Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James suspects that the Reds have “already lined up” a replacement for Mo Salah.
The Egyptian has been linked with a move away from Anfield over the past few days following his public outburst at the weekend, and speaking to 32red sports betting, James said it may be time for the two sides to come together and resolve the situation so everyone can move on:
“I think there would be a situation where, through conversation, because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future. However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I’m sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically, as they’re the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can’t refuse.
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“I also think that Liverpool will have someone already lined up to replace Mo Salah. As I stand here looking at my signed Diogo Jota shirt, we now know with clarity the inevitable nature of life. I think Liverpool, more so than anyone currently, will be looking at that Diogo situation and saying, we have to have it. And that would just be, from a human level, logical, and from a business level, even more logical to have some kind of risk management with regards to replacing players.”
Who will Liverpool sign to replace Salah?
The most logical option at the moment appears to be Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian has a £65m release clause in his contract which can be triggered during the first 2 weeks of the January transfer window.
Reports in France over have also mentioned Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as a potential alternative. However, it does appear as if the Reds’ name has been floated around by his agents, as they are currently locked in talks over a new contract with PSG.
Which club could Salah join?
As James mentions, Saudi Arabia looks the most likely destination, with Al-Hilal tipped as the team leading the race for his signature.
A transfer to the United States cannot be ruled out either. MLS side San Diego are owned by an Egyptian-British billionaire, so they may also try to tempt Salah.
Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here