Xabi Alonso’s future after Real Madrid was among the top stories on Tuesday, while a positive update emerged on Mohamed Salah‘s future at Liverpool.
Mohamed Salah is expected to return to Liverpool next week following Egypt’s run at the Africa Cup of Nations – with a semi-final against Senegal coming on Wednesday, January 14.
That will see him start up against Sadio Mane, with the winners progressing to the final against either Nigeria or Morocco on January 18.
Given the uncertainty over his future prior to leaving for the tournament there could still be question marks over Liverpool’s No. 11 upon his return.
However The Athletic‘s David Ornstein reiterates that Salah is “fully expected” to stay for the remainder of the season at the very least.
“It will be hoped his situation then settles down and that he sees out the rest of his agreement, which runs until June 2027,” he writes.
Arne Slot could bring Salah back into the fold for next week‘s Champions League clash at Marseille, though he should still be considered a doubt for that midweek kickoff.
LFC Analysis: How Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz made Liverpool history
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates with team-mate Florian Wirtz (L), who gave the assist, after scoring his side's fourth goal during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz did something no Liverpool subs ever have before against Barnsley, writes Sam Millne:
“Exuding a little-and-large aesthetic, the diminutive physique of Wirtz contrasted with Ekitike’s leggy-but-graceful style almost reminds you of the partnership between Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.
“Of course, they aren’t yet even in the same realm of status at Liverpool, but the way they play off each other bears comparison.”
READ: How Wirtz and Ekitike made Liverpool history vs. Barnsley
LFC History: Steven Caulker’s debut as a striker vs. Arsenal (2016)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 13, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp prepares to bring on substitute Steven Caulker against Arsenal during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
On this day in 2016, Steven Caulker made his first of just four appearances for Liverpool on loan from QPR – as a striker in a late 3-3 fightback draw with Arsenal.
In a recent post on LinkedIn, the now-retired defender revealed he learned of his move to Anfield while “lying on the floor, severely hungover” as he struggled with an alcohol addiction.
“I have never sobered up so quickly!” Caulker wrote.
“How that move came about, I will never know. There were so many times throughout my career when I felt I deserved a bigger opportunity, and it never once came, but at that moment, it did!
“Forty-eight hours later, I made my debut at Anfield, upfront, against Arsenal! We equalised late on to make it 3-3. It was one of the highlights of my career.
“Unfortunately, my time at Liverpool was inconsistent, and it was cut short as my failure to prepare had cost me.”