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Three Mohamed Salah Replacements As Liverpool Weigh January Options

Mo Salah AFCON

We’re taking a look at three Mohamed Salah replacement options after his fallout with manager Arne Slot sent shockwaves around Anfield.

It’s been an incredibly turbulent week for Liverpool.

Club legend and record Premier League goal scorer Mo Salah gave a stunning interview, publicly slating Reds boss Slot and declaring their relationship to be non-existent.

The fallout from those words has been seismic, with Salah claiming to have been “thrown under the bus” by the club.

Salah was unhappy at being benched against West Ham, and the situation has rapidly deteriorated.

The Egyptian was benched for the third consecutive match during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

And his post-match comments have opened an almighty can of worms for Liverpool.

What Did Mohamed Salah Say About Arne Slot?

Speaking after being an unused sub against Leeds, Salah didn’t hold back.

The 33-year-old said he “couldn’t believe” being left on the bench for 90 minutes.

“It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. Someone doesn’t want me in the club,” he said.

He also claimed he’d been given “a lot of promises in the summer” that he feels were not kept.

Slot, for his part, defended the decision as tactical, saying “we didn’t need a goal,” but the explanation has only magnified the tension.

Salah is set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations next week, and is openly unsure of his future.

“I don’t accept this situation. I don’t know what is going to happen next,” he added.

This stunning development has created a scenario that would have been unimaginable six months ago.

Liverpool’s hierarchy must now prepare for life without Salah, potentially as early as January.

And with Saudi Arabian clubs sensing an opportunity, Liverpool may need to bring in a replacement far sooner than expected.

With that in mind, here’s a look at three of the top Mo Salah replacement candidates tipped to make the switch to Anfield.

Liverpool’s Top Three Mohamed Salah Replacement Options

Antoine Semenyo – AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the most high-profile – and most expensive – of the available options.

The 25-year-old Ghanaian international is an established Premier League talent, and the most ready-made replacement on offer.

Semenyo has a £65 million release clause, but crucially it is only valid for the first two weeks of the January window, meaning any move would require immediate action.

Liverpool face competition from Manchester City, but Semenyo’s profile makes obvious sense for Slot’s system.

The pace, power and work-rate of a player like Semenyo cannot be overstated.

Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth mo salah replacement

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is an ideal Mo Salah replacement.

And with six goals and three assists for the Cherries already this season, he has shown his ability to both score and create.

Ghana manager Otto Addo even publicly urged Semenyo to “make a move” ahead of next summer’s World Cup, suggesting it is “natural for him to take the next step.”

From Liverpool’s perspective, Semenyo’s biggest strength is reliability.

He already thrives in a Premier League environment, can play across the front line, and brings the physicality that has defined Slot’s recent transfer strategy.

If Liverpool are after a player with the pace and presence of Salah, Semenyo is the best option.

Reports have been linking Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool for weeks, with the club’s interest well-known.

But he will also cost the biggest fee, and his release clause situation could complicate matters.

Yankuba Minteh – Brighton & Hove Albion

The next Mo Salah replacement option Liverpool are linked with is Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

The Gambian winger was been sensational this season, with explosive pace and bags of attacking threat.

Minteh knows Arne Slot well, playing under him at Feyenoord in 2023-24.

That connection alone may influence Liverpool’s decision, especially with so much pressure on the manager.


Arne Slot sounded like a beaten man in recent interviews, but the January window could provide crucial reinforcements to help steady the ship.

Minteh does not offer the same goal output as Salah, though.

Having scored just once in the Premier League this season, the 21-year-old is more creator than finisher.

But his direct running and creative flair could help free up the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

And given his age profile, Minteh has the potential to develop into a world-class player at Anfield.

Yan Diomande – RB Leipzig

Last but not least, we have RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande.

The 19-year-old Ivorian winger is perhaps the most intriguing of our Mo Salah replacement possibilities.

Far more of a raw talent than Minteh or Semenyo, he is the only option with no Premier League experience.

But having scored six and assisted three in the Bundesliga already this season, he is not lacking for goal threat.

Some reports claim Liverpool are already in “very advanced” talks to sign the teenager.

A dynamic, technically gifted operator with maturity beyond his years, Diomande could be a perfect long-term Salah replacement.

But a January move is perhaps less likely, with Leipzig unwilling to sell mid-season.

It would take a sizeable offer to pry him away from the German club before the summer.

However, if Liverpool receive a lucrative bid for Salah from Saudi Arabia, they will have the funds to make such a deal happen.

Will Liverpool Replace Mohamed Salah In January?

As for if Liverpool will replace Mo Salah in January, that depends on a lot of factors.

Firstly, of course, Salah would need to depart.

The decision whether Liverpool should sell Mo Salah has been ongoing since the start of the season.

His contract runs until 2027, but the club would be sensible to cash in ASAP if they feel the relationship between him and Arne Slot is beyond repair.

Mo Salah replacement

Mo Salah could leave Liverpool in January.

Saudi feels like the most likely destination, given Salah’s potential wages over there.

However, Liverpool’s ownership rarely make emotional decisions in January.

They sell only when they believe the squad can absorb the blow and the market offers a clean replacement.

As a result, Liverpool will need to know they have a clear replacement lined up before they sanction Salah’s departure.

But the three candidates mentioned above have certainly put themselves in the shop window.

Related TopicsLiverpool Mohamed Salah Premier League

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