Liverpool could target 5 players in January if Mohamed Salah gets Saudi Pro League move

Liverpool's star player Mohamed Salah is facing an uncertain future at Anfield following his explosive interview at Elland Road just over a week ago.

The Egyptian ace, who has been benched for the Reds' last four Premier League matches, suggested after last weekend's draw that he has no relationship with head coach Arne Slot and didn't dismiss a potential January transfer. Consequently, he was absent from the squad that faced Inter Milan midweek, where the Reds secured a slim 1-0 victory at the San Siro.

However, things seem to have improved in recent days after crucial discussions on Friday. Salah was named in the squad that defeated Brighton on Saturday afternoon, coming on as an early replacement for the injured Joe Gomez and setting up Hugo Ekitike's vital second goal in the 2-0 win.

While there seems to be a temporary truce before the 33-year=old heads off to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations, it remains unclear whether Salah's long-term future lies in Merseyside. Both Slot and Salah's teammates have downplayed rumours of an impending departure next month, suggesting they don't believe Saturday's victory will be Salah's final appearance for the club.

However, until the January transfer window slams shut or a move is definitively ruled out, speculation surrounding Salah's future will naturally continue. The current unrest at Anfield has opened the door for clubs in Saudi Arabia and the United States to explore the possibility of a move, whether that's in the upcoming transfer window or next summer.

It is believed that Liverpool has no plans to let Salah go in January. While the player seems content on Merseyside, a move to Saudi Arabia hasn't been entirely dismissed.

This gives clubs in the region confidence in their chances of securing Salah, assuming he's ready to part ways with Anfield, with an expected asking price around the £100 million ($133M) mark, with Liverpool then on the lookout for a replacement.

Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth's standout player Antoine Semenyo is a name likely to feature prominently in discussions as the January window looms. Rumors of a £65 million ($87M) release clause, valid until January 10, suggest a departure from the Vitality Stadium is on the cards, with several clubs reportedly showing interest.

Even before Salah's recent outburst, Liverpool has been frequently mentioned as a possible landing spot for the Ghanaian international. A fresh report suggests that Manchester City and Tottenham are also in the running for his signature.

Michael Olise

Ex-Crystal Palace star Michael Olise has been on an upward trajectory since joining Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024. His performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe's top clubs, including Liverpool.

Rumors linking the Reds with the 24 year old have persisted, despite little indication that he will be leaving Munich anytime soon. Olise, who typically plays in Salah's position, has netted 29 goals and provided 37 assists in 78 appearances across all competitions for Bayern, so it's no surprise he's seen as a potential long-term replacement.

However, securing a deal won't be easy, with German reports suggesting that Bayern are ready to offer Olise a new contract to ward off interest, even though he's already contracted until 2029.

Yan Diomande

RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande has been turning heads recently due to his exceptional form in the Bundesliga. The 19 year old only made the move to Germany last summer, but he's already netted seven goals and provided four assists across all competitions.

Though primarily a left winger, he's shown his versatility by also playing on the right, with all of his goal contributions for Leipzig coming from that side. A recent report from Sky in Germany suggests that all of England's top clubs, including Liverpool, are keeping a close eye on the Ivory Coast international.

Bradley Barcola

Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola was loosely linked with a move to Merseyside last summer, and the 23 year old remains firmly on Liverpool's radar. A recent report has reignited these rumours, suggesting the Frenchman could be a potential replacement for Salah.

The report highlights Barcola's struggle to secure a regular starting spot under Luis Enrique, with players like Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vying for positions. However, it's been suggested that PSG are keen to secure Barcola on a new contract, as his current deal is set to expire in 2028.

Yankuba Minteh

Lastly, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh has caught the attention of several top-tier clubs. The Gambia international made the move to the Seagulls from Newcastle in the summer of 2024, with the Magpies needing to shed players to stay within Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Newcastle may now be ruing this decision, as Minteh has netted eight goals and provided nine assists in his 54 appearances to date. Four of these assists have come this season in the Premier League, as the 21 year old aims to elevate his game.