Jude Bellingham has been linked with Liverpool in a speculative swap deal involving a prominent Reds star, while Mohamed Salah receives a "very clear" message from the club concerning his future
Liverpool manager Arne Slot speaks to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
Mohamed Salah has reportedly received a "very clear message" from Liverpool regarding his Anfield future
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With less than a month until Liverpool can return to the transfer market, Jude Bellingham's name is being bandied about Anfield. This comes afte the England star struggles with his form at Real Madrid.
Such a significant transfer would typically be unfeasible in most winter windows, but whispers of Liverpool's interest are growing ahead of the summer. And one high-profile player under Arne Slot could potentially move the other way to entice Real into selling Bellingham.
Recent weeks have also seen an increase in speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, who has reportedly received a "very clear" message from Liverpool. The ECHO examines the latest developments at Anfield this week as rumours intensify ahead of a bustling 2026.
Liverpool 'very clear' on Salah future
Speculation is once again mounting around the future of Salah, who was an unused substitute for Liverpool's 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. The Egyptian watched from the bench as Liverpool ended their recent losing run without his help, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak (his first Premier League goal for the Reds) and Cody Gakpo.
This unexpected turn of events has reignited rumours linking Salah with a departure from Anfield. Reports of interest from Saudi Arabia have resurfaced just months after he reportedly declined lucrative offers to sign a new two-year contract on Merseyside.
However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reassured the Liverpool management has sent a "very clear" message regarding the forward's future. The stance is that no player will be evaluated based on the recent lacklustre performances, with few under Slot's leadership escaping scrutiny for their part in this slump.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool applauds from the bench during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Arne Slot was vindicated in his deicison to drop Salah for Sunday's win over West Ham
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Regardless, Salah is set for a break from the Liverpool limelight as he joins Egypt this month for the Africa Cup of Nations. Only after the winger returns from the tournament will supporters gain a clearer understanding of Slot's intentions for the player this season.
The four-time Premier League Golden Boot recipient deserves a fitting farewell in recognition of his legacy, having been instrumental in Liverpool's title successes in recent years. However, the latter half of the campaign will seemingly play a significant role in determining whether he gets to exit on his own terms.
Bellingham linked with Liverpool swap
Despite his recent slump at the Bernabeu, Bellingham remains one of the most prized assets currently playing for Real. However, that hasn't stopped some sections of the Madrid press from criticising the Englishman.
As a key figure in Xabi Alonso's team, Bellingham has faced the same pressures that other British imports have experienced in Spain. And with that comes the familiar knee-jerk reaction suggesting the underperforming star could be on his way out.
Jude Bellingham looking restless in England training
Bellingham's dip in form has encouraged rumours of a Real Madrid exit
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Real recently relinquished their grip on top spot in La Liga after drawing their last three domestic matches. It's only natural Bellingham bears some of the blame for this slide to second place, although any talk of a transfer is undoubtedly premature.
However, Defensa Central has reported a transfer to Liverpool could be on the cards as early as next summer. The narrative suggests the Reds are looking to capitalise on Bellingham's recent dip in form by making a move for him - and potentially offering Alexis Mac Allister as part of the deal.
Real Madrid have been linked with Mac Allister for a while and are said to be big admirers of the World Cup champion. Therefore, Liverpool might be open to letting him go in a swap deal with Real.
Considering the difference in their most recent transfer fees, it's likely Liverpool would need to add a substantial cash sum alongside Mac Allister to secure Bellingham. The Argentinian has two-and-a-half years left on his contract at Liverpool, while Bellingham's deal with Real doesn't run out until 2029, indicating there may not be much to back up the rumours.
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