Former Liverpool winger Joe Cole believes Mohamed Salah is entering the final months of his time as a Liverpool player

This week's Blood Red column assesses Liverpool's decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window

This week's Blood Red column assesses Liverpool's decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window

Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan on summer transfer deadline day, but has so far only made seven appearances for the club

Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on loan on summer transfer deadline day, but has so far only made seven appearances for the club

Harvey Elliott has made just seven appearances for Aston Villa this season due to a £35m obligation to buy clause, with manager Unai Emery now publicly appealing to Liverpool to remove the terms so the midfielder can play

Felix Keith and John Townley Aston Villa correspondent

22:46, 06 Feb 2026Updated 22:46, 06 Feb 2026

Unai Emery has called out Liverpool over Harvey Elliott's situation(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has pointed the finger at Liverpool for "damaging" Harvey Elliott's career, attributing his wasted season to the conditions of his loan deal. Elliott has seen little action on loan at Villa this season, and Emery feels that Liverpool's stipulations have effectively tied his hands.

The 22 year old midfielder made the move to Villa on a season-long loan in September, hoping to secure regular playtime after struggling to break into the first team during Liverpool's Premier League-winning 2024/25 campaign. However, his stint at Villa has turned into a nightmare, with only seven appearances to his name so far.

This is due to a clause stating that Villa would be obliged to shell out £35million to make Elliott's move permanent if he clocks up 10 appearances this season. As a result, Emery has kept him benched, with a rare outing against Red Bull Salzburg in a non-crucial Europa League match on January 29 marking his first game in three months.

READ MORE: Harvey Elliott shows his true colors at Aston Villa after Unai Emery treatmentREAD MORE: Arne Slot warned Mohamed Salah could be 'problem' for Liverpool against Man City

Emery empathizes with Elliott, who has maintained his professionalism throughout, and has now publicly called on Liverpool to remove the obligation-to-buy clause from the loan agreement, after months of behind-the-scenes discussions failed to yield the desired outcome.

"I spoke with him. We have been fair because there are two ways: one way is a sport, the second is business," Emery said on Friday ahead of Villa's Premier League game against Bournemouth. "We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it, and I told him, we are opening the door to play with us, because he can help us.

"But it's not only in my way and on my side. The other side is Liverpool. If they take off the clauses to play matches and for us to buy him, (I said to him) 'you are going to play here with us, it's a sport decision.' But now it's a sport decision and a business decision. My sport decision is still there - 'you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play.'".

Harvey Elliott has endured a frustrating time at Aston Villa(Image: James Gill/Getty Images)

"But in case the clauses are still there, now it is Liverpool - they have the key. And I told him, it will be fair for him in case Liverpool take off this clause. We are speaking about it (taking off the clause) but not now. We started speaking about it three months ago. Of course, the transfer window finished on Monday."

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Liverpool declined to recall Elliott during the January transfer window and it appears improbable that they will alter their stance on the clause within the agreement. The England under-21 international's contract at Anfield runs until June 2027, but a summer departure looks likely once his difficult spell at Villa comes to an end.

"It will be fair for him, because he's a calm guy, good guy, and he's a fantastic professional. And then his qualities are there," Emery added. "Of course he must play, and he's really being patient. And I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there, and we are respecting the decision and taking the sporting decision responsibly from my side.

"It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause. If they don't want to, okay, but the player is getting damaged."

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Unai Emery says Aston Villa have been negotiating with Liverpool "for three months" over the terms of Harvey Elliott's loan, in an attempt to try and use the midfielder more extensively in the final stages of the season.

The England U21 international joined Villa on Deadline Day in September on a loan with an obligation to buy based on appearances made this season.

Elliott did not feature between October 2 and Villa's final Europa League league-phase match against RB Salzburg last month. He has now made a total of seven appearances for Villa.

A permanent deal is triggered on 10 appearances, including five in the second half of the season.

Emery accepts Villa have "damaged" Elliott by using him so sparingly but believes the player does deserve to feature more for his team as they continue to fight on three fronts this season.

"I spoke with him. We have been fair because there are two ways," said Emery.

"One way is sport, the second is business. We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it and I told him, I spoke a few times with Harvey.

Image: Elliott has been used just seven times by Villa this season

"Now I am opening the door to play with us, because he can help us, but it's not only on my side.

"The other side is Liverpool, if they are taking off the clauses they have, to play matches and for us to buy him compulsory.

"[I said to him] 'you are going to play here with us, it's a sport decision'. But now it's a sport decision and a business decision.

"My sport decision is still there - 'you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play'. But in case, the clauses are still there and now it is Liverpool - they have the key."

The winter transfer window closed on Monday with Villa able to sign Tammy Abraham from Besiktas, with Douglas Luiz arriving on loan from Juventus and Leon Bailey recalled from his loan spell with Roma.

Villa are able to continue renegotiating with Liverpool outside the window, but Emery does accept though that ultimately the Premier League champions have the final say as to whether a compromise can be reached.

"We are speaking about it [taking off the clause] but not now. We started speaking about it three months ago. Of course, the transfer window was finished on Monday.

"It will be fair for him, because he's a calm guy, good guy, and he's a fantastic professional. And then his qualities are there.

"Of course he must play, and he's really being passionate and I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer and the deal is there, and we are taking the decision responsibly from my side.

"It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause - if they don't want to, okay."

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Arne Slot breaks down how the recruitment model works at Liverpool following the £60m capture of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes

Arne Slot breaks down how the recruitment model works at Liverpool following the £60m capture of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes

EXCLUSIVE: As Arne Slot continues to plot Liverpool's recovery in a troubled campaign, one former Red has offered a more positive outlook on the current crop's hopes for this season

EXCLUSIVE: As Arne Slot continues to plot Liverpool's recovery in a troubled campaign, one former Red has offered a more positive outlook on the current crop's hopes for this season

Liverpool Transfer Plans Gather Momentum After Jacquet Agreement Liverpool’s summer business is already beginning to take shape and, if this report proves accurate, Jeremy Jacquet will be only the first step. Credit must go to Anfield Watch, who first outlined the direction of travel, noting that “Jeremy Jacquet will only be the beginning of Liverpool’s […]

The post Liverpool tipped to make move for 29-year-old Premier League star appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s summer business is already beginning to take shape and, if this report proves accurate, Jeremy Jacquet will be only the first step. Credit must go to Anfield Watch, who first outlined the direction of travel, noting that “Jeremy Jacquet will only be the beginning of Liverpool’s summer arrivals.”

The deal for Jacquet, agreed ahead of his July arrival, has been positioned as a necessary move in an area where depth has been stretched. Yet the more interesting aspect of the report lies in what comes next. Liverpool are not expected to stop at one centre back, nor even two, as wider contract realities begin to bite.

Defensive Uncertainty Driving Recruitment Strategy

The article highlights an uncomfortable truth at Anfield. “The reality is that Ibrahima Konate could be on his way out as his contract expires and he’s yet to extend.” Add to that the long standing interest in Joe Gomez, who “almost left to join AC Milan last summer,” and suddenly Liverpool’s defensive depth looks fragile.

With Gomez’s contract running until 2027, the suggestion that Liverpool may choose to cash in rather than risk stagnation feels plausible. As the original piece puts it, “This would require another addition at the back, and there is an obvious solution.”

That solution, according to Anfield Watch, is Marcos Senesi.

Photo: IMAGO Familiar Face Fits Slot’s Thinking

Senesi’s profile ticks several boxes that align neatly with Liverpool’s current needs. His Bournemouth contract expires in the summer, making him a free agent, a significant factor in an era of more controlled spending. He also brings Premier League experience and versatility, “capable of playing in a number of different roles across the back four.”

Crucially, there is a pre existing relationship. “Most importantly, Arne Slot knows him well,” the article states, referencing their shared time at Feyenoord during the 2021-22 season. That familiarity matters. Slot values tactical intelligence and positional flexibility, qualities Senesi has shown consistently.

With Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni both young options, the logic of balance is clear. “Given Liverpool are going to have two very young centre backs in Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, bringing in Senesi makes a lot of sense.”

Experience Sometimes Trumps Policy

At 29, Senesi does not neatly fit Liverpool’s usual recruitment profile. The article acknowledges this directly, noting that “The Argentine is not someone Liverpool would normally look at.” However, precedent exists. James Milner and Wataru Endo were similarly pragmatic signings, breaking policy to strengthen the squad.

Senesi’s reputation also deserves attention. Described as “an underrated player,” he has been “a key pillar for Bournemouth over the last couple of years,” even if others attracted more headlines. The conclusion from Anfield Watch is firm. “After Jacquet, we expect Senesi will be the next signing to walk through the doors at the AXA training centre.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report feels both sensible and slightly underwhelming. On paper, Senesi ticks boxes. Free transfer, Premier League proven, and trusted by Slot. Yet fans will rightly question ambition. If Konate leaves and Gomez follows, replacing them with Jacquet and Senesi feels like a gamble on stability rather than progression.

There is also the age debate. While experience is valuable, Liverpool supporters have grown accustomed to recruitment aimed at peak years and resale value. Breaking policy “sometimes” makes sense, but only if the player elevates the squad immediately. Senesi would need to arrive ready to start, not simply pad numbers.

Another concern lies in expectation management. Reports that “this is a deal that just makes sense on so many levels” can sound reassuring, but supporters remember similar logic applied to stopgap signings that did not quite land. The comparison with Milner and Endo sets a high bar for professionalism and impact.

Ultimately, if this move allows Liverpool to spend big elsewhere, perhaps in attack or midfield, fans may accept it. But on its own, this would feel like cautious squad building rather than a statement of intent. Under Arne Slot, patience exists, but expectations at Anfield remain unforgiving.

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Caoimhin Kelleher speaks with clarity and compassion after Liverpool exit Caoimhin Kelleher has never been one for melodrama, and his reflections on leaving Liverpool follow that familiar pattern. Honest, thoughtful and quietly pointed, the goalkeeper’s recent comments offer both personal context and a broader plea for empathy as Liverpool navigate a season shaped by loss […]

The post Caoimhin Kelleher defends Liverpool over recent struggles appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Caoimhin Kelleher has never been one for melodrama, and his reflections on leaving Liverpool follow that familiar pattern. Honest, thoughtful and quietly pointed, the goalkeeper’s recent comments offer both personal context and a broader plea for empathy as Liverpool navigate a season shaped by loss and emotional strain under Arne Slot.

Now 27, Kelleher chose to move on in search of regular first team football, a professional decision that had little to do with frustration and everything to do with timing and ambition. Speaking to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, he was clear that his departure came during a period that was complicated and heavy for those still inside the club.

“Listen, from an individual aspect, for me to leave and play first team football was obviously right, never mind the tragedy that happened,” Kelleher said.

There is no attempt to centre himself in the story. Instead, Kelleher consistently redirects attention back to teammates who remain at Anfield, still dealing with the day to day consequences of a traumatic campaign.

Human context behind Liverpool performances

One of Kelleher’s most striking points concerns how quickly football discourse moves on. Early sympathy following the passing of Diogo Jota was sincere and widespread, but as results faltered, that understanding thinned. From the outside, matches are dissected tactically, selections debated, form judged. From the inside, Kelleher suggests, the reality has been far more fragile.

“I find it a bit strange and a bit difficult when I hear people speaking about the players at Liverpool and the performances,” he admitted.

“I don’t think this season is even important from a football aspect for them to be honest. It’s more about them personally and mentally.”

Photo: IMAGO

That perspective matters. Liverpool’s position in the Premier League has prompted familiar noise, but moments such as Jota’s children appearing as mascots at Anfield underlined that grief does not operate on a fixture list. Kelleher’s appeal is not for immunity from criticism, but for proportion.

“Obviously, football is a massive sport and people have an opinion, which is natural,” he said.

“People expect you to move on quite quickly, and I don’t think that’s the case.”

Kelleher legacy at Liverpool

Kelleher’s words resonate because of what he gave Liverpool. Signed from Ringmahon Rangers at 16, he spent a decade at the club without a loan spell, a rarity in modern football. Across 67 senior appearances he delivered 24 clean sheets, a win ratio above 71 percent and medals that included the Premier League and Champions League.

He was dependable when needed, decisive in shootouts and unfailingly professional when opportunities were limited. Earlier conversations with Ben Foster revealed how difficult leaving Liverpool felt after spending his entire professional life there, a reminder that this was no casual exit.

“I stay in touch with some of the guys there, I have a lot of good friends there,” Kelleher continued.

“It’s a very difficult time for them, a difficult season, with circumstances that people probably aren’t taking into account too much.”

Perspective shaped by distance

Distance has given Kelleher clarity rather than detachment. From outside the pressure bubble, he can articulate what this Liverpool season has demanded emotionally, and why judgement without context falls short. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool remain in transition, but Kelleher’s message is simpler than tactics or systems.

Footballers carry grief, fatigue and responsibility like anyone else, only in public. Kelleher may no longer wear the shirt, but his connection to Liverpool endures, as does his defence of those still carrying the weight of this season.

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Liverpool receive boost in pursuit of Kees Smit Liverpool’s long standing interest in Kees Smit has been given renewed momentum, following fresh developments in the race for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder. Reports revealed last week that Liverpool have been closely tracking the 19 year old for an extended period, with internal scouting reports placing him […]

The post Report: Liverpool receive huge boost in the race to sign top midfield transfer target appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool’s long standing interest in Kees Smit has been given renewed momentum, following fresh developments in the race for the AZ Alkmaar midfielder. Reports revealed last week that Liverpool have been closely tracking the 19 year old for an extended period, with internal scouting reports placing him firmly among the most highly rated young midfielders in the Netherlands.

Smit’s rapid rise at AZ has not gone unnoticed across Europe, but shifting dynamics elsewhere could now play into Liverpool’s hands as the summer window approaches.

Liverpool interest in Kees Smit gathers pace

Smit has established himself as a regular at AZ far quicker than many expected. Operating primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, he has already amassed more than 30 senior league appearances, contributing goals and assists in both Eredivisie and European competition despite his age.

During the current campaign, he has started the majority of AZ’s league fixtures, logging over 1,500 minutes. His output has been particularly impressive given his role, with strong numbers for chance creation, goals and assists when compared to others in his position across the division. Those performances have reinforced Liverpool’s belief that Smit has the technical and tactical profile to adapt to the Premier League.

Press resistant, composed in possession and capable of dictating tempo between the lines, Smit is viewed as a player with a very high ceiling. Comparisons to Pedri have emerged in some quarters, reflecting both his technical security and the maturity of his decision making at such a young age.

Photo: IMAGO AZ stance and valuation clear

AZ are fully aware of the level of interest surrounding their academy product and are preparing to demand a club record fee. Internally, there is an acceptance that Smit may move on if the right offer arrives, but only on their terms.

The Dutch club are understood to be targeting a deal that could rise towards 60 million euros including add ons, a valuation that has already begun to thin the field of serious suitors. Liverpool remain attentive to those conditions, weighing Smit’s long term potential against the likely financial commitment required.

Real Madrid hesitation reshapes race

One notable shift has emerged in Spain. Real Madrid, previously among the clubs monitoring Smit, are now reported to have cooled their interest. According to Diario AS, concerns have grown following the involvement of super agent Jorge Mendes in negotiations.

Madrid are reluctant to enter a premium priced bidding scenario for a player who would initially be competing for minutes in an already crowded midfield. The report is explicit in its assessment of the situation:

“The entry of Jorge Mendes makes the operation more expensive, which means adding certain difficulties for Madrid. AZ Alkmaar aspire to a sale that reaches 60 million euros between fixed and variable, a very high figure that, given the way the white team proceeds in the market, it will be necessary to reduce in order to reach an agreement,” reports Christian Blasco.

That stance effectively removes one heavyweight from the equation, easing pressure on clubs like Liverpool who continue to assess their options.

Liverpool well positioned

With Arne Slot now settled as Liverpool’s manager following a Premier League title in his first season, recruitment planning is firmly focused on sustaining long term success. The cooling of Real Madrid’s interest, combined with AZ’s clear valuation, has subtly altered the landscape.

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration of Smit, but developments elsewhere suggest the opportunity to move decisively may be approaching. The coming months are likely to determine whether that long standing interest translates into concrete action.

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Liverpool Face Curtis Jones Conundrum as Premier League Interest Grows Liverpool are approaching a defining summer decision and Curtis Jones sits firmly at the centre of it. According to reporting from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are closely monitoring the midfielder as they weigh up potential changes in their engine room, with Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa […]

The post Report: Liverpool and Newcastle United set for another transfer showdown over England midfielder appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's best forward for almost a decade but he is enduring his worst season since moving to Merseyside, and could leave this summer

20:05, 06 Feb 2026

Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah(Image: AFP or licensors)

Former Liverpool player Joe Cole believes that Mohamed Salah is a "problem" for the Reds – because too much of the team's play still goes through the Egyptian superstar.

Salah produced arguably his best-ever season last term as he drove Liverpool to the Premier League title, but this season has been his worst since he moved to Merseyside.

Hugo Ekitike has usurped him – for the time being, at least – as Liverpool's most reliable source of goals, but Cole thinks that Salah's long-standing status as the team's go-to man means that Ekitike does not yet enjoy the prominence in the team that he deserves.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak value plummets due to injury woes as Liverpool left waitingREAD MORE: Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

Cole believes that Ekitike would be one of the main beneficiaries were Salah to leave the club this summer.

"The first 30 minutes of the Newcastle game [last weekend], Liverpool were taken apart, it could’ve been 2-0," Cole said. "After that, they were sublime. I think the problem for Arne Slot is Mo Salah.

"Hugo Ekitike looks like he’s the type of player that would benefit from having a starring role, but when Mo plays, the ball goes to him all the time because he’s been so good.

"This will be the last three months at Liverpool for Mo Salah. I think he’ll leave at the end of the season and walk out with being an all-time great at the club.

"Going forward, Arne Slot is going to have to find somewhere to adjust the system of how his team play.”

Mohamed Salah has been tipped to leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty)

Cole recently identified Jarrod Bowen as a possible replacement for Salah, should the England international suffer relegation with West Ham this season.

“Jarrod is a wonderful footballer, a great character and a hero at West Ham. His name will stand shoulder to shoulder with all the great players that have played for the club,” Cole told Paddy Power.

“He’s loved at the club and he deserves, at the peak of his career, to win silverware and fight at the top level.

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“If West Ham were to get relegated, it won’t be anything to do with what Jarrod Bowen has done; he’s been a stalwart for the club. I think he’ll walk away and the majority of the fans will accept that.

“Who does he suit? Obviously, Liverpool, that slot [out wide] might come into play if Mo Salah leaves. He can go and play anywhere.”

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Florian Wirtz Finding His Rhythm at Liverpool Credit to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail for the original reporting that sparked renewed focus on Florian Wirtz’s Anfield evolution. What we are witnessing now feels less like a sudden surge and more like the natural uncoiling of elite talent finally settling into its surroundings. “Florian Wirtz […]

The post Journalist reveals the truth behind Florian Wirtz’s recent Liverpool form appeared first on anfieldindex.com.