Football
Roy Keane makes Arsenal claim after Mohamed Salah signs new Liverpool deal
Roy Keane has praised Liverpool for securing Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield, calling the Egyptian forward a “special” talent. Keane believes Salah’s influence is so immense that Arsenal could have won the Premier League this season if he were part of their squad.
The praise comes at a time when Liverpool look destined to lift the Premier League trophy in just a few weeks, having widened the gap at the top of the table over the weekend.
Arsenal’s title hopes took a hit after a 1-1 draw with Brentford at the Emirates, while Liverpool clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over West Ham, extending their lead to 13 points with only six matches left.
Adding to the celebratory mood for Liverpool fans was the long-awaited confirmation that Salah had committed to a new contract with the club, putting an end to months of speculation about a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian star, widely regarded as the best player in the Premier League this season, signed a fresh two-year deal with Liverpool on Friday.
His previous contract was set to expire in the summer, prompting widespread rumors of a high-profile transfer.
Instead, Salah chose to continue his journey at Anfield, much to the relief and delight of the Liverpool faithful.
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s clash with West Ham, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane emphasized the importance of keeping a player of Salah’s caliber in the league. “He delivers week in, week out. Goals, assists—he does it all,” Keane said.
“If he was playing for Arsenal this season, they’d be champions. That’s how special he is.”
Keane also commended Liverpool for recognizing Salah’s value and ensuring he didn’t leave on a free transfer.
“You’ve got to keep the top players in the Premier League, and he’s certainly one of them,” he added. “He deserved that deal, and they absolutely had to give it to him.”
Since joining Liverpool, Salah has netted 243 goals and established himself as one of the most consistent and lethal attackers in Europe.
After signing his new contract, Salah expressed his excitement about the future with the club. “We’ve always had a great team, but I believe we’re in a strong position now to win more trophies. That’s why I signed. I’m happy here and want to enjoy my football.”
Liverpool’s recent match against West Ham looked to be slipping away after an own goal by Andy Robertson canceled out Luis Diaz’s opener. But just when it seemed they might drop points, Virgil van Dijk stepped up with a late goal to secure the win.
The Dutch defender, also in talks over a new contract, marked his 100th game as Liverpool captain in style and reflected on what the win meant.
“It was an emotional day with the Hillsborough anniversary. Our goal was to win and move one step closer to our dreams—not just as a team, but for the entire Liverpool family.”
As the Premier League season approaches its conclusion, Liverpool’s form, leadership, and ability to retain star players like Salah appear to be paying off at the perfect time.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
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