The future of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah at Anfield is under intense scrutiny, with speculation mounting that a January exit could be on the cards. The Egyptian superstar has found himself on the bench for the Reds' last two Premier League matches, prompting former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp to suggest the situation may be reaching a breaking point.
Redknapp's stark warning over Salah's Liverpool career
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp delivered a sobering assessment of Salah's predicament. "He's a Premier League great, a Liverpool great, and that's why I don't think this is going to end well," Redknapp commented. He highlighted the difficulty of managing a player of Salah's stature when they are not in the starting lineup, noting the impact on the dressing room and training.
Redknapp expressed doubt that Salah, who has 18 months remaining on the contract he signed last season, would see out his deal. "I'll be amazed if he sees out the last two years of his contract, or year and a half," he stated. The pundit suggested that if the right club made an approach, Salah would not be content to remain as a substitute. "If he says: 'Look, if I'm not going to be a starter for you, I'm not one of those players who is going to hang around. I will go wherever it takes.'"
While acknowledging the obvious financial pull of moves to Saudi Arabia or the USA, Redknapp believes Salah may still want to play in Europe. He also pointed to statistics showing Liverpool have performed well in his recent absence, potentially complicating the manager's selection dilemma.
Seven potential destinations for the Egyptian King
While a January transfer would be logistically challenging, especially with Salah set to compete at the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January, several clubs could emerge as potential suitors. Here are seven options that have been linked or could be plausible destinations.
The Saudi Pro League contenders
Al Hilal are reported by ESPN to still have Salah "firmly on the radar." The Saudi giants, along with Al Qadsiah, who have also made enquiries, possess the financial power to orchestrate a major deal. Although Salah and Liverpool have rebuffed approaches from the Middle East before, the league's ambition to secure global stars remains undimmed. With Cristiano Ronaldo not getting any younger, Salah could become the new face of the project.
A move across the Atlantic
Major League Soccer has shown it can attract the world's biggest names, as demonstrated by the signing of Lionel Messi. Financing a move for Salah would be complex but not impossible. Reports suggest San Diego FC, a new MLS franchise with an Egyptian owner, could be at the front of the queue ahead of clubs like Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, or LAFC.
European options
Should Salah wish to remain in Europe, a sentimental return to Italy, where he previously played for Fiorentina and Roma, could be an option. Galatasaray have been linked with a January move and have a history of resolving difficult player-club relationships, as seen with their loan deal for Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
Looking further ahead to the summer, Barcelona might consider a move. The Catalan club has successfully integrated veteran stars like Robert Lewandowski before. With uncertainty over Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United, Salah could represent a marquee attacking signing, provided Barcelona can navigate their well-documented financial constraints.
A pivotal moment for player and club
The coming weeks represent a critical juncture in Mohamed Salah's legendary Liverpool career. His reaction to being benched and the club's performance without him will be closely watched. Manager Arne Slot faces a delicate balancing act between managing squad dynamics and on-field results.
As Redknapp concluded, "Nothing will surprise me in football - whether it's in January or maybe in the summer." The January transfer window will reveal whether this is merely a temporary dip in form or the beginning of the end for one of the Premier League's greatest ever players at Liverpool.
