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    Karim Adeyemi lined up for shock £42m Premier League transfer to replace club icon after hat-trick against Celtic

    DORTMUND star Karim Adeyemi has been linked with a shock move to the Premier League. The 22-year-old winger is reportedly a surprise transfer target for Liverpool. Karim Adeyemi struck a hattrick against Celtic in the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: RexReports suggest Liverpool are plotting a move for the 22-year-oldCredit: PAAdeyemi hit a brilliant hat trick during Dortmund’s crushing 7-1 win over Celtic on Tuesday. The German found the net three times before the break as the Scottish champions wilted in front of the Yellow Wall. According to BILD, Liverpool have already had scouts watching Adeyemi in the Bundesliga this season.The outlet claims he could be the successor to Mo Salah, whose contract expires on Merseyside next summer. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool would have to stump up around £42.6million to land the whizkid, per the report. But Adeyemi has indicated he is enjoying his football at Dortmund, where is contracted until 2027. The youngster was on the books at Bayern Munich as a boy, before moving to Red Bull Salzburg in Switzerland. Dortmund snapped up the exciting winger for a reported fee of £24million in 2022. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing Tuesday’s heroics, Adeyemi told BILD: “I feel great here in Dortmund. “I was already a big fan as a little boy.”Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers meets the media after the 7-1 Champions League rout to Borussia DortmundAsked about his hat-trick performance, he added: “I had a good start. “I set myself to get at least one goal. Today, every shot went in.”Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could only watch on helpless as Celtic crumbled. Rodgers admitted: “It was a tough watch.”Nights like that are tough but they can happen at this level. You have to learn from it and move on. “We came in high on confidence but we needed to start the game much better than we did.”Liverpool welcome Bologna tonight as they look to make it two wins from two in his year’s Champions League. Arne Slot’s side had too much for AC Milan last time out, recording a 3-1 win at the San Siro. Last month, Salah dropped his biggest hint yet that the 2024-25 season would be his last in Liverpool red.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told Sky Sports: “I had a good summer, I had a long time to stay with myself and try and think positive because as you know it’s my last year in the club.”I just want to enjoy it and I don’t want to think about it. I feel I am free to play football and we will see what happens next year.”Mo Salah could leave Anfield next summer when he contract expiresCredit: Reuters More

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    Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino reveals ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ and ended Anfield career on the spot

    ROBERTO FIRMINO has revealed the moment he realised he had to leave Liverpool.The Brazilian, 33, played for the Reds for eight years between 2015 and 2023.Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023Credit: Richard Pelham / The SunDuring his Anfield stint he played a key role within Jurgen Klopp’s front three alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.Firmino helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving for Saudi Arabia.During his last few seasons on Merseyside, the forward became less of a regular feature within Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI.In his book, entitled Si Senor: My Liverpool Years, Firmino detailed exactly when he decided that he had to leave his beloved Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe wrote: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was a match against Wolves, in which I came on as a substitute in the last minute. That was it. Right there, I understood.”As we say in Brazil, the penny dropped. I knew now. I called my agents. Roger Wittmann and Christian Rapp met with me for a face-to-face talk.”We left the living room and went to my room: just me, Christian, Roger and Larissa, no distractions.”Christian and Roger were perfectly transparent about everything that was happening and the club’s view of my future.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFirmino replaced Darwin Nunez late on during a clash with WolvesCredit: Rex”It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool. I reflected a lot and realised that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else.”The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise”God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it any more. It was time to accept.”I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end.”The match Firmino referenced was a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield in March 2023.Virgil van Dijk broke the deadlock with a header on 73 minutes, before Mo Salah quickly made it two.That night, with Mane having left the previous summer, Klopp started a front three featuring Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.Klopp decided against bringing Firmino on as his side chased the opening goal, and even after going 1-0 up opted to bring on Cody Gakpo first.Firmino finally came on in the 89th minute, replacing Nunez for the closing stages.He would then come on for an 11-minute cameo the following week, grabbing a goal and an assist in the 7-0 rout of Manchester United.The Anfield icon went on to start just two more games for the Reds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat summer he departed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli on a free transfer after 111 goals in 362 games for Liverpool.Since moving to the Middle East he has netted 12 times in 43 games, with his team finishing third last term.Firmino, 33, now plies his trade in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd set to be hijacked by Liverpool in £70million transfer for top target – but move would be full of controversy

    LIVERPOOL are reportedly ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Jarrad Branthwaite – by swooping in January. The Red Devils saw a £50million approach for the Everton defender rejected over the summer.Jarrad Branthwaite is a target for both Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: AlamyArne Slot’s Reds are reportedly planning to hijack the move with a January bidCredit: GettyUnited brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £100million after missing out on the Three Lions star.De Ligt has struggled for form since making the switch from Bayern Munich, while £52m teenager Yoro remains sidelined until 2025 through injury. According to The Daily Mail, United are likely to focus on bolstering their attacking options in January.That leaves the door open for Liverpool – long-time admirers of Branthwaite – to offer closer to Everton’s £70m valuation. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe report adds that Branthwaite “is unlikely to sign an extension to his contract,” which expires in June 2027. Branthwaite, 22, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024, but didn’t make the cut. Branthwaite made his first appearance of the new season last Saturday against Crystal Palace.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReturning from a hernia operation, the youngster helped Sean Dyche’s side to their first win of the campaign. Down the M62, De Ligt has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford in a £43m deal.’He’s done!’ | How woeful tactics & Dalot shocker saw Spurs smash Man Utd to spell end for Ten HagSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher slammed the Dutchman following Sunday’s calamitous 3-0 loss to Tottenham.Carragher said: “The rest of the defence is awful, it always has been when they lose possession.”But where’s De Ligt? The right-back has come out here but look where De Ligt is! You’ve got to get over.Matthijs de Ligt has endured a torrid start to life at Old TraffordCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs TottenhamMANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.Andre Onana – 5Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.Noussair Mazraoui – 5First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.Lisandro Martinez – 5Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.Diogo Dalot – 5Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.Manuel Ugarte – 5Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.Kobbie Mainoo – 5Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.Marcus Rashford – 5Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.Bruno Fernandes – 4Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.Alejandro Garnacho – 6Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.Subs:Mount (for Mainoo 45)  5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.”Two massive chances and the goal, De Ligt, a player they brought in for huge money, is completely out of position all the time.”So he ends up having to go flying into challenge and then you leave yourself in a situation where you can get yellow cards and red cards.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited boss Erik ten Hag is now the bookies’ favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.He faces two huge games this week – first against Porto in the Champions League, before Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa. More

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    Liverpool keeper Alisson targeted for shock transfer to European giants managed by Premier League legend

    VINCENT KOMPANY’S Bayern Munich are watching developments on Alisson Becker.The Liverpool keeper, 31,  has been linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia, possibly as early as the end of the season.Liverpool star goalkeeper Alisson is being targeted by Bayern MunichCredit: AFPBayern would have to splash a fortune to land Alisson from LiverpoolCredit: GettyBayern boss Vincent Kompany could make an ambitious move for Alisson at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBayern, who have fitness concerns over their No 1 Manuel Neuer, are also very keen but it would take a fortune to land Alisson next summer.Ex-Burnley chief Kompany is a big fan of Alisson from his time in English football and could launch an ambitious move at the end of the campaign.Liverpool are braced for Alisson leaving and have already signed Valencia’s Georgian stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, to join them permanently next year.Alisson joined the Reds from Roma following a £67million deal in 2018.Read More on FootballSince then, the star goalkeeper has inspired immense confidence between the sticks – something Liverpool had been sorely lacking prior to his arrival.The Brazil international shone bright during Jurgen Klopp’s reign at the helm.The shot stopper helped the Merseysiders win their first Premier League title in 30 years back in 2020.The Brazilian also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlisson has amassed a grand total of 269 appearances with Liverpool during his six-year stint at the Kop.So far this season, the ex-Roma star has played six times across all competitions.Alisson Becker tells Liverpool to cut out ‘stupid’ conceded goals as keeper awaits first clean sheet of the seasonLiverpool manager Arne Slot, though, could also call upon Caoimhin Kelleher if Alisson decides to leave at the end of the season. More

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    Watch Joe Hart’s stunned reaction at Liverpool’s star’s body transformation that was ten years in the making

    ENGLAND hero Joe Hart hardly recognised Liverpool star Alisson after his major transformation.The Brazilian goalkeeper has been an absolute force between the sticks in the Premier League ever since his arrival at Anfield from Roma in 2018.Liverpool star Alisson has undergone a massive transformationCredit: RexJoe Hart was left stunned by Alisson’s new look before their interviewLiverpool star Alisson shaved his signature beard, which he had for 10 yearsThe 31-year-old shot stopper is well-known around the world for his amazing talent in goal but currently looks unrecognisable after a significant makeover.Hart went to interview the Brazil international for BBC Football but was left stunned when the two met.That was because Alisson shaved his signature beard, which he had for the past decade.The cleanshaven keeper swapped his rugged look for a babyface profile.Read More on FootballAnd Alisson revealed that even his Liverpool team-mates didn’t notice him when he first arrived with his new look.Hart greeted Alisson: “How are you?To which the Liverpool keeper responded: “Yeah, all good.”And the Manchester City legend said with a surprised look: “Looking very fresh. Good to see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlisson replied: Ten years [with the beard].”To which Hart said: “I know, yeah. It’s good to see. You look so different without a beard.”Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal Alisson said: “So different! Everybody in the building looked at me and said, ‘Who’s this guy?'”People in the stadium yesterday [when] I arrived to the match, they didn’t recognise [me].”Alisson has missed the last two games with a tight hamstring but could be back for the trip to Wolves on Saturday night, with Arne Slot suggesting he is “ready”. More

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    ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

    THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

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    AC Milan 1 Liverpool 3: Reds suffer huge early scare but put Forest woes behind them with dominant Champions League win

    NOBODY could have blamed boss Arne Slot for thinking “suits you, sir” after this scintillating comeback triumph.Early disaster turned into a San Siro stroll, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk powering in headers to turn the game around — the first time two Liverpool central defenders have scored in a Champions League game.Liverpool beat AC Milan with an impressive Champions League displayCredit: RexLiverpool won their first Champions League match under Arne SlotCredit: GettyLiverpool ace Ibrahima Konate equalised after AC Milan’s openerCredit: GettyLiverpool star Virgil van Dijk turned the game around with a headerCredit: RexDominik Szoboszlai sealed Liverpool’s first three points in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyDominik Szoboszlai added an elegant third to help turn his manager’s 46th birthday into a back-slapping celebration.It is Milan fashion week with models strutting their stuff on catwalks across the city.Slot arrived amid sudden doubts about whether he is right to be trying to give his players a makeover after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.He sees the new style he is fashioning as one that can make the side Premier League champions again and maybe, again, overlords of Europe in a different garb of a more cautious, possession– based game.Read More on FootballThat approach was suddenly left with tattered holes in it during last Saturday’s 1-0 win by Nottingham Forest.Slot’s side were flat and mainly uninspired, failing to unzip a rearguard action designed to frustrate and hustle.Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brilliant strike put the cap on the defeat that left Slot as shocked as anyone.After three straight wins without conceding a goal to start his reign the Kop — yet to fully throw its voice behind him — were asking serious questions.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSYet while Slot wants less of the attacking chaos of Klopp’s regime and more control, this was more like a throwback to the German’s heavy metal vibesAlthough the night could hardly have got off to a worse start for him.Kate Abdo makes HUGE announcement live on CBS Sports for Champions League return as Carragher makes ANOTHER awkward jokeHe made two changes following the Forest defeat, Cody Gakpo in for Luis Diaz and Kostas Tsimikas replacing Andy Robertson. By the third minute the Greek left-back will have wished his boss had not bothered as Milan took the lead.He was left stranded by a lighting raid down his flank, ignited by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.His quick clearance was pounced up by Christian Pulisic, with two team-mates powering alongside him.Konate panicked and was drawn out of position while Pulisic, one of four former Chelsea players in Paulo Fonseca’s line-up charged inside.Before Alisson knew what had hit him the American attacker had fired across the goal and into the far corner.Pulisic was joined in celebration by his ex– Stamford Bridge team-mates Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alvaro Morata and Fikayo Tomori while the stadium’s famous Curva Sud went wild.Poor startSlot and his team had the blues at the point for they were all over the place and their near-4,400 travelling fans, stuck high up in the gods, were fretting once again.But gradually Liverpool gained a foothold in the game, encouraged by centre-half Strahinja Pavlovic who made a pig’s ear of playing out from the back.His side survived as Slot’s men swarmed but they were still level by the 23rd minute and the equaliser could not have been simpler either.Trent Alexander-Arnold clipped in a free-kick from the left, up leapt Konate and completely unguarded headed home. Suddenly Slot’s men were in business again, the kind that had produced that stunning three-game start to the season.Diogo Jota tore into the box and sent a right footer wide when he should at least have tested Maignan.Mohamed Salah hit the woodwork with a reflex strike and soon after, slightly off balance, another effort cracked off the junction of bar and post.Reds fight backThis was seven-times Champions League winners against the six of Liverpool but it was the Reds who were finding their rhythm and above all their confidence again.Jota broke clear to find Salah. There was more majesty from Anfield’s Egyptian King this time only for Maignan to fingertip wide. But Liverpool grabbed the lead on 41 minutes, Tsimikas swung the corner in from the right, and Van Dijk nodded in.Seconds before the break it would have been three but for Maignan brilliantly turning aside a real bullet from Gakpo.Frenchman Maignan was forced off after a nasty collision with Tomori as Jota swooped in for the kill.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool finished the showdown with 23 shots — 11 on target — and two of those against the woodwork.And just to underline their superiority, Szoboszlai contributed a gliding finish in the 67th minute in the victory that was first about substance but in the end was about real style, Slot’s or not.Liverpool picked up a big win thee days after losing to Nottingham ForestSzoboszlai impressed for Liverpool against AC Milan More

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    Liverpool target claims ‘I had my suitcase packed.. there was an issue’ as deadline day transfer for Salah heir crumbled

    LIVERPOOL almost signed Pumas star Cesar Huerta just before the summer transfer window slammed shut but a late “issue” led to the deal falling apart.Huerta, 23, has been in impressive form in the Mexican league and has already amassed two goals as well as one assist in six appearances.Pumas star Cesar Huerta almost joined Liverpool but a late deal fell throughCredit: GettyHuerta was targeted with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in JuneCredit: PAThe Reds kept tabs on the winger during the summer with star man Mohamed Salah’s contract running out in June.The Mexico international revealed he came so close to a move at Anfield that he even had a suitcase packed and ready to go.However, negotiations hit a snag and the forward ultimately remained at Pumas.Huerta told AS: “There was an issue.Read More on Football”I had my suitcase ready, but it fell through because of an issue.“I know that sooner or later, if I keep doing things right, I’ll get the opportunity. “I know it’s a train that only comes once and I’m focused on Pumas.”There were rumours suggesting Huerta was going to join Sunderland on loan immediately after putting pen to paper with Liverpool as part of the deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, similar speculation suggests the Black Cats pulled out of the arrangement.Huerta joined Pumas from Guadalajara in 2022 and quickly rose to prominence.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4The Mexican has 17 goals and 12 assists in 76 appearances with the club.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More