David Ornstein Details If Mohamed Salah Could Still Leave Liverpool in January After AFCON Return

Renowned journalist David Ornstein has provided clarity on Mohamed Salah's potential January transfer amid Liverpool's injury crisis and his recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stint with Egypt. According to Ornstein, Liverpool are highly unlikely to allow Salah to depart in the January window, prioritizing squad stability despite ongoing tensions.[1][3]

Salah, 33, extended his contract in summer 2024 until 2026 at £400,000 per week, but early-season form dips and a public spat with manager Arne Slot—where Salah felt "thrown under the bus" after being benched—sparked exit rumors. He criticized Slot before AFCON, was omitted from a Champions League squad, and made a farewell appearance against Brighton prior to Morocco.[2][3][4]

Egypt's semi-final exit to Senegal (via Sadio Mané's late goal) means Salah faces a third-place playoff against Nigeria, delaying his Anfield return. He's set to miss games against Burnley and possibly Marseille, targeting Bournemouth on late January Saturday. Liverpool respect his international duty and won't rush him back.[2]

Slot has dismissed exit talk, stating he has "no reasons" to want Salah gone and plans discussions upon return. Injuries, including Alexander Isak's broken leg and Ibrahima Konaté's uncertainty, make a sale improbable now—Liverpool can't risk it mid-season. Replacement plans are on hold for urgent defensive needs.[1][3][5]

Interest persists from Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, offering huge wages, plus tentative Serie A links—PSG uninterested unless free. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher predicts no January move but a "choreographed send-off" in the 2025-26 season finale, hailing Salah as an Anfield great amid a potential "long goodbye."[1][3]

Ornstein emphasizes summer 2026 as the realistic window, post-contract, allowing a farewell after Salah's legendary tenure synonymous with Liverpool's era.[1]

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