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 won’t be satisfied with a place on the substitutes’ bench and could depart if an attractive offer materialises. Despite penning fresh terms last season, Salah has endured a difficult campaign and has just 18 months remaining on his current deal.
After being named among the substitutes for Liverpool‘s last two Premier League fixtures, a swift departure could be on the cards. « He’s a Premier League great, a Liverpool great, and that’s why I don’t think this is going to end well, » Redknapp told Sky Sports. « It will be a difficult situation now because the manager, when you’ve got someone who is so good, so important to the team, in and around the dressing room and how they react and act in training.
« I’ll be amazed if he sees out the last two years of his contract, or year and a half. I don’t think this helps the situation one bit. Nothing will surprise me in football – whether it’s in January or maybe in the summer. If the right club was to come around… a lot will be decided by this man. He’s earned that right.
« And 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.’ I still feel he will want to play in Europe.
« The first thing we’re all going to say is he’ll go to Saudi – he’s obviously a legend in that part of the world – or he’ll want to go to the US, but this for me now is a real breaking point in the relationship.
« He’ll feel let down and, like you say, maybe even blamed for what’s going on. But while the team is winning without him… I saw those stats and they’re pretty good when he doesn’t play. » So where might Salah end up? Express Sport looks at seven potential destinations…
Despite Redknapp’s suggestions, a January departure seems unlikely, though the summer transfer window could present opportunities.
According to ESPN, Al Hilal continue to monitor Salah closely, whilst Al Qadsiah have also made enquiries about a possible switch. Both Salah and Liverpool have previously rejected Middle Eastern offers, but the region possesses the financial resources to complete such a deal.
The forward would undoubtedly become a marquee signing for the league and could command substantial wages. Whilst the Saudi Pro League is still widely viewed as a retirement destination for ageing stars, Cristiano Ronaldo cannot remain the division’s figurehead indefinitely.
Major League Soccer has demonstrated flexibility in attracting global superstars. Whilst financing such a transfer would be challenging, they successfully secured Lionel Messi’s signature.
San Diego FC, a relatively new addition to the league and owned by an Egyptian, are another club in the race to sign Salah. However, Redknapp has claimed that Salah may prefer to remain in Europe, possibly returning to Italy where he previously played for Fiorentina and Roma who would surely love a reunion.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have also been linked with a move for Salah in January, having previously demonstrated their ability to manage difficult player situations, such as when they took Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli.
Looking further ahead to the summer, Barcelona could be a potential destination for Salah. The Catalan club has had success with older players like Robert Lewandowski in the past, and with his contract due to expire, there could be room for Salah. However, this would depend on the future of Marcus Rashford and whether Barcelona can afford the transfer.
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