Reports from Spain have linked Liverpool with a potential transfer for Jude Bellingham involving a swap deal, while Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield has been clarified
With less than a month to go before Liverpool can dive back into the transfer market, Jude Bellingham’s name is being bandied about as the England star grapples with a dip in form at Real Madrid.
Such a significant transfer would typically be out of reach in most winter windows, but whispers of Liverpool’s interest are growing as summer approaches. And one big-name player under Arne Slot could be heading the other way to sweeten the deal for Bellingham.
The rumour mill has also been churning out stories about Mohamed Salah, who has allegedly received a ‘very clear’ message from his current club, ahead of their return to action against Sunderland on Wednesday night. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Bellingham linked with Liverpool swap
Despite his recent struggles at the Bernabeu, Bellingham remains one of Real’s most prized assets. However, that hasn’t stopped some sections of the Madrid press from turning on the Englishman, reports the Mirror.
As a key figure in Xabi Alonso’s team, Bellingham has faced the same pressures that other British imports have encountered in Spain. And with that comes the predictable knee-jerk reaction suggesting the underperforming star could be shown the door.
Real relinquished their grip on the top spot in La Liga after drawing their last three domestic matches. It’s only natural that Bellingham bears some of the blame for this slip to second place, though any talk of a transfer is undoubtedly premature.
Despite this, Defensa Central has reported a move to Liverpool could be on the cards as early as next summer. The Reds are said to be keen on capitalising on Bellingham’s recent dip in form by proposing a swap deal involving Alexis Mac Allister.
Real Madrid have been linked with Mac Allister for a while now and are reportedly admirers of the World Cup winner. Therefore, Liverpool might be open to letting him go in exchange for Bellingham.
Given the difference in their most recent transfer fees, it’s likely Liverpool would need to add a substantial cash sum alongside Mac Allister to secure Bellingham.
With two-and-a-half years left on his Liverpool contract, and Bellingham’s Real deal running until 2029, this rumour may not hold water for long.
Liverpool ‘very clear’ on Salah future
Another player currently struggling for form is Salah, who was benched during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday.
The Egyptian watched from the sidelines as Liverpool ended their losing streak without his help, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak (his first Premier League goal for the Reds) and Cody Gakpo.
This unexpected turn of events has reignited rumours about Salah’s potential departure from Anfield. Reports of interest from Saudi Arabia have resurfaced, just a few months after he reportedly declined lucrative offers to extend his contract with the Merseyside club for another two years.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reassured fans Liverpool’s management has sent a ‘very clear’ message regarding the future of the forward.
The message is that no player will be judged based on the recent disappointing performances of the team, with hardly any players under Slot’s leadership escaping scrutiny for their part in this slump.
Regardless, Salah is set to take a break from the Liverpool limelight when he joins Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations this month. Only after the winger returns from the tournament will supporters get a clearer picture of Slot’s plans for him this season.
The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner deserves a fitting farewell for his role in leading Liverpool to its current success. However, it seems the second half of the season will play a significant role in determining whether Salah gets to leave the club on his own terms.
#Liverpool #news #Jude #Bellingham #swap #deal #plan #Salah #transfer #stance #clear
