Liverpool news: Arne Slot faces transfer twist as Mohamed Salah decision outlined

Liverpool have problems to solve as Arne Slot’s champions must avoid plunging into crisis mode after three consecutive defeats and with Manchester United up next

Liverpool suffered another last-minute setback on Saturday as Chelsea clinched a victory over the Reds at Stamford Bridge with a 96th minute goal.

Following a 97th minute winner for Crystal Palace the previous week, Arne Slot’s squad has now experienced three consecutive losses, including an away defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League. Despite currently sitting second in the Premier League table, just one point behind leaders Arsenal, Liverpool had entered the Palace match with a five-point lead over Mikel Arteta’s side.

After the international break, Liverpool will face bitter rivals Manchester United in a huge clash at Anfield. Slot will be keen to quickly address the myriad of issues plaguing his team – including the form of talisman Mohamed Salah – to prevent a fourth straight loss that would plunge the champions into crisis.

With long-term target Marc Guehi back in the limelight and Salah’s work rate in the Chelsea match making waves, here’s all the latest news from Anfield.

Guehi saga takes unexpected turn

While many anticipate Liverpool to renew their interest in Crystal Palace star Guehi in January or the summer, it appears they’ll face stiff competition from Bayern Munich, reports the Mirror.

Reports from Germany suggest Max Eberl, the Bavarian’s head of sport, is a fan of the Eagles’ captain. Rumours are circulating the Bundesliga champions have already initiated talks with the player’s representatives about securing his services on a free transfer next summer.

Real Madrid will also be seeking to strengthen their central defensive options and Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso is also believed to be keen. Guehi insists his full focus remains with Palace following the breakdown of his deadline day move.

The England international had reached agreement on personal terms for a £35m switch to the Premier League champions during the summer. Palace pulled out of talks after being unable to find a suitable replacement, crushing Guehi’s dream transfer.

“I don’t have much to say, to be honest,” he said. “I’m focused on playing football and playing for this club. But to the fans (I want to say) thank you very much for your support. I definitely feel it.”

Salah defensive worries tackled

Following what can only be called a legendary campaign last time around, Salah was anticipated to reach similar peaks again this season.

Nevertheless, while the Liverpool winger has notched three goals and three assists across 10 matches, his statistics and overall displays don’t mirror those of a player who was recently ranked fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting.

His showing against Chelsea has sparked concerns with Blues defender Marc Cucurella disclosing Enzo Maresca’s team purposely focused on Liverpool’s right flank because of the gaps created by the 33-year-old.

United legend Wayne Rooney was critical of Salah’s “work ethic” after the defeat, saying he should be doing more to help the players behind him.

But earlier this year, the Egyptian disclosed that he had conversations with Slot about reducing his defensive duties, with both parties agreeing he would focus on providing goals for the side instead.

Yet with Liverpool finding it difficult to score, Salah is now facing criticism from certain sections.

In April, following their Premier League triumph, Salah explained: “I told him [Slot]: ‘As long as you rest me defensively, I will provide offensively. Try to rest me as much as I could and I will show you the numbers’. I’m glad that I did. It was the manager’s idea but I think he listened a lot. I spoke to him and you can see the numbers.”

The forward continued: “It’s quite tricky because when you play in the Premier League you have to defend also. I told him that I can gamble here and there but when I get the ball I am always free and can make the difference.

“I think the number of assists also shows that. It’s not just goals – it’s about creating chances that are different for the team.”