Quite how it has all come to this continues to be debated, but the fact of the matter is that Mohamed Salah could be nearing the end of his glorious spell at Liverpool.

It was just over six months ago that the Egyptian sat atop his throne, Premier League champion for the second time at Anfield and fresh from signing a bumper new deal to end months of speculation.

The main man under Jurgen Klopp, the ex-Chelsea winger appeared to go to an even higher level following Arne Slot’s arrival, ending 2024/25 with a ridiculous tally of 57 goals and assists in all competitions.

Like all good things, however, an end is now in sight, with the 33-year-old’s AFCON involvement, alongside the looming January window, sparking suggestions that he could have already turned out in Red for the final time.

It would not be a fitting way to bow out, yet rarely do even the brightest and best get the send-off nor the finale they deserve. Even the great Steven Gerrard had to fly the nest for MLS to see out his playing days.

Regardless of whether a departure does occur in January or over the summer, Salah appears to have made his long-term future untenable – now to find a suitable replacement…

Latest on Liverpool's search to replace Salah

Rumours are already swirling regarding Salah’s potential next move, with reports last week suggesting that Turkish giants Galatasaray are among the clubs to have made an offer to the ageing sensation.

The Reds are unlikely to receive anywhere close to the reported £200m bid that was lodged from Saudi Arabia two years ago, although there would surely be a hope to cash in for as much as possible, in order to reinvest those funds on a replacement.

There have been continued claims that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been earmarked as one of the more high-profile options to help fill the void, while TEAMtalk are reporting that FSG could also look to the Bundesliga to find their next Anfield star.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, as per the report, the Merseysiders are accelerating their interest in RB Leipzig teenager, Yan Diomande, having begun negotiations with the 19-year-old’s representatives.

While no bid has yet been placed for the £88m-rated wideman, the piece does note that Liverpool are engaged in almost ‘daily contact’ with his agent, ahead of making what would likely be a summer move.

That’s not to say that a January move is completely ruled out for the in-demand starlet – who is fielding interest from across Europe – with it yet to be seen whether the reigning Premier League champions will firm up their interest with a winter offer.

How Diomande compares to Semenyo & Salah

As stated above, a leading target to replace Salah is, of course, the aforementioned Semenyo, with the Ghanaian available for £65m due to the presence of a release clause in his Cherries contract.

Whether he would represent an alternative or a possible teammate for the 25-year-old remains to be seen, although Diomande is an equally as exciting talent who could reinvigorate Slot’s forward line.

Semenyo has been one of the Premier League’s leading figures this season with nine goals and assists to date, although Diomande has dazzled during his breakthrough year in the Bundesliga, chipping in with eight goal involvements himself for Leipzig.

That includes a stunning hat-trick during the weekend win over Eintracht Frankfurt, a performance that only served to reinforce just why the promising Ivorian is being watched so closely.

Fleet of foot and with pace to burn, the comparisons to Semenyo are also there to see, with The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor noting that Diomande is “physically similar” to the Bournemouth star, “but with all the same skill and touch”.

The respected Bundesliga insider, writing on X back in November, did hint that the teen is “not ready yet” for a Premier League move, although Liverpool would be wise to get ahead in the race for his signature, even if it means waiting to strike next summer.

That said, there’s no reason why he couldn’t come in and hit the ground running in January, if a deal were to be struck, with the youngster currently comparing favourably to his fellow wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

As per FBref, he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, while also ranking in the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, highlighting just what an elite dribbler and ball-carrier he is.

Semenyo’s own quality in that regard was evident on the opening day, as he ran the length of Anfield unopposed, before coolly converting in that mad-cap 4-2 win for Slot’s side.

The prospect of potentially adding both the ex-Bristol City man and Diomande into the fold in 2026 would be a truly exciting one, with two Semenyo-esque figures perhaps what is needed to provide an upgrade on the flanks.

Revealed: The Salah decision Richard Hughes has made at Liverpool today

Mo Salah has been omitted form the Liverpool squad this week.

3

By
FFC Staff

4 days ago

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has joined Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah and former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas in an exclusive Premier League club. The Portuguese playmaker remains a talismanic presence for the Red Devils, with his match-altering ability on full display once again as Ruben Amorim’s side picked up three priceless points at Wolves.

• Fernandes fires Man Utd into sixth place

  United, who have suffered just one defeat through their last nine games, proved too strong for relegation-threatened Premier League strugglers at Molineux. They were given a brief scare on the stroke of half-time when Jean-Ricner Bellegarde cancelled out Fernandes’ 25th-minute opener.

  The Red Devils flexed their muscles in the second half, with Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount getting on the scoresheet before Fernandes netted his second of the game from the penalty spot. United have risen to sixth in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Exclusive assist club: Fernandes alongside Salah & Fabregas

  Alongside his two goals on the night against Wolves, Fernandes also registered an assist – as he teed up Mount’s effort. It is that contribution to the collective cause that has seen him join a notable club that boasts only five members.

  He is just the fifth player in the Premier League era to have provided an assist in five consecutive away games. Said streak started for Fernandes in October when crossing for Harry Maguire to nod home a dramatic winner against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

  Fernandes then whipped in the corner that allowed Casemiro to score against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, before setting up Matthijs de Ligt at Tottenham. Two more assists were added to his tally in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, prior to turning provider for Mount against Wolves.

  Liverpool superstar Salah, who is making plenty of headlines at present, enjoyed his five-game assist run for the Reds in 2023. Gerard Deulofeu achieved the same feat while operating on Merseyside for Everton in 2015.

  World Cup winner Fabregas managed it for Chelsea in 2014-15, with his creative qualities also showcased at Arsenal and Barcelona, while Leicester legend Muzzy Izzet was the first to achieve the feat for the Foxes back in 2003.

• Creative influence: Fernandes just behind Olise & Yamal

  Fernandes continues to pull the strings for United, with his value to the collective cause at Old Trafford being highlighted once again. He has six assists to his name this season and only two players in Europe’s top five divisions have more. They are Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise (eight) and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal (seven).

  The Red Devils’ passionate captain has also recorded a goal and assist in the same game for the 16th time in his United career. In that department, only Salah (27) and Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne (17) sit above him.

  Fernandes has now recorded three goal involvements in a single top-flight fixture on eight occasions, with that box being ticked against Wolves for the first time since a meeting with Leicester in March last season.

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  Future call: Fernandes linked with Saudi Pro League transfer

  Those working with Fernandes in Manchester are delighted to have him on board, with Mount telling of how his skipper makes life easier for everybody else: “As soon as I saw Bruno with the ball, it was my trigger to get in behind. We all know the calibre of player he is and as soon as he gets on the ball, he's looking. He's a joy to play with when playing high up on the pitch, you know he's going to look and play a ball over the top.”

  While Fernandes remains a key component in the Manchester United machine, questions continue to be asked of his future. It has been suggested that, with his contract only running until 2027, a move elsewhere could be made next summer. Big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, who can put lucrative offers on the table, have expressed interest in the 31-year-old – who will be gracing the 2026 World Cup with Portugal alongside ex-Red Devils superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is already plying his club trade in the Middle East.

Brisbane Heat are staring down the barrel of the first winless season in WBBL history, after falling to a six-wicket defeat to Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval.After Heat managed 149 for 9 batting first on Sunday, Strikers chased it down with two balls to spare to keep their finals hopes firmly alive.Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with 49 off 45 balls in her last game before leaving for national duties, while opening partner Tammy Beaumont hit 64 from 40.The English opener was explosive, belting Nadine de Klerk over the midwicket and long-on ropes and also jumping down the deck and lifting Charlie Knott over long-off.And while Strikers almost looked like falling short in the chase when the equation got down to 14 from Knott’s final over, Ellie Johnston and Tahlia McGrath got them home.Related

• Rodrigues to miss rest of WBBL for Brisbane Heat

After a poor stretch, where they lost three games in a row, Strikers now sit fourth but could be overtaken by the Sydney Sixers later on Sunday.Heat now look all but certain to collect their first wooden spoon in the competition’s 11-season history.Runners-up in the past two campaigns, Heat’s only point this summer has come from a washed-out game against the Sixers on Friday.Making matters worse for Heat will be the fact they lost Nicola Hancock to a hamstring injury, after she was stumped on the final ball of their innings.Heat are already without captain Jess Jonassen (shoulder) and first-round draft pick Jemimah Rodrigues for the rest of the season.Heat’s innings never really got going, with de Klerk (25 from 13) and Hancock (22 from 8) the only batters to really fire.McGrath took 3 for 27 for Strikers, while Elanor Larosa and Amanda-Jade Wellington took two wickets each.

Mohamed Salah is in danger of “destroying his legacy” at Liverpool, says Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, with the Egyptian superstar aiming an explosive rant in the Reds’ direction. He has accused the Premier League giants of 'throwing him under the bus', with his exploits down the years deserving greater respect, but Rooney claims it is the Anfield icon who is acting out of order.

Legend status: Salah's remarkable record at Liverpool

Salah has earned legend status on Merseyside, with 250 goals recorded for Liverpool through 420 appearances. He has won two domestic titles and a Champions League crown with the Reds, collecting PFA Player of the Year and Golden Boot honours along the way.

A new two-year contract was signed during the summer of 2025, with that agreement set to take Salah to a decade of loyal service. Questions are now being asked of whether he will make it beyond January 2026.

After being benched for a third successive game, as he was left watching on as Liverpool squandered two more points in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds, Salah admitted that his working relationship with Arne Slot has broken down. He has hinted at bidding farewell to Reds fans during a home date with Brighton on Saturday – before he heads off on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

AdvertisementAFPTarnishing his legacy: Rooney reacts to Salah rant

Rooney is among those to have been left stunned by the shocking episode, with the ex-England captain saying on his latest : “Arne Slot has to show his authority and pull him in and say 'you are not travelling with the team, what you said is not acceptable'. Take yourself off to Afcon and let everything calm down. If I was him there would be no way he would be in the team. It needs to be sorted out quickly either way.”

Rooney went on to say of Salah speaking out in public, with his comments dividing opinion among a fan base that have taken him to their hearts: “He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong.”

Earn your spot: Salah told no position is guaranteed

Salah has claimed that he should not have to “go every day fighting for my position because I earned it”. Rooney believes no player should adopt that mentality, with every place having to be earned – especially at the very highest level.

He added on The Wayne Rooney Show: “Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn't looked as his best, at his sharpest. You want to see him roll his sleeves up and say 'ok then, I'll show you'.

“To have the arrogance to say he doesn't have to earn his place because he has already earned his place, you need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team. If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most. If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words.

“He's been absolutely incredible for Liverpool, but this was disrespectful to his team-mates, manager and fans. I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground and that will bring a negative energy in itself to the new players Arne has bedded in. I am sure over the next couple of years he will regret saying what he has.”

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GOAL Fighting fires: Another issue for Slot to contend with

Liverpool are reportedly considering leaving Salah out of their travelling squad for a Champions League clash with Serie A giants Inter on Tuesday. It could be that he is left at home to reflect on his actions and whether the matter could have been handled differently.

Slot will likely be quizzed on the issue at his pre-match press conference in Italy, with the Dutch tactician being left with another fire to fight after finding positive results hard to come by of late – with the reigning Premier League champions struggling for consistency as a collective.

During one of the most pivotal moments of Game 3 of the World Series, the Dodgers turned to one of their most iconic and experienced players.

Clayton Kershaw, who has made 451 starts for L.A. in his esteemed career, entered Monday's game during the 12th inning in relief of Emmet Sheehan. Kershaw inherited an extremely delicate situation; two outs and the bases loaded in extra innings of the World Series.

It was a tense moment for everyone in the ballpark, and everyone watching at home. The 37-year-old, who is pitching in his last postseason before retirement, was called upon for one final, crucial out.

And he delivered. Kershaw induced a ground out to second base in order to escape the bases-loaded jam, keeping the score knotted at 5–5. His wife, Ellen, who was watching from the stands at Dodger Stadium, went through an emotional roller coaster, which ended in jubilation after the ground out.

That's what October baseball is all about. Ellen was holding on for dear life throughout the eight-pitch at-bat, and Clayton delivered in the biggest spot with an absolutely vital third out.

It was a short outing for Kershaw, but he did exactly what was asked of him out of the bullpen, easing the nerves of Dodgers fans and his wife alike.

أجرى الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، مراسم قرعة دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا، موسم 2025/26، ظهر يوم الثلاثاء.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق مباريات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس ملك إسبانيا، في الفترة بين 16 و18 ديسمبر، على أرض الفريق الأقل تصنيفًا، في مباراة واحدة فقط، حسبما ذكر الاتحاد الإسباني.

وتشارك الفرق الأربعة المتواجدة في كأس السوبر الإسباني، بشكل مباشر في دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا، وهم: برشلونة، ريال مدريد، أتلتيكو مدريد وأتلتيك بلباو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. قائمة برشلونة أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف شتيجن وأراوخو

كما يتواجد 28 فريقًا تأهلوا لى تلك المرحلة من البطولة عقب تخطيهم دور الـ64، الذي انتهى مساء الخميس الماضي.

الوعاء الأول: ريال مدريد، برشلونة، أتلتيك بلباو، أتلتيكو مدريد.

الوعاء الثاني: ألافيس، مايوركا، أوساسونا، خيتافي، ليفانتي، ريال سوسيداد، فياريال، إلتشي، رايو فاليكانو، إشبيلية، سيلتا فيجو، فالنسيا، ريال بيتيس.

الوعاء الثالث: هويسكا، كولتورال ليونيسا، ديبورتيفو لاكورونيا، ألباسيتي، سبورتنج خيخون، إيبار، راسينج سانتاندر، بورجوس، غرناطة.

الوعاء الرابع: جوادالاخارا، إلدينس، تالافيرا دي لا رينا، ريال مورسيا، أورينس.

الوعاء الخامس: أتلتيكو باليريس.

وتابع بطولات معكم مراسم قرعة دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا…. نتائج قرعة دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا 

أورينس ضد أتلتيك بلباو.

أتلتيكو باليريس ضد أتلتيكو مدريد.

تالافيرا ضد ريال مدريد.

جوادالاخارا ضد برشلونة.

ريال مورسيا ضد ريال بيتيس.

إلدينس ضد ريال سوسيداد.

بورجوس ضد خيتافي.

كولتورال ليونيسا ضد ليفانتي.

إيبار ضد إلتشي.

ديبورتيفو لاكورونيا ضد ريال مايوركا.

راسينج سانتاندر ضد فياريال.

سبورتنج خيخون ضد فالنسيا.

هويسكا ضد أوساسونا.

غرناطة ضد رايو فاليكانو.

ألباسيتي ضد سيلتا فيجو.

ديبورتيفو ألافيس ضد إشبيلية.

MatériaMais Notícias

Afastado dos gramados desde agosto do ano passado, Dudu, atacante do Palmeiras, está próximo de ser liberado pelo departamento médico. O jogador, que se recuperou de uma cirurgia no joelho direito, tem treinado normalmente com o restante do elenco e participou dos três tempos do jogo-treino contra o São Caetano, realizado na última sexta-feira, na Academia de Futebol.

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A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Apesar de participar das atividades com bola, Dudu ainda realiza a transição entre parte física e técnica. Na quinta-feira, o Palmeiras recebe o San Lorenzo, da Argentina, no Allianz Parque, em partida que pode marcar o retorno do atacante. Já classificado às oitavas de final da Libertadores, o Verdão luta pela liderança geral da fase de grupos.

A tendência é que Dudu retorne próximo ao prazo mínimo previsto pela equipe médica. À época, a previsão era de que o atacante ficasse entre nove e 12 meses afastado, ou seja, entre maio e agosto.

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Ídolo do clube, o atacante está fora de combate desde o dia 27 de agosto, quando rompeu o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e teve constatada uma lesão no menisco (veja detalhes), na vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Vasco por 1 a 0, pela 21ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Com 443 partidas, Dudu é o jogador do atual elenco com mais jogos disputados pelo clube. No período, o camisa 7 conquistou doze taças, incluindo duas Libertadores, marcou 88 gols e distribuiu 102 assistências.

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DuduFutebol NacionalPalmeirasSTARPLUS

After trading away a good chunk of their roster at the 2025 trade deadline, the Twins reportedly won’t continue tearing down their roster this offseason.

In light of trade rumors, Dan Hayes reported Friday that Minnesota does “not anticipate” trading outfielder Byron Buxton or starting pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo López this offseason. The plan, according to Hayes, is for the Twins to build around those stars and compete next season.

Buxton, coming off a career year and his second All-Star appearance, will make $15.1 million per season over the final three years remaining on his contract. In 126 games last season, Buxton batted .264/.327/.551 with a career-high 35 homers and 83 RBIs.

Ryan has two seasons of team control left on his deal and is a candidate for an extension over the next year. Also an All-Star in 2025, Ryan logged a 13–10 record and 3.42 ERA in a career-high 171 innings last season. The 29-year-old would arguably be the Twins’ biggest trade chip if they did decide to continue rebuilding the roster.

López will make $21.8 million over the next two seasons as the Twins’ highest-paid player. He’s coming off an injury-ravaged season in 2025 where he was limited to 14 starts. It was the first time Lopez failed to throw over 100 innings in a full season since his rookie year with Miami in 2018.

The Twins were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball last season. Expected to contend for an AL Central title, Minnesota fell behind the Guardians and Tigers early in the season and never recovered.

At the trade deadline, Minnesota dealt away eight players, including shortstop Carlos Correa and right-handed pitcher Louis Varland, who went on to break MLB’s all-time record for most postseason appearances in the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series.

Manchester United have now submitted a £24m opening bid for a “powerful” midfielder, who has been compared to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Man Utd stepping up new midfielder pursuit

Man United could smash their transfer record to get a new midfielder through the door, having set out to bolster their options in the engine room in 2026, and Wharton has been identified as one of their top targets, even though the Eagles are set to hold out for over £100m.

The Red Devils are confident they’ll be able to sign the Englishman, and it is little wonder they are so keen, given the level of some of his performances so far this season.

However, given that the move would be on the expensive side, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, and some cheaper alternative targets have now been identified.

According to a report from Sport Time (via Sport Witness), Man United have now submitted an opening offer of €28m (£24m) for Olympiacos’ Christos Mouzakitis, who has started to attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid have also made a slightly higher bid, but the Greek club aren’t in a rush to sanction a departure, and they are hoping to receive €40m (£35m) for the midfielder’s services in the January transfer window.

Olympiacos aren’t even willing to listen to proposals of less than €30m (£26m), so if a January deal is going to transpire, Ruben Amorim’s side will have to increase their offer.

"Powerful" Mouzakitis could be low-cost Wharton alternative

The advantage of signing Wharton is that he is already proven in the Premier League, but over £100m is a huge amount to pay for any player, and the Olympiacos star could be an interesting alternative option.

In fact, the 18-year-old has been directly compared to the Crystal Palace star by scout Ben Mattinson, who said: “Mouzakitis is a highly technical #8. As a profile if I was to compare him to someone, I’d say Adam Wharton and Granit Xhaka.”

“He’s that type of left footed #8 who’s tenacious off the ball, incredibly crisp passing through the lines, powerful ball striker, good weight of pass…”

Man Utd submit £26m offer for former Premier League striker

United have tabled a bid for a new centre-forward, who has been in impressive form this season.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

The starlet, who has made five Champions League appearances this season, also has a keen eye for creating chances, averaging 0.47 assists per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 99th percentile compared to other midfielders.

As such, the seven-time Greek international could be an exciting long-term addition to Amorim’s squad, but Man United should also bring in a midfielder who has more experience at the top level, with Mouzakitis yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

Liverpool are in the market for new signings and could now be set to target a midfielder who has been highly praised by former Reds icon Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool seek further reinforcements in January

Undoubtedly, the Reds are struggling to replicate anything like their Premier League exploits of last season and Arne Slot is under pressure as Liverpool look to get their current campaign back on track.

While Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique and others continue to be floated as potential replacements for the Dutchman, Didi Hamann told Sky Germany that he believes the former Feyenoord manager has work to do in order to get his dressing room back to their usual levels of cohesion.

He said: “I believe Arne Slot has lost control of the team. It’s falling apart, everyone is doing what they want, like Salah before PSV’s second goal.

“Liverpool will have major problems finishing in the Premier League top four. I don’t believe these problems can be solved quickly or easily. The situation is so complex that the club will certainly be discussing the manager’s position.”

Whether Hamann’s comments have an element of truth to them or not, January offers a much-needed lifeline in terms of recruiting talent and Liverpool are expected to be active on that front.

Liverpool in move for £100m Salah upgrade who "can reach Mane's level"

Liverpool are starting to prepare for Mo Salah’s departure from Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 30, 2025

Addressing the forward areas, Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy could be on his way to Anfield for £44m amid his release clause becoming active in 2026.

Celtic youngster Jikiemi is also on Liverpool’s radar, albeit at 15 years of age, he is someone who will be regarded as a talent for the future at the AXA Training Centre.

Still, the first-team remains a central priority for FSG, and the Reds could now be about to bring one of the world’s most talented midfielders to Merseyside.

Liverpool ready to bid for Eduardo Camavinga

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing a ‘serious’ move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

Liverpool’s admiration for the player is so big that they are actually expected to launch a bid to secure the player’s services. An offer in the region of £52.5m could be enough to secure the France international’s signature.

Described as a “duel-monster” by analyst Raj Chohan, Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation, which won’t come as a surprise as his versatility for Loc Blancos has seen the 23-year-old operate as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even on the left flank at times.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also tracking his progress. However, Real Madrid aren’t actively looking to sell the player at this moment in time, despite conversations taking place about his long-term role as Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde compete with the Frenchman for their spots in the engine room.

Labelled someone with “enormous potential” by Xabi Alonso, he has thrived under the Spaniard and could now be set for a new challenge as admiration for his talent grows.

Liverpool have found it difficult to get to grips with sides in the top flight this season, but Camavinga would likely take them on to a new level if he were to move to English shores.