Di Marzio: Will Mo Salah make the move to Saudi Arabia?

With the January transfer window looming, fans across the country can expect the usual rumours, gossip and speculation to dominate the headlines. To help separate fact from fiction, we caught up with renowned transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio to discuss which players are most likely to be on the move when the window opens on 1st January 2026.

Mohamed Salah: Saudi Arabia or stay at Liverpool?

Arguably the biggest name in the transfer chatter is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Following a turbulent period at Anfield, including a highly publicised fallout with manager Arne Slot, Salah’s future is uncertain. Reports suggest that while Serie A has been mentioned, Saudi Arabia remains the likeliest destination.

“I don't think Salah can move to Serie A because his wages are too high for the level of Serie A. And then he hasn't got a EU passport. In Italy they can only sign two new extra players for a season and a lot of big clubs have used their signatures already.”

“AC Milan are looking for a striker but someone with physical attributes. If he will leave Liverpool it will be to go to Saudi Arabia because they’re willing to pay his transfer fee and salary but Salah and Slot may try to find a solution first.”

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What’s next for Arne Slot?

After an impressive debut season, Slot now finds himself under considerable pressure as Liverpool are languishing down in 10th in the Premier League and 9th in the Champions League.

“Saudi could be the right solution. In the summer we will see if Slot stays. Right now the club are behind Arne Slot and haven’t considered firing him.”

Xabi Alonso under pressure at Real Madrid

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso is feeling the heat following a 2–1 defeat to Manchester City. Di Marzio shares who could be next in line if Alonso were to leave.

“Florentino Perez is not satisfied with the results and the relationship that Alonso has with some of the players. For now, Alonso will stay for the next three matches and he will decide his future. They will see how Real Madrid grow and that will give signals of improvement. Otherwise, it’s possible that Alonso will leave.”

“Zidane and Ancelotti are the perfect coaches for Real Madrid but Ancelotti can’t come back. If Zidane doesn’t come back then Arbeloa could be the interim option until the end of the season.”

Marc Guehi: Liverpool’s defensive priority

Liverpool’s defensive woes have dominated discussion, and Guehi, who was close to joining the Reds in the summer, remains top of their wish list.

“Liverpool only have van Dijk and Konate fit so they could end up trying to sign Guehi in January. He remains their first target and they now need to convince Crystal Palace to sell in January.”

“Mateta is also a player AC Milan would like to sign but in the summer Palace didn’t give a price to clubs that wanted Mateta so I don't think they will in January.”

Sergio Ramos and Tyler Adams

Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, currently unattached, has been linked with Manchester United. Di Marzio, however, ruled out a move to Old Trafford as things stand

“I don’t think Ramos will go to Manchester United. I know he wants to play in Europe but it’s not easy for him to find a new club. There’s nothing concrete for him at the moment.”

Tyler Adams, meanwhile, has impressed at Bournemouth and is reportedly on United’s radar. Di Marzio notes that Bournemouth are determined to retain their midfielder until the end of the season.

“Man United wants Tyler Adams but Bournemouth wants to keep him. They want to qualify for European football and they don’t need to sell their players, because they already sold two big players in the summer. They don’t have financial problems.”

“The best players will stay at Bournemouth until the end of the season, but after that it can be tricky. It is tough for them to keep their players, but in January he will stay. But Manchester United wants him.`’

Antoine Semenyo: release clause in play

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reportedly has a £60m release clause that activates during the January window. Di Marzio believes Liverpool are unlikely to pursue the striker.

“I don’t think Liverpool will use Semenyo’s release clause because they spent a lot of money in the summer and they’re now trying to find the right balance in the team. I don’t think they will do this deal.”

“In the summer he could be a player on their list but we have to see if Slot will stay and if he would like a player like Semenyo. He could be a Salah replacement if Salah goes but Liverpool have Ekitike, Wirtz, Isak and they’ve found a new balance with Szoboszlai in Salah’s role so I don’t think they will make a change.”

Kobbie Mainoo: Napoli’s priority target

The saga surrounding Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has dominated headlines, with Napoli reportedly targeting the youngster. Di Marzio explains the current situation.

“Mainoo gave his priority to Napoli and now it’s dependent on Napoli. But they have to find an agreement with United and if they can make signings. We will see if Napoli have to sell players first but Mainoo is the first target of Napoli’s sporting director. Mainoo has seen McTominay and Hojlund do well there and have made Napoli his priority.”

Read more as Filipe Luis offers Mohamed Salah some advice regarding his Liverpool dilemma