Gossip: Salah to leave at the end of the seasonpublished at 08:05 GMT
08:05 GMT
Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, 33, and Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, 25, will be the two prime transfer targets for the Saudi Pro League this summer. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC are interested in England Under-21 international midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, who is on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool. (Sky Sports), external
Kerkez is finding his feet for Liverpoolpublished at 13:02 GMT 22 January
13:02 GMT 22 January
Chloe Bloxam Fan contributor
Liverpool fan Chloe Bloxam is seeing a marked improvement in Milos Kerkez.
"At the start of his time at Liverpool, we kind of saw a shell of the Kerkez we expected," she tells BBC Sport.
"He was diving in, showing a lack of experience in being young. He was being beaten far too easily, making the wrong decisions on times. Teams were trying to expose him.
"Right now we're seeing the best of him. He's getting closer to the Bournemouth version."
Marseille 0-3 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:08 GMT 22 January
09:08 GMT 22 January
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We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Champions League game between Marseille and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Ian: We looked so much better at the back with Joe Gomez in there so when he is fit I would prefer him to Ibrahima Konate on current form.
Jan: Much better watch. Jeremie Frimpong really deserves plaudits. Hugo Ekitike was unlucky but his effort was spot on. The best news though, was that the defence looked like they had a plan and knew their jobs. Milos Kerkez had a good game and he was confident and more controlled. Play like this next week and it's looking good.
Chris: Liverpool look like world beaters against teams that come out to attack, but haven't got a clue against a low block. Arne Slot has to sort this out now.
Peter: Maybe this result and performance will mean some of the doubters will give Slot a chance. Halfway through a major rebuild, it was always going to take time but new players are starting to settle and show why they were signed. There will be some problems with consistency, but I think by the end of February we'll have a settled side and be more attacking and harder to beat.
Victor: Brilliant performance from Liverpool. A kind of display we have missed recently and for the first time in a while we played as a team and defended as a team. In fact, we did everything as a team.
Erik: A great performance. Calm and steady, but with intent and purpose. It felt like it was last season again. For all our woes this season, Slot would have the last laugh if we won the Champions League!
How Slot changed Liverpool's shape to pull off Marseille winpublished at 08:41 GMT 22 January
08:41 GMT 22 January
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
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It was a night where Mohamed Salah did not add to his club record of 46 Champions League goals for Liverpool, even though he really should have when he fired wide in the second half, but the assurance with which Liverpool played in a 4-2-2-2 setup will leave Arne Slot delighted and may well give him food for thought for the coming weeks.
With Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai operating behind Hugo Ekitike and Salah, it was left for Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to provide the width down the flanks.
The two summer signings thrived in that respect, with Frimpong's energy allowing Salah to focus on his attacking duties. That said, the Egyptian did put in a shift out of possession.
For Slot and Liverpool, the challenge remains how to deal with a low block.
But in the here and now, this was a night for Liverpool to savour.
A season of injuries - how does your club rank?published at 08:33 GMT 22 January
08:33 GMT 22 January
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
From the Premier League's elite to the soggy pitches of Sunday league, injuries are part and parcel of football - but which top-flight teams have been worst affected so far this season?
With help from injury expert Ben Dinnery, of premierinjuries.com,, external BBC Sport has examined which sides have been hit the hardest, the impact injuries can have on under-fire managers - and whether things are always as bad as they seem.
'Breweries, hotels and restaurants' - commercial revenue key in Deloitte studypublished at 08:32 GMT 22 January
08:32 GMT 22 January
Liverpool generated more revenue than any other English club during the 2024-25 season, according to the annual Deloitte Money League survey.
In the survey's 29th season, the Reds brought in more than 836m euros (£729.5m). The figure moved the Reds from eighth in 2023-24 to fifth overall, while Manchester City dropped from second to sixth.
Manchester United dropped from fourth to eighth with the club's broadcast revenue falling from €258m (£225m) to €206m (£180m) largely due to a lack of Champions League football.
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea each occupy the exact same positions in the Money League as last season, while Aston Villa moved up four spots. Newcastle and West Ham remain in the top 20, despite both dropping in position.
Across the study, clubs cumulatively reported record revenues of €12.4bn, an increase of 11% on 2023-24.
A major feature of the study points to clubs generating most of their revenue commercially, with about 43% of income coming from this source. Broadcast revenue and matchday income continue to take up smaller pieces of the revenue pie.
Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said: "This year's Money League showcases the evolving commercial landscape of elite football, with clubs continuing to take greater ownership of their revenue-generating capabilities. It is no coincidence that the clubs in the top half of the ranking are those with the ability to focus on commercial revenue development, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau.
"There is a pivotal shift in some club business models with an increased focus on maximising the impact of their brand and their stadium assets. The presence of on-site breweries, hotels and restaurants is now commonplace and illustrates a strategic move to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations. This innovative approach is broadening revenue streams significantly, allowing clubs to unlock opportunities far beyond the traditional matchday experience in a drive to secure more sustainable financial futures."
Marseille 0-3 Liverpool: What Slot and Van Dijk saidpublished at 22:53 GMT 21 January
22:53 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to TNT Sports: "It could have been a tricky place to go and it is because of their fans but also because of their players and manager. We had to be very good today and we were. We should have done better in the counter-attack. We were very positive on the ball. We scored three and everyone will be more positive than when we create five chances but score one.
"In the last 13 games unbeaten, we've only been 54 minutes behind. We had many earlier chances to win it today. Today, we probably deserve what we got. We weren't unlucky like we've been so many times this season.
"I know why we're not consistent and that is mainly to do when a game is open, it is completely different than playing against a low block. You cannot compare that with the game tonight when both teams want to press and play out from the back. If we're inconsistent, it's because we struggle with low blocks."
On potentially avoiding play-offs: "People can see what a squad we have. We have three players out with injuries and we already don't have the size of squad that our competitors have, so it's important we don't play these games."
Captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's always difficult to play against De Zerbi's team because if you're not front-footed, then they can play out pretty easily. They keep on playing and taking a risk. We exploited the space well, and I think the performance is good."
On building momentum: "We always keep saying it after a win or a good result. Fully focus on recovery now, and then we go to Bournemouth, and they're hard to beat. We have to be more than ready. We fly back tomorrow. On to the next."
On rumours he held a meeting after Burnley: "I don't know the ones who put it in the media. There was going to be a meeting, but I didn't say it was from me. I don't know where this misinformation came from."
Did you know?
Liverpool remain unbeaten in each of their last 13 matches in all competitions, the longest ongoing streak of any team from Europe's big five leagues.
Mohamed Salah made his 88th appearance in major European competition for Liverpool, moving level with Ian Callaghan; only Jamie Carragher (130) and Steven Gerrard (111) have made more for the Reds.
Liverpool analysis: A superb all-round performancepublished at 22:21 GMT 21 January
22:21 GMT 21 January
Aadam Patel Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
As expected, Mohamed Salah made his first start for Liverpool since November after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, as Arne Slot started a 4-2-2-2 with Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai behind Hugo Ekitike and Salah.
From the outset, Liverpool were impressive, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez offering plenty of width.
Slot's side created a few openings in the first half but perhaps lacked that bit of quality in the final third until Szoboszlai broke the deadlock.
As Marseille opened up Liverpool had plenty more chances and should arguably have doubled their lead well before the own goal, with Ekitike hitting the crossbar and Wirtz seeing an effort saved.
Salah missed a glorious opportunity late on and has not scored in his last seven for his club, but his all-round display showed exactly why Slot was so happy to have Liverpool's record Champions League goalscorer back. Now the key is to push on.
For Slot, who has good memories in Marseille, having seen his Feyenoord side qualify for the Europa Conference League final here in 2022, this was a night where the performance was perhaps even more important than the result.
His team were superb and made light work of a Marseille side that have impressed under Roberto De Zerbi this season.
Just like at Inter Milan last month, this was another night to remember for the 3,300-strong travelling support.
Marseille v Liverpool: Team newspublished at 19:19 GMT 21 January
19:19 GMT 21 January
As expected, Mohamed Salah returns to the Liverpool starting eleven. It's his first start for the club since November. In the absence of Ibrahima Konate, who is out due to a personal matter, Joe Gomez comes in at centre-back, alongside Virgil van Dijk who makes his 350th appearance for the club.
You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Marseille v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v PSV".
Give Slot time, says legend Houghtonpublished at 15:13 GMT 21 January
15:13 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool legend Ray Houghton says Arne Slot needs "a little time" to improve things at Anfield after a season of frustration so far.
The Reds have followed their title-winning campaign with a mediocre season, sitting fourth in the Premier League. The form prompted boos from some fans after Saturday's draw with Burnley and widespread criticism of Slot from supporters online.
Asked if Slot was under pressure for his job, Houghton told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I'd be surprised. I was at Liverpool in 89-90. They've won two championships since then. One of them was by Arne Slot. There have been plenty of good managers and great players not got over the line. I'd be slightly surprised after last season that there's been so many people talking of moving him on.
"I think you should give him some time, the new players who have come in, then see what he does next season. I get the frustration of fans as you want to be ultra-competitive. Performances have been indifferent but I would just give him a little time.
"It's very unusual when you win the league the season before, you make so many changes. But the manager has done it for the best reasons he thinks can take the team forward."
Houghton thinks new players need to learn "the Liverpool way" and warned against the "immediacy" that is now so often craved in football when judging both those on the field and the manager.
He does however expect great things from Hugo Ekitike, stating: "Ekitike I think has been sensational. I think maybe 2027-28 you'll see the best of this kid. He'll fill out and be stronger. He will become one of the best strikers."
Where do things stand with Slot before Marseille test?published at 12:38 GMT 21 January
12:38 GMT 21 January
Aadam Patel Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It is unusual to suggest that a manager is under pressure after going 12 games unbeaten, but there is certainly a feeling around Liverpool that the football must improve under Arne Slot.
On Tuesday, the Reds boss was bizarrely asked if Xabi Alonso had been in contact with him after rumours linking the Spaniard with the Anfield job. The Dutchman joked it off.
"I am working here for a little bit more than one and a half years and I really like my work over here," he said. We won the league last season and struggled more in the league this season - that is obvious. What is there left to say?"
The struggles are indeed obvious. Liverpool have drawn their past four Premier League games and - bar a gutsy display at Arsenal, where they held the league leaders - they have dropped points against Leeds United,Fulham and Burnley. On Saturday, the full-time whistle was met with boos from sections of Anfield.
Most of Liverpool's struggles have come against teams setting up with a low block and the positive for Slot is that his side did put in an improved performance against Burnley.
"Maybe I heard a few [boos] but it wasn't as if it was a lot," Slot insisted. "But I also think it's completely normal that if you draw at home to Burnley then no-one is happy about that. But I think the moment the people went home, when emotions calmed down, they probably thought in the one and a half years I have been at Liverpool, we have never created so many chances against a low block as we did in that game. Maybe it was a bit more positive than the result showed - but we are in a results business, and I know that."
Against Marseille, the challenge will be different, though. They are the most prolific side in Ligue 1 and Newcastle United lost away against Roberto de Zerbi's side in November.
If Liverpool leave France with a positive result, Slot's side will be praised in the same way they were hailed after winning at Inter Milan last month.
Lose the game and their unbeaten run, the questions around the manager will only grow.
'Mac Allister important in my life and in my career' - De Zerbipublished at 12:38 GMT 21 January
12:38 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi says he is looking forward to a reunion with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister when the two sides meet in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Mac Allister played under De Zerbi at Brighton between 2022 and 2023, in which time he won the World Cup with Argentina and the Seagulls qualified for Europe for the first time.
The form Mac Allister showed under the Italian manager attracted the interest of Liverpool, with the Reds paying £35m to sign the midfielder, who would play a key role in their 2024-25 Premier League-winning side.
"I can meet one of my former players - Alexis Mac Allister," said De Zerbi, speaking to BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague for BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"He was important in my life and in my career.
"Liverpool is another special club. We are fighting to reach a position to qualify in the Champions League. Because of all these things, you can imagine how this game is important for me."
Arne Slot's side know a win will put them in a good position to qualify as part of the top eight in the league phase going into the final matchday, while the visitors still need points to guarantee their place in the play-off round.
"I watched their game [the Reds' weekend draw with Burnley]. I analysed it with my staff. We will now do individual analysis in our head. Then we will put together the strategy."
Panel split on Wirtz penalty claim at Arsenalpublished at 12:32 GMT 21 January
12:32 GMT 21 January
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has narrowly voted that Liverpool were not wrongly denied a penalty in the 0-0 draw at Arsenal earlier this month.
Florian Wirtz went down under a challenge from Leandro Trossard in the 48th minute, but referee Anthony Taylor waved away the spot-kick claims.
The VAR, John Brooks, opted not to intervene.
It was a split vote for the on-field decision, 3-2, that Taylor was correct not to point to the spot. The non-VAR intervention was supported 4-1.
The panel said: "Wirtz knocks the ball a long way from him and Trossard plants his foot into the space ahead of the Liverpool attacker. The on-field call of no penalty was supported."
Two panellists felt that "Trossard challenged the man and not the ball" and it should have been awarded by the referee.
Kerkez understanding of fan frustrationpublished at 12:09 GMT 21 January
12:09 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Milos Kerkez says he is understanding of fan frustration during a season in which Liverpool have struggled to find consistency in defending their Premier League title.
The Reds - champions by a 10-point margin in May - sit fifth in the league table, 14 points adrift of Arsenal.
The form - most recently featuring a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley - led to ugly statistics, prompted some boos from fans at Anfield and an angry backlash on parts of social media.
Kerkez, speaking at a news conference before Liverpool face Marseille on Wednesday, said: "Obviously I understand the fans' frustration. They have freedom of speech and we are disappointed also. What I posted is that we should all stay together in the moments when it doesn't go so well with the results. I understand that fans pay for tickets, travel to follow and support us and we want to win games. We take that responsibility as Liverpool players."
Kerkez played down any issues with his left-sided relationship during games with Cody Gakpo, insisting "we don't have a problem". Online, some fans have pointed to the pair struggling to find an understanding.
On his own form, the Hungary international feels he has improved after a tricky early spell following his summer move from Bournemouth.
"I feel when I came here, I think every player needs time to adapt because you come to one of the biggest clubs in the world," said Kerkez.
"I got help from everyone, from the boss, the players, the staff, from everyone. I think in the last month or so I have improved in a lot of areas, but I am still not satisfied. I want more and everyone will help me to do it."
Salah return a 'shining light' for Liverpoolpublished at 11:08 GMT 21 January
11:08 GMT 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says the return of Mohamed Salah can bring the "edge" back to the Reds' attack, which has looked blunt of late.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has suggested Salah will return to the Liverpool starting line-up against Marseille in Wednesday's Champions League tie, insisting his relationship with the forward is "as normal as it's always been".
The 33-year-old gave an explosive interview shortly before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, in which he claimed "someone doesn't want me in the club" and he no longer had any relationship with Slot after being dropped.
Salah scored four goals at Afcon, where his Egypt side finished fourth.
"It is a very tough game," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"One of the shining lights is that Mohamed Salah is back.
"A lot of people are seeing that as potentially an issue in Liverpool's squad because of the trouble he caused before he went to Afcon, but I think at the moment they need a game-changer.
"They need some goals in the team and need to be more clinical and maybe Salah can just bring that edge back up front.
"It's a very hostile place to go, Marseille are a very good team under [Roberto] De Zerbi and it'll be a massive challenge for Liverpool tonight."
Marseille v Liverpool preview: Key stats and player infopublished at 07:57 GMT 21 January
07:57 GMT 21 January
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool can take a big step towards automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with victory.
Marseille started the game week in 16th place. They will effectively guarantee a play-off spot if they win on Wednesday. They have already beaten Ajax (4-0) and Newcastle United (2-1) at home.
The Reds have won the past three meetings - the most recent coming in 2008.
Did you know?
Marseille were the first French club to win the European Cup. They beat AC Milan 1-0 in the 1993 final, the first year in which the tournament was called the Champions League.
They are the top scorers in Ligue 1 this season (41 from 18 games), and have scored four or more goals in a game eight times in 2025-26.
Image source, Getty Images
Key Marseille player - Mason Greenwood
Former Manchester United forward Greenwood is having the best season of his career in France. He has scored 20 goals, playing typically from the right wing but can operate across the frontline.
Greenwood, who has one England cap, left Manchester United after charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February 2023.
An instinctive finisher on either foot, Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi, who used to manage Brighton in the Premier League, said he has "potential to win the Ballon d'Or".
Marseille squad summary
Wednesday's hosts have several former Premier League players in their squad, including Greenwood, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Emerson, Nayef Aguerd and Matt O'Riley. Meanwhile, Tim Weah is the son of 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah.
Marseille pose a threat from long range with four goals from outside the area in this season's Champions League, which is the joint most in the competition. They also have 18 bookings after six games, the most of any side.
Sometimes, in this age of playing through the lines and technical proficiency, there remains a time when you just have to put your foot (or head) through it.
There are those defenders fans (and players) rely on to do just that.
Step forward Joachim Andersen and Virgil van Dijk, who stand in the way of attacks and take no nonsense, sending it away with head, foot or body in the name of getting the job done.
The two top the charts for successful clearances this season, with shoutouts going to a supporting cast of proper defenders.
