Mohamed Salah's Saudi decision as Liverpool contract question emerges
In just 42 short days, the January transfer window will open. And while that will prompt an intense month of speculation, it also opens the door to something else.
At Liverpool, supporters will eagerly wait to see if Jurgen Klopp plans to sign a new left-sided centre-back or holding midfielder. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s departure to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his long-term future, will perhaps prompt fresh debate regarding a potential long-term successor.
For the record, if you are holding out hope for a new number six to walk through the doors at Anfield, you are likely to be setting yourself up for disappointment. Club sources suggest that there is at present no desire to recruit a midfielder in the New Year.
Only time will tell if such a stance remains unchanged, with it not yet known if the Reds intend to be active in the mid-season transfer window or not. They have strengthened in the last four January windows at least, signing Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Ozan Kabak, Ben Davies, and Takumi Minamino.
But regardless of potential incomings, this time of year always presents fresh scrutiny on the future of those entering the final six months of their Liverpool contracts. Come January 1, they are free to discuss pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs, and edge a step closer to the exit door.
The Reds currently have four players due to be out of contract in the summer of 2024 in Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Adrian, and Conor Bradley. At least with the latter, it is worth noting that the Athletic reported in the summer that the Northern Ireland international had agreed a new three-year contract with Liverpool, even if no official announcement has yet been made.
While we can
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
