A comedy of errors littered Liverpool’s trip to Craven Cottage. That was the headline right there. The Premier League’s Champions Elect lost any semblance of defensive security as they caved in against a robust and deserving Fulham side
But wait a minute. There’s no doubting that it was a mistake-filled match, but what about the lack of fluency and coherence that Arne Slot’s side mustered in the opening phase
Sure, Alexis Mac Allister’s whomping thundercracker sparked delight from the travelling Redmen, who sang and sang and sang. We’re going to win the league.
But the champagne must be corked for a while longer; Slot, without a doubt, will have killed swiftly any giddiness or positivity around his squad’s dressing room, likely issuing a stern reminder that the day is not done and focus needs realigning ahead of the final straight.
So many players, frustratingly, failed to turn up against Marco Silva’s men, with Mohamed Salah culpable of another poor performance as uncertainty surrounding his future lingers.
Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future
On Monday afternoon, an embargoed discussion concerning Virgil van Dijk and a hive of reporters broke into the mainstream. Anfield’s skipper confirmed that there had been progress in extending his £220k-per-week contract.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid, attention swivels to Salah, who, like Van Dijk, will potentially be at Anfield next season, with the reputable David Ornstein confirming talks with the 32-year-old are still very much on.
Salah has been the fulcrum of Liverpool’s attacking success this term, ridiculously chalking up 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions. However, he’s dipped of late as the Reds’ collective form and fluidity have stifled the feel-good factor
Some have questioned whether Slot watches his superstars through rose-tinted glasses, unwilling to enforce changes unless forced. Salah has been a part of this list of late, with his poor showings calling for the likes of Federico Chiesa, whose opportunities are nominal.
Still, he continues to show promise when called upon. Chiesa will hope for more chances over the final weeks and maybe next year too, but regardless of Salah’s contractual outcome, it’s clear that Liverpool need more quality to ease the Egyptian’s workload
He might principally play off the left, but FSG have found a rising star who could serve as Salah’s long-term successor while aiding him next year too.
FSG scouting Salah heir
Liverpool need to address a number of issues in the market this summer. Andy Robertson’s latest gaff illuminated the need to replace him this summer. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez appears to be at the top of the list
Wonky attacking output has also led to speculation pertaining to the signing of a new striker. With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, expect activity on this front.
However, Liverpool’s attacking ‘problems’ spread out to the wings too, and that’s why FSG have been scouting Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
According to Fabrizio Romano – in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter – the 20-year-old Englishman is hoping to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and is eyeing a return to his homeland, having left Manchester City for the German scene back in 2020
Back in February, the Yellow Wall put up demands worth £85m for the potential sale of their latest prize, however, it’s hard to envisage any suitors – Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest – paying such an exorbitant sum.
Still, Gittens is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. With Salah perhaps standing on the edge of his twilight years at the top, here’s why Liverpool should make their move.
Why Liverpool should sign Jamie Gittens
Gittens has stepped up from the academy scene and made real headway at the top level over the past few years. After breaking through in 2022/23, he started to showcase genuine quality last term before becoming a key feature of Nuri Sahin and now Niko Kovac’s first team.
Indeed, across 42 matches in all competitions this season, Gittens has scored 12 goals and laid on four assists, with his shift to the left flank unlocking a goalscoring touch that could be perfect for Slot’s Liverpool side.
But that’s not all, Gittens is also one of the most electric attackers in the game right now, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating that point
In this manner, he bears a likeness to a younger version of Salah, who lacks his one-time pace and jet-like bursts but has redefined his game to stay at the highest level as his 33rd birthday looms.
Looking at Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season, when compared with Salah’s during his incredible debut campaign at Anfield, you perhaps see that this is a rising talent who Slot could shape into a superstar.
While Gittens, who has been hailed for his “special” performances by Romano, still has much to learn, you can see that the blueprint is there. Like Salah, he’s proving to be clinical in front of goal – converting eight of his 12 big chances this term – while also proving relentless in his dribbling and most eager to win a duel too.
The similarities don’t stop there, though. Gittens was discarded by Man City when he was in his formative years, forced to find a home elsewhere given the bloated nature of the Sky Blues’ youth scene.
Likewise, Salah was once a talented prospect in the Premier League, with Chelsea, before moving to Italy and making his name, earning that historic £34m transfer to Liverpool.
Different circumstances, sure, but the signs are right there for Slot to make his move and strengthen Liverpool’s frontline with his very own Salah signing this summer.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley remarked a few months back that Gittens has been “England’s best left winger in 2024/25.” He’s only going to improve, and Liverpool need to make sure he rises to the fore in red