has taken on a poignant significance, as one insider reflected: "What we see behind us and the overwhelming outpouring of support and emotion and grief and love – having a chance to walk down the row here and read the cards and read the messages, our anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, it does mean something."

"In this case, I think everybody just feels so passionately about making sure that we remember the two boys but also that we support their family, and we're going to work through this together."

Andy Robertson, a former teammate of Jota, shared his own personal grief on social media, saying: "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.

"For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together... however long that takes. For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.

"I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.

"Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun. He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

"We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.

"The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

"I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better. Love you, Diogo."

- Chris McKenna, Anders Anglesey

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