Saudi giants Al-Hilal are reportedly preparing a blockbuster January approach for Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, setting the stage for one of the winter window’s most electrifying sagas. The rumour mill is spinning fast: Liverpool have already been linked with a ready-made replacement, while a clutch of Premier League clubs circle other intriguing contract stories across the top flight.
Salah the prize, Semenyo the plan B
According to reports, Al-Hilal are primed to table a formal bid for the 33-year-old Egyptian winger, a move that would send seismic ripples through Merseyside.
Liverpool, it seems, are not caught off guard — the club has reportedly identified Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth’s dynamic Ghanaian forward, as a potential successor should Salah depart.
The prospect of Salah swapping Anfield for Riyadh would mark a dramatic twist in a career already packed with headlines.
Calm at Anfield and MLS interest
Despite the noise, Liverpool are said to be taking a measured view of the situation, remaining relaxed as speculation swirls.
Salah’s name has also surfaced in MLS conversations, with San Diego among the clubs reportedly monitoring the forward’s future, adding an international dimension to the transfer chessboard.
Spurs watch Mateta while United and others scout talent
Tottenham are keeping tabs on Jean-Philippe Mateta, the 28-year-old French striker whose contract uncertainty at Crystal Palace has attracted interest.
Meanwhile, Adam Wharton, the 21-year-old England midfielder from Palace, has ambitions of Champions League football and is reportedly topping Manchester United’s shortlist as they hunt midfield reinforcements.
Midfield and defensive targets across Europe
January could also see movement in midfield and defence.
Ederson, the 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder at Atalanta, has been priced at around £50m, with both Liverpool and Barcelona said to have been informed of his availability.
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, the 27-year-old French centre-back, is attracting interest from Newcastle and West Ham among others, as clubs look to shore up their backlines.
Young prospects and rivalries intensify
The youth market is buzzing too. Kenan Yildiz, the 20-year-old Turkish winger, has reportedly drawn attention from Arsenal and Real Madrid amid stalled contract talks with Juventus. Joshua Zirkzee, 24, is said to be edging towards Roma as Manchester United weigh up their options.
In a final twist, Manchester United have reportedly decided against signing 17-year-old Senegalese midfielder Mouhamed Dabo, as they continue to prioritise other midfield targets.
What to expect
The January window promises drama: high-profile approaches, tactical replacements, and a flurry of contract chess. With Al-Hilal’s interest in Salah potentially the headline act, clubs across Europe will be watching closely as negotiations and ambitions collide.
