Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday with the two sides in very different form ahead of the Premier League clash but the Reds still have off-field issues to resolve
Liverpool are making their final preparations ahead of their top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Reds welcome Pep Guardiola’s men to Anfield with an eight-point advantage over their rivals. City arrive in the worst form of Guardiola’s tenure and will hope to end their six-game winless run in their toughest test yet.
Despite Liverpool’s early success under Arne Slot however, there is no shortage of transfer speculation and contract uncertainty. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all nearing the final six months of their deals.
With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news surrounding the club.
Salah contract verdict
The future of Mo Salah may be at the forefront of most minds with the Egyptian star set to see his deal expire at the end of the season.
Salah will be able to speak to clubs outside of the from January as it stands but there could yet be cause for optimism according to the Sky Sports Back Pages podcast.
“It’s just whether they can reach a compromise on clearly, what he expects to be paid and the length of contract, and what Liverpool and FSG in particular – who seem to have a policy over the age of 30 – are prepared to go to,” says David Ornstein.
“We’ve kind of been here before with Salah, and it’s worked out amicable in the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if it does again here.”
Alisson’s future plan
Liverpoo may already be planning for Alisson Becker’s exit. They signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in the summer before sending him back on loan and there is some expectaction that he was not secured to simply be a back-up option.
Alisson has previously been linked with a departure but has a deal until 2026 that has an option for a further year, and the Brazilian has often suggested he would see his deal out. The 32-year-old already has an eye on where he would like to move to before ending his career however.
“I watch all of Inter’s games. There is always that feeling of good memories and the desire to wear the Inter shirt again,” Alisson said.
“I have a three-year contract with Liverpool. I don’t think the future is definitive for anyone, but in football, I hope to fulfill my contract here in England and, then, after that… I am open.”
Pep’s verdict on Slot and Liverpool
Pep Guardiola is under no illusion over the difficulty of the task his side face this weekend and the Catalan coach has spoken glowingly of Liverpool ahead of their huge title showdown at Anfield.
Arne Slot has done a fine job in guiding the Reds to the Premier League summit and they could move 11 points clear of the champions with victory.
But Guardiola has umped the ante ahead of Sunday’s big clash by stopping short of declaring Liverpool the best team in the world.
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