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Following the earlier exit of technical director Gretar Steinsson, the 49ers are reportedly set to lose yet another Leeds United chief to force a restructure away from the action at Elland Road.

Leeds set to off-pitch change

The Whites have only just lost Steinsson, as reported by The Athletic’s Nancy Froston, with the former technical director now set to transition into a new position with the 49ers’ operation. Those at Elland Road will reportedly replace the departed chief internally rather than seek a fresh option outside of the club. Whether that proves to be a wise decision remains to be seen, however.

His exit comes at a time when Leeds need stability in pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking. Things are only set to become more complicated following Steinsson, however, with another departure reportedly on the cards.

According to TeamTalk, Leeds are now set to lose head of recruitment Jordan Miles amid a major reshuffle at Elland Road. Leaving the 49ers with plenty to think about, it will reportedly be football advisor and consultant Nick Hammond and football operations Adam Underwood who step up their respective roles and take more responsibility behind the scenes.

Journalist shares what he's heard out of Leeds on Manor Solomon's future

He’s yet to score for the club…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 8, 2024

Miles’ reported exit follows a difficult summer in which Leeds lost a number of key men and were forced to turn towards the transfer market. Welcoming the likes of Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani, Miles could consider the window job done amid such difficulties in what proved to be his final flurry of signings at the club.

Leeds reshuffle comes at a bad time

If Leeds were to undergo such change then they should have done so before the Championship season or summer transfer window had a chance to get underway. Now running the risk of turning the attention away from Daniel Farke’s side, the 49ers must hope to have got things right. On the recruitment front, the Whites’ most difficult task came in the summer, but that doesn’t take away from the importance of the January transfer window.

If Farke’s side still find themselves behind in the race for automatic promotion by the time that the winter window arrives, then Hammon and Underwood should be tasked with reinforcing the Leeds squad.

Already, the likes of Lewis O’Brien have been linked with moves to Elland Road in 2025 in what could quickly become the first task on the list of those now in charge of recruitment in Yorkshire. The midfielder is currently on loan from Nottingham Forest at American outfit LAFC where he has discovered his best form to earn the attention of English football once again.

Another midfielder would certainly be a wise addition, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds’ reshuffle will enjoy such success on the recruitment front without Steinsson or Miles.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has done a good job as Manchester United’s interim manager so far. Although the football has not been the most inspiring, he is getting results on the board, something Erik ten Hag simply failed to do for many months across the past two seasons.

So far, he has two wins and a draw, beating Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and Greek side PAOK in the Europa League, and drawing against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. It has been a very respectable stint at the helm for the Red Devils legend.

The Dutchman has managed to get some players firing, amid the impending arrival of Ruben Amorim, with young winger Amad the star of the show against PAOK. However, a few players have continued to struggle, including Manuel Ugarte, who has had a tough start to life at United.

Ugarte’s United career

It was an expensive deal when the 13-time Premier League champions brought Uruguay international Ugarte to the club in the summer. They paid former club Paris Saint-Germain £42m up front, with the deal potentially rising as high as £50.5m.

It has certainly not been an easy start to the season for the 23-year-old. He has played just ten times so far for the Red Devils and struggled to get any kind of chance under former boss Ten Hag. In total, the midfielder has played 587 minutes across all competitions and has been an unused substitute three times.

It is certainly an odd start to life in that famous Red shirt for the Uruguayan. His stats on Sofascore from the Premier League so far show just how disappointing Ugarte has been. In five games, which included two starts, he has won just 1.8 tackles and 2.8 ground duels per game.

So far, it remains up in the air as to whether Ugarte was a good signing for the Red Devils. He has not imposed himself as of yet, and it feels like there is a lot to be desired with the 23-year-old still.

With that in mind, Van Nistelrooy could decide to shake things up in his final interim game and drop the midfielder from the starting lineup. To replace Ugarte, the Dutchman could turn to someone else who has had a tough time of things at Old Trafford so far.

The Man Utd star who could replace Ugarte

The player in question here is Red Devils number seven Mason Mount. The England international has become something of a forgotten man at United and has sadly seen his career at the English giants plagued by injuries.

The 25-year-old midfielder has played just 26 games for the Old Trafford club, despite joining in the summer of 2023. He has had several injuries, including a calf issue last season and a hamstring injury in 2024/25, which has simply hampered his progress.

He has scored just once, a late goal against Brentford last season that was seconds away from being a winner.

Sadly for Mount, it has been a tough season once again. The aforementioned hamstring issue has kept him out for much of this term, and he has managed just six appearances in all competitions, notching up 224 minutes.

However, he got a few minutes under his belt against PAOK on Thursday, as United look to build up his fitness. Van Nistelrooy may well decide to take a gamble and start him against Leicester on Sunday ahead of Ugarte.

Not only would the Chelsea academy graduate bring quality on the ball into the midfield, but he brings great value out of possession.

Described as a “pressing monster” by football statistician Statman Dave, the midfielder is a relentless runner and is quite tenacious in the middle of the park, looking to constantly win the ball back off opponents by harrying them.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It is for such attributes that it is believed Mount is among those who could enjoy something of a revival under new boss Amorim, with GIVEMESPORT suggesting that there is hope the Englishman – and others – can ‘[profit] from his fresh demands’.

That belief is also unsurprisingly given that the struggling star has previously thrived in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system during his time under Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, notably operating off the striker in one of those two attacking berths, en route to the Blues’ Champions League triumph in 2021.

It is a shame that Mount has seen his United career tarnished by injuries so far – missing a catalogue of games since 2022 – because he has shown plenty of times in the past for Chelsea just how good he can be, having memorably ended the 2021/22 campaign with 29 goals and assists to his name.

Should he get the start against Leicester, he will be hoping that his injury issues are behind him and he can kickstart his Red Devils career, with the incoming Amorim no doubt set to be keenly observing.

Saved by Amad: Ruud must instantly axe 4/10 Man Utd star after PAOK

Manchester United secured their first win of the Europa League last night.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 8, 2024

Raphinha is closing in on a remarkable Lionel Messi record after bagging two goals and an assist in Barcelona's Champions League win over Benfica.

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• Barcelona beat Benfica 3-1
• Achieves Champions League milestone
• Closes in on remarkable Messi record

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Leeds United star was in top form as Barca beat Benfica 3-1 to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Brazilian now has 11 goals and five assists in this season's competition, which is just three behind Messi's record goal haul for Barca in 2011-12.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Raphinha has previously admitted he came close to quitting football due to the pressures and difficulties he has faced during his career. Now, however, he is Barcelona's captain and is putting together a season that is Ballon d'Or worthy. And the Blaugrana's dream of another Champions League title is still thanks in no small part to his efforts.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Per Opta, Raphinha has now scored more goals in a single Champions League campaign than any other Brazilian. That list includes greats such as Kaka, Rivaldo, and Neymar.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR RAPHINHA?

  La Liga leaders Barca will need Raphinha to be on top form on Sunday when they travel to third-placed Atletico Madrid.

Two Arsenal players are expected to say their goodbyes to the north London club in 2025, and there is a “good chance” that they will indeed depart Mikel Arteta’s side.

Players who could leave Arsenal next year

The Gunners will have to navigate the January and summer transfer windows without Edu Gaspar, but it is believed that Arsenal’s transfer planning is still well underway minus the Brazilian’s influence.

Arsenal chiefs think they could mimic Odegaard signing in £25m playmaker

They’ve emerged as serious contenders to sign him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 19, 2024

Attacking midfielders like Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, Villarreal’s Alex Baena and Barcelona star Raphinha have been players linked with moves to Arsenal after the turn of the year, while reports also suggest Arteta is still after a striker.

While a lot of attention will be on incomings, it will also be interesting to see which members of Arteta’s squad are set for the exit door.

Kieran Tierney is widely expected to leave Arsenal in January, with the Scotland international racing to get back from a hamstring injury and display his quality for potential suitors, if Arteta does give him a chance to shine in the first team before the winter window reopens.

Meanwhile, Jakub Kiwior is also attracting interest from Serie A, and the Poland international is another pretty likely departure considering his lack of minutes under Arteta this season.

Kiwior has now formally told Arsenal he wants to leave, according to some reports, so this is certainly something to keep an eye on as we approach January.

“It’s been a familiar theme during the last couple of windows and I’m expecting no different this time around,” said reliable Arsenal journalist Charles Watts via his Dailybriefing this week.

“There was a chance Kiwior could have gone in the summer, but Arsenal decided to keep him for squad purposes.

“But when you see the game time he’s had so far this season and consider that teenage Myles Lewis-Skelly has been used ahead of him at times recently then it’s tough to see the Poland international getting many minutes. So, if a decent offer arrives for Kiwior from Italy then I think it’s one that Arsenal would consider, and I don’t think Ben White’s injury will impact their thinking.”

Jorginho and Thomas Partey expected to leave Arsenal

There is also the matter of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, two big-name midfielders who are out of contract at the end of the season. According to CaughtOffside and reporter Watts, there is a “good chance” the £310,000-per-week duo will quit Arsenal in the summer.

Indeed, as things stand, both Partey and Jorginho are expected to leave Arsenal, despite the former becoming a mainstay in Arteta’s midfield after a difficult 2023/2024.

A decision will most likely be made on the pair soon, and if both leave, Watts fully expects Arsenal to go in the transfer market for a new engine man next summer. That player could even be Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who once partnered Mikel Merino in the La Liga side’s midfield.

The Washington Spirit already kicked off 2025 with a Challenge Cup victory over Orlando – what to expect next in NWSL?

The 2024 NWSL season brought all the action, all of the drama, and of course heartache. From Marta and the Orlando Pride making history and winning both the Shield and the Championship, to the Washington Spirit displaying one of the best rookie classes the league has ever seen – and of course Kansas City Current putting on a masterclass in just about everything – 2024 was elite.

While some teams are rostered similarly to the last season, some teams have had total shakeups in advance of a new campaign. And this will be the final edition of a 14-team league, as the NWSL will add two new clubs for 2026. INDIVISA takes a look at each team ahead of the 2025 season.

• Getty Images
  

  Angel City

  Angel City was 7-13-6 in 2024, scoring 29 goals and giving up 42. For Angel City, they will rely heavily on the local Thompson sisters to create a winning culture. Alyssa and Gisele both extended their contracts through 2028 and were called up to the recent USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster.

  Angel City have lots of attacking options, and some of the best outside backs in the game: Gisele, Sarah Gorden, and others. Savy King joining the LA team will also be a huge victory, as she adds a lot of dimension both on the attack and defensively.

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  Bay FC

  Bay FC finished the 2024 season with an 11-14-1 record. They managed to get past the playoff line cutoff, and put in a good performance in playoffs, despite falling short against a rapid Washington Spirit side.

  Bay FC is stacked with talent, whether it's Rachel Kundanji creating chaos down the line, or Abby Dahlkemper scoring crazy header goals – or even Alyssa Malonson leaving it all on the line defensively.

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  Chicago Stars FC

  Chicago Stars FC was 10-14-2 in 2024, and the great Alyssa Naeher helped anchor the backline earning 87 saves on the season. The Stars will continue to be a threat on all sides of the ball, with Sam Staab in the back, Julia Grosso in the middle, and Nadia Gomes and Ally Schlegel on the attack.

  Mallory Swanson is pivotal to the Stars' attack, but has informed the club that she will not be joining them for the first part of the season due to personal reasons.

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• IMGAN
  

  Gotham FC

  Gotham FC finished the 2024 regular season in third place with a 17-4-5 overall record. The 2023 NWSL champs were hunting for another trophy, however fell short in the semifinals against the Washington Spirit.

  Gotham FC had significant change in the offseason, with key players such as Lynn Biyendolo, Yazmeen Ryan, Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn either joining other NWSL teams or going abroad. Gotham does have a deep squad, with Emily Sonnet and Rose Lavelle still on the roster for 2025.

  While the team will have to find new ways to score, they recently announced that Midge Purce is back and ready to go.

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action this weekend following yet another international break. Perhaps this came at the right time for the Ibrox side amid the recent pressure on Philippe Clement.

Dundee United are the visitors to Glasgow this afternoon and the Arabs are enjoying their spell back in the top flight, occupying fourth spot, just two points behind the Gers. They have even managed to score two more goals than the Light Blues, which proves just how lacklustre the club have been in front of goal.

Much of this has to do with Cyriel Dessers. The Nigerian frontman isn’t exactly the most mobile of strikers, or the most clinical either…

Cyriel Dessers’ stats this season

Some sections of the Ibrox support have defended Dessers over his record at Rangers, which, on the surface, looks more than respectable.

Indeed, since joining last summer, the striker has scored 32 goals and grabbed 12 assists in 72 matches for the club. This works out as a goal every 2.2 games, a decent enough strike rate.

However, if he was more lethal in the penalty area, his tally would be much greater. In the top flight last term, he missed a staggering 27 big chances. This season? He has already missed six across 11 games.

The frontman manages just one shot on target per game, while netting just four goals in the Premiership all season, hardly the sort of form which will fire the club to league title glory.

With this in mind, Clement must drop the misfiring marksman to the bench for the clash against Dundee United, dishing out a start elsewhere instead…

The player who must replace Dessers vs Dundee United

It is no secret that injury issues have disrupted Danilo’s spell in Glasgow. Since he signed last summer, the Brazilian has missed 46 games already due to a series of issues.

The former Ajax striker, therefore, scored just six goals last term, while he has managed just one senior goal during the current campaign. Once he gets back to full fitness, might Clement use him as his main option to lead the line?

The 25-year-old provided a moment of quality against Motherwell in the recent League Cup semi-final, making a diagonal run which drew three opposition defenders out of position, allowing Nedim Bajrami acres of space to score the winner.

It may sound simple, but these are things Dessers simply doesn’t do during matches, which suggests Danilo should be the main centre-forward for the Gers.

The £26k-per-week hitman was hailed by Michael Beale upon his arrival in 2023, saying: “He is an exciting player who likes to create and score goals, he is one that I believe is a good fit for our squad and he will give us another big option in the attacking areas of the pitch.”

He could cement himself into the starting XI with a positive performance against the Arabs this afternoon and a goal or two wouldn’t go amiss either.

Rangers keen to sign £9m goalscoring club captain in Ibrox free transfer

Rangers want reinforcements after an indifferent start to the season.

By
Barney Lane

Nov 21, 2024

Lucas Paqueta's red card in West Ham's 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool has brought fresh allegations of "match-fixing" from fans across social media. The Brazilian was shown back-to-back yellow cards for dissent in the 83rd minute at the London Stadium, as he hounded referee Darren England in the aftermath of Niclas Fullkrug's foul on Dominik Szoboszlai.

• Bizarre Paqueta red draws allegations from fans

  The 28-year-old has opened himself to further allegations of impropriety. Paqueta cleared his name from allegations of spot-fixing during the 2022-23 season, where suspicious betting patterns were linked to games where the midfielder picked up bookings. Despite being exonerated by the FA after an investigation, the governing body sanctioned the former Lyon star for "failing to comply with a requirement to answer questions and provide information to The FA’s investigation into breaches of the Rules", issuing a warning over his future conduct. 

  Paqueta returned to the Irons starting lineup on Sunday, after serving a one-game suspension for accruing five bookable offences so far this term. In a relatively well-tempered clash with Liverpool, Paqueta went unpunished by the referee until the final moments, when he saw fit to persist in berating England despite the attempts of his teammates to control him. Two quick yellow cards confirmed Paqueta's fate in a bizarre incident that has set fans' tongues wagging on social media. 

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• Fan reaction to Paqueta red

  ChelsChris03 posted on X: "That absolutely has to be match fixing from Paqueta. Simply no way it’s not."

  The GunnersD3an questioned Paqueta's decision making, writing: "Paqueta is such an idiot, he was definitely looking for that Red. That’s such an absurd behaviour, what a liability of a player."

  Dieggo added: "He wanted to be sent off. Weird guy."

  Fellythered joked: "[Paqueta is] Never beating those betting allegations." 

  Fredtheted simply suggested the Brazilian's conduct, "is suspicious". 

• Nuno and pundits react to 'ridiculous' Paqueta red

  Former players and pundits also took the chance to question the midfielder's decision making. 

  Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast livve from the Olympic Stadium, former Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland forward Clinton Morrison said: "I don't know what he's doing. If you're not happy with the decision, he's not going to change his mind. Darren England hasn't had the best game but Paqueta wouldn't give it up, he kept going and going, even his international teammate Alisson said stop.

  "You can't keep going over and goading the referee. You've let your team down. It's ridiculous." 

  Former West Ham keeper Robert Green said on that the Brazilian was being "completely irresponsible" and that he had "lost his head", before also calling Paqueta's behaviour "ridiculous".

  West Ham's manager Nuno Espirito Santo then used his post-match comments to address the situation. He said: "I'm not going to comment too much. First of all I'm going to speak to Lucas and try to understand his frustrations and his behaviour.

  "We need all the player and we are going to need them until the end of the season. Every player out, we're going to miss them."

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• Paqueta speaks out

  Paqueta took to social media after the game to hit back at the criticism levelled at him by the Sky Sports commentary team. He wrote in a passionate post on : "It's ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behavior is just a reflection of everything I've had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I'm sorry if I'm not perfect."

Looking to rediscover their best form under Unai Emery, Aston Villa are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Champions League midfielder worth up to £37m in 2025.

Aston Villa transfer news

Amid a difficult run of form in which they went eight games without victory, the last week has been incredibly important for Aston Villa, who followed up a 3-1 defeat of Brentford in midweek with a narrow 1-0 win over relegation contenders Southampton.

With Jhon Duran back on the scoresheet at the perfect time, the Villans will now turn their attention towards European action against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, with the January transfer window now under a month away, those in the Midlands may well be thinking about just how to take Emery’s side back up to the level needed for Champions League qualification in what would be the ultimate success.

Names such as former midfielder Douglas Luiz have already been mentioned in recent weeks, but it’s a new target who could emerge to provide the Villans with a welcome boost.

According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa are now interested in signing Felix Nmecha, with Borussia Dortmund now open to offers in the region of €40-45m (£33-37m) in 2025.

However, the Midlands club aren’t the only ones interested, as Manchester United and Newcastle United are also reportedly eyeing moves to sign the ex-Manchester City academy star.

Better than Duran: Aston Villa's "outstanding" 8/10 star stole the show

Aston Villa secured their second league win this week

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 8, 2024

Signing Nmecha would certainly hand Aston Villa a boost in the middle of the park, creating quite the partnership alongside summer signing Amadou Onana. That said, it remains to be seen whether the Villans will splash out as much as £37m when either January or the summer transfer window arrives.

"Fast" Nmecha could partner Onana

Squad depth is key for any side competing in the Champions League and Premier League as Newcastle learned last season – and as Aston Villa are learning the hard way in the current campaign.

Emery’s side have so far struggled to maintain success on multiple fronts, but adding a player of Nmecha’s calibre would go a long way towards doing exactly that.

Two players who have gone stride for stride so far this season and two who progress play in different ways, Nmecha and Onana could form the perfect balance at the heart of Emery’s side.

It’s also no surprise that the Dortmund midfielder has found himself at the centre of praise, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl saying (via the Bundesliga website): “Felix Nmecha is a fast, technically adept and physically strong player who will enhance our midfield both offensively and defensively with his profile.”

Villa didn’t hesitate to splash the cash on Onana last summer and should now do the same to complete their midfield with the addition of Nmecha.

Las Águilas will host Tigres Saturday in Matchday 13 of the Clausura 2025

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• André Jardine's team held an open training session
• América is in first place in the Clausura
• Malagón, Juárez, and Reyes, also trained

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  América held an open training session Tuesday, where three players who recently won the CONCACAF Nations League title with El Tri were on the pitch. Luis Ángel Malagón and Ramón Juárez trained alongside their teammates, including Alejandro Zendejas, Álvaro Fidalgo, Jonathan Dos Santos, and others.

  Israel Reyes, who played all 90 minutes in the matches against Canada and Panama, practiced separately.

  Dos Santos is ready to face Tigres Saturday in Matchday 13 of the Clausura 2025 after missing two months of activity due to a knee injury. Henry Martín, who is suffering from Achilles tendonitis, was not present on Tuesday and is expected to be ruled out for the match on Saturday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  André Jardine has welcomed back the Mexican players who won the trophy in the Nations League. At América, alarms have been raised regarding Martín's Achilles injury, which has prevented him from being at 100 percent since the start of the year – and allowing him to play only nine matches this season, in which he has scored just one goal.

  Las Águilas do not want to rush their captain's recovery, but they know that three crucial matches are ahead: one against Cruz Azul in April in Liga MX and two in the Champions Cup Quarterfinals.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  América lost 1-0 in their most recent match against Tigres in Liga MX. Before that match, Las Águilas boasted an impressive unbeaten streak of 11 games against the rival, including nine victories. Over the years, both teams have developed a significant rivalry, as they are two of the most successful clubs of the last few decades.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

  Tough weeks are ahead for Club América, where they will need to rely on their captain, Martín, who is not fully recovered. In the coming days, they also have three matches against Cruz Azul, two of them in the Champions Cup, and an away game against Pachuca in Matchday 14 of Liga MX.

Mohamed Salah has prompted speculation by sharing a cryptic video of Liverpool players in deep conversation with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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• Salah shares cryptic video of Liverpool players with Trent
• Trent set to exit Anfield in the summer
• Fans think Salah organised an intervention

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold, who has only a few months left in his current Anfield, is set to leave his boyhood club at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and move to Real Madrid as a free agent. The full-back will reportedly sign a five-year contract with Los Blancos that will see him earn approximately €15 million (£13m/$16m) per year, a significant pay rise compared to his current Liverpool wages. Amid uncertainty over the star defender's future, Salah shared a cryptic video on his Instagram story where Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai are seen talking to the contract rebel as they take time out on a sofa at one of their houses.

  IG:@mosalah

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Salah's video sparked a frenzy among Reds fans as many of them speculated that the Egyptian attacker had organised an intervention to convince Alexander-Arnold to stay.

  A fan named Conor wrote on X: "Tears they’ve staged an intervention."

  Sarah remained hopeful that the players would be able to convince the full-back as she wrote: "Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold deep in conversation—I can’t help but wonder what they’re discussing. Is this the intervention we’ve all been waiting for?"

  Reverry hailed Salah for organising an 'intervention' as the post read: "If Salah convinces Trent to stay with this intervention, he moves up in the all time rankings over Gerrard and Kenny."

  An X handled named TjTari86097 wrote: "This looks like an intervention from planned by Salah along with Konate and Szoboszlai to convince Trent to stay."

  Another fan, with the handle named trentrrari, wrote: "Literal definition of an intervention."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the news of Alexander-Arnold exiting Anfield emerged, reported that his colleagues have remained 'unmoved' by the decision as they reportedly understand that his decision is not driven by footballing or financial reasons. The England international, who has been with the Reds since the age of six, is believed to be seeking a fresh experience and a different way of life beyond Merseyside.

• WHAT NEXT FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

  The 26-year-old will be back in action for Arne Slot's side on April 2 as they take on arch-rivals Everton in the Premier League in the Merseyside derby.