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The remaining clubs in the FA Cup now know who they’ll face next following the completion of the fifth-round draw.The competition dominated the weekend as fourth-round fixtures were played nationwide. Chelsea and Wrexham booked their places on Friday night, before West Ham United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Liverpool all progressed on Saturday.

The biggest shock came at Turf Moor, where League One outfit Mansfield Town stunned Premier League side Burnley with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. Josh Laurent gave Burnley an early lead in the 21st minute, but second-half strikes from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed turned the game on its head.Sunday saw further progression for Leeds United, Wolves, Sunderland, Fulham and Arsenal. Meanwhile, National League underdogs

Macclesfield FC — fresh from eliminating holders Crystal Palace in the previous round — faced Premier League opposition Brentford on Monday evening. Club owner Rob Smethurst admitted their Palace triumph felt like a “World Cup final,” calling this tie an added bonus.The fifth-round draw was conducted before kick-off at the Leasing.com Stadium, revealing a series of mouth-watering ties. Should Macclesfield overcome Brentford, they will earn a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.

Last season’s runners-up Manchester City have been handed a tough away clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United, while league leaders Arsenal will travel to take on giant killers Mansfield Town.Elsewhere, an all-Premier League showdown sees Wolves host Liverpool.

Full FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:

• Fulham vs SouthamptonPort Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland

• Newcastle United vs Manchester City

• Leeds United vs Norwich City

• Mansfield Town vs Arsenal

• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool

• Wrexham vs Chelsea

• West Ham United vs Macclesfield FC or Brentford

The fifth-round fixtures will be played across the weekend of March 7–8.

The remaining clubs in the FA Cup now know who they’ll face next following the completion of the fifth-round draw.

The competition dominated the weekend as fourth-round fixtures were played nationwide. Chelsea and Wrexham booked their places on Friday night, before West Ham United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Liverpool all progressed on Saturday.

The biggest shock came at Turf Moor, where League One outfit Mansfield Town stunned Premier League side Burnley with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. Josh Laurent gave Burnley an early lead in the 21st minute, but second-half strikes from Rhys Oates and Louis Reed turned the game on its head.

Sunday saw further progression for Leeds United, Wolves, Sunderland, Fulham and Arsenal. Meanwhile, National League underdogs Macclesfield FC — fresh from eliminating holders Crystal Palace in the previous round — faced Premier League opposition Brentford on Monday evening. Club owner Rob Smethurst admitted their Palace triumph felt like a “World Cup final,” calling this tie an added bonus.

The fifth-round draw was conducted before kick-off at the Leasing.com Stadium, revealing a series of mouth-watering ties. Should Macclesfield overcome Brentford, they will earn a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United. Last season’s runners-up Manchester City have been handed a tough away clash at St James’ Park against Newcastle United, while league leaders Arsenal will travel to take on giant killers Mansfield Town.

Elsewhere, an all-Premier League showdown sees Wolves host Liverpool.

Full FA Cup Fifth-Round Draw:

Fulham vs Southampton
Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland
Newcastle United vs Manchester City
Leeds United vs Norwich City
Mansfield Town vs Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Liverpool
Wrexham vs Chelsea
West Ham United vs Macclesfield FC or Brentford
The fifth-round fixtures will be played across the weekend of March 7–8.

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Liverpool are still optimistic about holding on to Ibrahima Konate, despite growing interest from Real Madrid, according to Fichajes.

The French defender has been a key figure at Anfield, but with his contract nearing its final stages, uncertainty surrounds his future. Although Real Madrid were previously reported by The Athletic to have cooled their pursuit, the Spanish giants are now said to have revived their interest ahead of the summer window. Even so, Liverpool remain hopeful of persuading Konate to stay.

Why Liverpool must keep Konate

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has consistently delivered strong performances and remains a vital part of Liverpool’s defence. At just 26, he is still approaching his prime and could become a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk as the team’s defensive leader.

With Van Dijk unlikely to maintain a relentless schedule of full matches indefinitely, retaining Konate would be crucial for continuity and stability. Letting him leave for nothing would also represent a major financial loss, especially with his market value estimated at around €50m.

Given his quality, it’s no surprise that Real Madrid — and potentially other elite clubs — are monitoring his situation closely. After the disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid on a free transfer last summer, Liverpool will be eager to avoid a repeat and are expected to push hard to secure Konate’s future.

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Liverpool’s bosses have reportedly settled on their “ideal” long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, although signing him could be far from straightforward.Salah is under contract at Anfield until June 2027, but with the iconic forward set to turn 35 that same month, FSG are already considering who could eventually take over his role and influence on Merseyside.

One name that has been repeatedly linked in recent months is Michael Olise. Journalist Lewis Steele has previously highlighted the Bayern Munich attacker as a player to keep an eye on in Liverpool’s transfer plans this year.

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s decision-makers are said to be “unanimous” in believing that Olise is the closest possible fit to becoming Salah’s successor. They have reportedly been impressed by the 24-year-old’s mix of creativity, productivity in front of goal, and tactical awareness.

Although players such as Yan Diomande, Nico Williams, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have also been mentioned as options, Olise is viewed as Liverpool’s top priority for the right-wing role. However, persuading Bayern to let him go could be extremely difficult.

Sources close to the Frenchman claim he is not in a hurry to return to the Premier League, while Bayern are also believed to be planning fresh contract talks, despite Olise already being tied to the club until 2029.

Liverpool’s interest is easy to understand when looking at his numbers this season, with Olise recording 13 goals and 25 assists in 34 appearances. His underlying stats also reportedly show how dangerous he has been compared to other Bundesliga players in the same position.

Because of his impact, Bayern are said to be unwilling to entertain offers unless they reach around £120m. It remains unclear whether Liverpool would be willing or able to meet that kind of fee in the summer.

Champions League qualification could strengthen Liverpool’s position, both financially and in terms of convincing Olise that a move to Anfield would be worthwhile.

Right now, a deal for the 24-year-old looks difficult, but FSG may feel it’s worth aiming high when planning for life after Salah. The situation could become more urgent this summer if Liverpool receive a huge offer for the Egyptian as he enters the final year of his deal — though the hope is that fans will still get as much time as possible from the legendary winger before that day arrives.

Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has demanded that Alessandro Bastoni be suspended from the national team following the Inter Milan defender’s controversial actions against Juventus. In a thrilling Serie A clash, Inter secured a 3-2 victory at the San Siro, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points. Andrea Cambiaso’s own goal initially put Inter ahead, but he redeemed himself with an equalizer in the 26th minute. Pio Esposito restored Inter’s lead in the second half, only for Manuel Locatelli to level for Juventus once again.

The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Piotr Zielinski netted the winner for Cristian Chivu’s side. However, the match was heavily shaped by a 42nd-minute red card shown to Pierre Kalulu. Kalulu was dismissed after Bastoni – recently linked with a move to Liverpool – theatrically fell to the ground and gestured toward the referee, claiming Kalulu had pulled his shirt. Referee Federico La Penna was deceived by the clear dive and sent off Kalulu for a second yellow, leaving Juventus with ten men for the entire second half. Bastoni’s simulation and his subsequent celebration have sparked widespread outrage in Italy.

The controversy reached political heights when Letta, who served as prime minister from 2013 to 2014, called for strict sanctions against Bastoni, stating on social media:

“Bastoni shouldn’t be called up to the national team.”

Dropping Bastoni would be a major decision, as he is a key player for Italy, who are yet to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They will face Northern Ireland in the playoffs, with a potential final qualification match against either Wales or Bosnia.

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Darwin Nunez has been dropped from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad following the arrival of Karim Benzema, marking a major setback for the former Liverpool striker. According to Chris Burton at GOAL, the 26-year-old Uruguayan has been left out of the domestic league roster because of foreign player limits after the club signed the Ballon d’Or-winning French forward.

The report adds: “Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been axed from Al-Hilal’s squad after Karim Benzema joined.” Al-Hilal can only register eight foreign players born before 2003 in their 25-man Saudi Pro League team. With Benzema occupying one of those slots after moving from Al-Ittihad, Nunez no longer has room for league matches.

Although Nunez remains eligible for the AFC Champions League, he is expected to spend much of the domestic season on the sidelines unless the situation changes.

Head coach Simone Inzaghi explained the choice: “It was a difficult decision, but part of a coach’s job. Nunez and Pablo are quality players, but we are constrained by the foreign player rules… I calmly informed those affected.”

Since leaving Liverpool last summer for £46 million, after contributing to a Premier League title, Nunez has shown mixed results in Saudi Arabia. Six goals and four assists in 16 league games are respectable, but his expected goals tally of 11.48 and 14 missed big chances highlight the inefficiency fans remember from his time at Anfield.

Roddy Collins once described him as “mad as a brush but he caused chaos,” a characterization that still fits. Chaos is tolerated only when it produces consistent results.

Recently, reports suggested Fenerbahce is considering a move for Nunez, illustrating how quickly his situation has become uncertain. For a player who left Liverpool as a league champion with 40 goals in 143 appearances, this is a dramatic shift.

Statistically, it’s been an average season, but not an impressive one. Now, with Benzema favored and squad spots limited, Nunez will mostly be watching from the sidelines—a worrying scenario for a forward who thrives on confidence and rhythm.

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Dominik Szoboszlai’s agent has spoken publicly about the midfielder’s future following fresh speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

Earlier this week, Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that officials at the Bernabéu were monitoring the Liverpool FC star after comments from Hungary manager Marco Rossi suggested that the 25-year-old dreams of playing for Los Blancos.

Those remarks surfaced while Szoboszlai has been in outstanding form for Liverpool, earning glowing praise from Mohamed Salah, who recently described him as “one of the best players in the world” at present.

Agent responds to speculation

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In a seismic shift that’s set to redefine the Premier League landscape, Liverpool have sensationally agreed personal terms with Aston Villa’s superstar Morgan Rogers, snatching the 23-year-old England international right out from under the noses of their rivals. The £100m-rated playmaker, long hailed as Tottenham Hotspur’s “dream target” for the summer, is now poised to don the famous red shirt at Anfield, leaving Spurs’ ambitions in tatters and igniting a new era for the Reds.

Sources close to the negotiations confirm that Liverpool have moved swiftly, holding advanced talks with Rogers’ representatives and securing a verbal agreement on a long-term contract. The deal, which could shatter Liverpool’s transfer record, is expected to be finalized once a fee is agreed with Villa—potentially soaring to £100m given Rogers’ stellar form and his contract running until 2031. This bombshell comes amid Caught Offside’s earlier report of initial discussions, where the door was left wide open for a summer blockbuster.

Rogers has been nothing short of electric this season, propelling Aston Villa to third in the Premier League with eight goals and five assists in 26 appearances. His dazzling displays have not only cemented his spot in England’s World Cup squad but also drawn admirers from across Europe. Fabrizio Romano previously spotlighted Tottenham’s obsession with Rogers, labeling him their ideal summer splash to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s attack. However, with Spurs potentially missing out on Champions League football, their dream has evaporated in smoke as Liverpool pounce.

Chelsea, too, had Rogers high on their shortlist, as revealed by TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher earlier this month. The Blues were prepared to shell out north of £80m, but Liverpool’s aggressive approach—fueled by their own Champions League aspirations—has left them in the dust. Manchester United and Manchester City were also circling, but Anfield’s allure proved irresistible for the versatile forward, who can operate across the frontline with flair and finesse.

The timing couldn’t be more intriguing for Liverpool, especially with swirling rumors around attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Hungary boss Marco Rossi recently fueled speculation by admitting Szoboszlai views a move to Real Madrid as a “dream” opportunity, with the Spanish giants reportedly keen. Liverpool have prioritized extending Szoboszlai’s deal (expiring in 2028), but without fresh terms, a big-money bid could force their hand this summer.

Enter Rogers as the perfect heir apparent. His creativity, goal threat, and international pedigree make him an ideal fit to replace or complement Szoboszlai in Arne Slot’s system. “This is a statement signing,” a club insider told us. “Rogers brings that X-factor we’ve been missing—pace, power, and proven Premier League quality. With him alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, our attack becomes unstoppable.”

Aston Villa, riding high in the top four, will demand every penny of that £100m valuation, especially if they secure back-to-back Champions League spots. But Liverpool’s financial muscle, bolstered by recent sales and commercial deals, positions them to close the gap. Expect formal bids in the coming weeks, with Rogers eager to make the leap to a title-chasing giant.

For Tottenham fans, this is a gut punch— their “dream” target slipping away to a direct rival. Chelsea’s rebuild takes another hit, while the Manchester clubs watch from the sidelines. At Anfield, though, the mood is electric. The Reds are reloading, and with Rogers on board, the hunt for silverware just got a whole lot more serious.

After a commanding 3–0 FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Mohamed Salah turned attention away from his own standout performance to spotlight his teammate Dominik Szoboszlai as one of the best footballers on the planet right now.

In the win at Anfield, the Hungarian midfielder was central to Liverpool’s attacking threat, scoring the second goal of the night and helping the Reds advance to the fifth round of the competition. His contribution came after clicking into a more familiar role in midfield, with manager Arne Slot making tactical changes due to injuries in the squad.

Salah was heavily involved too — setting up Szoboszlai’s strike, winning a penalty, and then converting it himself — but chose to single out his colleague when asked about Liverpool’s chances in the cup. The Egyptian forward told TNT Sports that his squad’s success this season could hinge on Szoboszlai’s performances, adding that he believes his team-mate currently ranks among football’s elite.

With the midfielder continuing to influence games at a high level, Salah’s comments underline just how important Szoboszlai has become to Liverpool’s hopes as they look to compete for silverware.

Former Tottenham manager and pundit Tim Sherwood has sensationally claimed that Mohamed Salah is “100%” leaving Liverpool FC this summer.

Salah has been linked with a move away from Anfield since the famous fallout with the club and Arne Slot back in December.

After being benched for three consecutive games, Salah gave an explosive interview accusing the club for throwing him under the bus and revealing that someone at the club does not want him at Liverpool anymore.

This resulted in him being left out of the squad for the Champions League match against Inter, but the drama has since them seemingly been resolved behind the scenes.

However, his future at the club remains extremely uncertain with strong suggestions that the club would be keen on cashing in on him this summer.

Saudi Pro League have been long after him and it has been reported that Al-Ittihad have initiated talks with his agent, with Salah this time also open to a move.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton &…

Tim Sherwood: Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer
Sherwood, speaking on Sky Sports, stated that he is convinced that this is the final season for Salah at Liverpool.

He said:

“We have to thank Mo Salah for the time he has given to the Premier League, In an era where there’s not a great deal of world-class players, he’s certainly been one.

“In my opinion, I think he 100% leaves that club and he gets a fantastic ovation at the end of the season, whether that’s with a bit of silverware or not. He deserves silverware, he certainly does, but whatever happens, he’s been a magnificent servant to the club.”

Salah’s record-breaking numbers at Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has been a model of consistency, delivering record-breaking performances season after season.

Despite a slight dip in form this season, he has 15 goal contributions in 27 games across all competitions, including a stellar performance against Brighton, where he scored, assisted, and won a penalty.

In his last six games, Salah has scored two goals and assisted four, proving he remains a key figure for Liverpool.

With multiple records broken and trophies won, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, and more, Salah’s departure would mark the end of a golden era at Anfield.

If he leaves, there’s no doubt Salah will receive a hero’s farewell from Liverpool fans, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats.

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