Sports

We’ll Do Whatever We Can To Sign Salah, Saudi Arabia Vows

Published

2 months ago

December 10, 2025

Saudi Arabia says it will do “whatever it can” to recruit unsettled Liverpool star Mohamed Salah during the winter transfer window, a source at the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) told AFP on Tuesday.

“We follow Salah’s position thoroughly and believe there can be a move either by loan or buying his contract,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, referring to the standoff between the Egyptian and Liverpool.

There is still no direct negotiations or talks with the club at the moment but there will be a move at the right moment”

The PIF source said the wealthy Gulf monarchy wanted to sign the Egyptian winger in January during the next transfer window to join stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

PIF holds a 75 per cent share in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, but the source said it was not alone in wanting the Arab world’s biggest football star.

“There is a competition inside the Saudi league who will bring Salah,” the source said adding that a club affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil and gas company was keen. “Aramco’s Al Qadsiah has shown an interest too. So it’s not only the PIF affiliated clubs”

Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, Salah’s former Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez is at Al-Hillal, another former Premier League player of the season N’Golo Kante is at Al-Ittihad but Salah is the biggest football star from an Arab country.

Salah said after he was an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw with Leeds on Sunday that he felt like he had been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool and no longer had a relationship with manager Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old Egypt forward was then left out of Liverpool’s squad for their Champions League tie at Inter Milan on Tuesday.

Salah has played a key role in Liverpool’s two Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph during his iconic spell on Merseyside. He signed a contract extension in April as he led Liverpool to the title.

Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after next weekend’s home match against Brighton in the Premier League.

He hinted the Brighton game could be his last with the Reds before leaving during the winter transfer window.

In 2024-25, Salah scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists last season but he has been a shadow of his former self during Liverpool’s struggles this season — the title-holders are 10th in the table — with just four goals in 13 top-flight appearances.

“All players have their ups and downs. Salah is just 33 and has a lot to do here,” said the PIF source.

“Salah is a beloved footballer around the globe and will have a massive impact on the Saudi League both on and off the pitch.”

Sports

Transfer: Aribo seals loan move to Leicester City

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Leicester City have confirmed the loan signing of Joe Aribo from Southampton, DAILY POST reports. The move, according to the Foxes, is subject to league approval.

Aribo endured a difficult first half of the season at Southampton, making just seven league appearances, all as a substitute. The Nigeria international is not expected to return to the Saints, with his contract set to expire this summer.

The 29-year-old made 111 appearances for Southampton across four seasons in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.

Aribo will now link up with his new teammates as Leicester prepare for their upcoming Sky Bet Championship fixture away at Birmingham City on Saturday.

Sports

Transfer: Cristiano Ronaldo blocks moves for Benzema, Kante

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, boycotting Saudi Pro League games has led to several transfers being held up.

As it stands, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté and Youssef En-Nesyri cannot join new teams.

The potential move of Benzema to Al-Hilal was set to trigger a domino effect, which would have seen Kanté move to Fenerbahçe and En-Nesyri sign for Al-Ittihad. However, Ronaldo is opposed to it, believing the transfers would harm the balance and fair competition of the league.

His frustration comes from the fact that Prince Al Waleed, the outright to-be owner of Al Hilal in the summer — unlike Al Nassr, which is under PIF governance— can use his own personal funds to finalize transfers.

Sports

EPL: Late Fernandez Strike Gives Chelsea Comeback Win Against West Ham

Published

4 days ago

January 31, 2026

Uthman Abdulganiyu

Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner capped Chelsea’s thrilling fightback from two goals down to beat West Ham 3-2 in a dramatic London derby on Saturday.

Liam Rosenior’s side trailed to first-half goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville at Stamford Bridge. But Chelsea ignored the half-time jeers from their angry fans, staging a brilliant revival after the break. Joao Pedro reduced the deficit before Marc Cucurella headed the equaliser.

For the first time in the Premier League era, Chelsea came from two down at half-time to win thanks to their captain as Fernandez netted in stoppage-time. West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo was sent off for violent conduct after tempers boiled over in the final seconds.

In what Rosenior had labelled Chelsea’s “biggest match of the season”, the Blues showed their character in memorable fashion. They climbed to fourth in the Premier League as Rosenior became only the fourth English manager to win his first three Premier League games after Bobby Gould, Sam Allardyce and Craig Shakespeare.

Rosenior has overseen six wins from seven games in all competitions since arriving from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca. The highlight of Rosenior’s impressive start had come on Wednesday when the Blues fought back from 2-1 down to beat Napoli 3-2 in Italy, securing a place in the Champions League last 16.

But this was arguably even more eye-catching than that success, given how Rosenior turned the tide after Chelsea’s wretched first half. Rosenior will bid to work another miracle on Tuesday when Chelsea look to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the League Cup semi-final second leg at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

– From boos to bedlam –

He made seven changes after the victory in Naples, with Cole Palmer back in the starting line-up after starring from the bench in midweek. Chelsea looked out of sync following the reshuffle and West Ham took advantage to go ahead in the seventh minute.

Bowen wriggled into space on the edge of the penalty area before curling in a cross that eluded the out-stretched boot of West Ham striker Pablo and caught Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez flat-footed as it drifted into the far corner. Rosenior suffered another blow when winger Jamie Gittens limped off injured after a challenge with Summerville.

Summerville inflicted more pain on Chelsea in the 36th minute.

In a flowing move from West Ham as Bowen picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka and his cross was perfectly weighted for Summerville to thump a superb finish past Sanchez from 12 yards. Alejandro Garnacho’s dismal display drew the ire of angry Chelsea fans and the Argentine winger was put out of his misery as Rosenior took him off at half-time.

Rosenior also removed Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato, but Sanchez had to save a fierce blast from Mateus Fernandes after the restart.