Mohamed Salah’s time at Liverpool could be cut short as early as January, according to Jamie Redknapp. The former Reds midfielder believes the Egyptian icon is not satisfied with being substituted on the bench and could leave if an attractive offer materializes. Despite signing a new contract last season, Salah has endured a difficult season and has just 18 months left on his current contract.
He was included in Liverpool’s substitute squad for their last two Premier League games, but could be considered for a quick exit. “He’s a great Premier League player and a great Liverpool player, so I don’t think this game will end well,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “It’s going to be a difficult situation for the manager right now, given that he has very good and important people in the team in and around the dressing room and how they react and behave during training.
“I would be surprised if he saw out the remaining two years of his contract, or the year and a half. I don’t think this would solve the situation one bit. Nothing in football would surprise me – whether it be in January or maybe in the summer. If the right club comes along… a lot will depend on this guy. He has earned that right.”
“And if he says, ‘Look, if I’m not going to be the starter for you, I’m not one of those guys who hangs around. I’ll go wherever I need to go.’ I think he still wants to play in Europe.
“The first thing we all say is he’s going to go to Saudi Arabia – he’s obviously a legend in that region – or does he want to go to the US, but for me this is the real breaking point in the relationship right now.
“He’s going to be disappointed and, as you say, even blamed for what’s going on. But while the team is winning without him…I looked at those stats, and when he’s not playing he’s doing pretty well.” So where does that leave Salah? Express Sport is considering seven potential destinations…
Despite Redknapp’s suggestions, a departure in January seems unlikely, but an opportunity could present itself in the summer transfer window.
According to ESPN, Al Hilal will continue to monitor Salah closely, while Al Qadosia have also inquired about a possible move. Salah and Liverpool have previously rejected offers from the Middle East, but the region has the financial resources to complete such a deal.
The forward is sure to become a marquee player in the league and could command a high salary. The Saudi Professional League is still widely seen as a retirement destination for aging stars, but Cristiano Ronaldo cannot remain the division’s figurehead forever.
Major League Soccer has shown flexibility in attracting global superstars. Financing such a transfer is difficult, but they managed to secure the signature of Lionel Messi.
San Diego FC, a relative newcomer to the league and owned by an Egyptian, is also among the clubs in the race for Salah. However, Redknapp insists Salah wants to remain in Europe and could return to Italy, where he previously played for Fiorentina and Roma, and would be happy to see him again.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have also previously demonstrated their ability to deal with difficult player situations, such as when they brought in Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli, and they have also been linked with signing Salah in January.
Furthermore, Barcelona could be a potential transfer destination for Salah in the summer. The Catalan club have had success in the past with older players such as Robert Lewandowski, and with his contract expiring there could be room for Salah. However, this will depend on Marcus Rashford’s future and whether Barcelona can afford to make a move.
