Liverpool have the chance to bolster their squad next month, with the January transfer window opening on January 1
Liverpool have endured a difficult few days, with attention firmly on Mohamed Salah after his remarks in the wake of three successive absences from the starting XI. The Egyptian did not hold back, accusing head coach Arne Slot of having ‘thrown him under the bus’ and insisting their relationship has completely broken down.
“I don’t know what to say,” Salah said after the 3-3 draw to Leeds United on Saturday. “It’s kind of funny, I couldn’t believe it. It’s a disappointing result for us as a team. We conceded silly goals. I could not help my team-mates because I am on the bench.
“I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes. That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think. I am very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over years, especially last season, It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel (about) it. Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher’s full eight-minute Mo Salah rant as Liverpool legend gives ‘disgrace’ verdict
On Monday, Salah was spotted training with his teammates at Kirkby, but the squad later jetted off to Milan without the 33-year-old. Liverpool will face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Given the speculation surrounding the attacker and with the January transfer window approaching, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest headlines.
Mo Salah ‘replacement’
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has reportedly been identified as Salah’s replacement with the Egypt star ‘expected’ to be subject of interest from Saudi Arabian clubs in January. Reports claim that Al-Hilal, who signed Darwin Nunez from Liverpool earlier this year, are ‘preparing’ a bid for Salah.
Meanwhile, the Reds are already bracing themselves for interest and are said to have lined up Rodrygo as their ‘top target’ while Bayern Munich star Michael Olise is on their ‘wishlist.’
Spanish outlet Defensa Central claim Rodrygo has ‘officially requested’ to leave the Spanish giants in the new year. Real are reputedly demanding €70million (£61m) for the Brazilian.
ECHO says: It looks as though Salah’s time at Liverpool may be nearing its end after he publicly addressed his situation at Anfield and while clubs had already shown interest in him during the summer, Salah chose to commit his future to the Reds. But now, given the current circumstances, it seems inevitable that clubs will try to capitalise in the new year.
Should a transfer materialise, Rodrygo could be an ideal replacement for the Egyptian – particularly if reports of his desire to leave the Santiago Bernabeu prove accurate.
Antoine Semenyo urged to complete big move
Ghana boss Otto Addo has backed Liverpool‑linked Antoine Semenyo to secure a big move, insisting the forward is ready for the step up. The Reds have been monitoring the Bournemouth star and are expected to target a left‑sided attacker next month, having failed to replace Luis Diaz following his £65m switch to Bayern Munich in the summer.
“He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they’re doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step,” Addo said.
“Whether its in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it won’t make a difference for us.
“I’m looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world.”
ECHO says: Semenyo’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on the forward. His pace and ability to operate across the front line make him a valuable asset for any side aiming to strengthen their attacking options. It seems only a matter of time before he secures a move to one of the top‑six clubs.
