Speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future has intensified once again after the Egyptian superstar delivered a fiery post-match statement following Liverpool’s 3–3 draw against Leeds United. His emotional outburst has sent shockwaves across Anfield and reopened discussions over whether he may be approaching the end of his journey with the club. As the tension escalates, one name has suddenly emerged as a realistic successor: Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.
According to TEAMtalk, internal pressure at Liverpool has grown so rapidly that their Premier League clash against Brighton could be Salah’s final match at Anfield before he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations in January. With his relationship with manager Arne Slot reportedly fractured, the club is now forced to prepare for the possibility of moving on without their long-time talisman.
At the same time, Rodrygo is experiencing his own turbulence in Spain. His role at Real Madrid has diminished significantly this season, prompting the Brazilian attacker to quietly explore the possibility of a move abroad. Sources indicate that the Premier League—specifically Liverpool—has become one of the destinations he would seriously consider if he decides to leave Santiago Bernabéu.
Although Madrid still value Rodrygo and regard him as an asset for their long-term project, the fierce competition for places on the wings has left him struggling for minutes. With Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior dominating Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso’s rotations, Rodrygo’s future in Spain has become increasingly uncertain.
Liverpool, meanwhile, find themselves at a crossroads. As the club navigates internal conflict, inconsistent results, and a potential leadership vacuum in the dressing room, the idea of signing a dynamic, high-impact winger during the January transfer window has gained serious traction.
Rodrygo Now Open to Leaving Real Madrid
Behind the scenes, Rodrygo is beginning to reconsider his trajectory at Real Madrid. At 24 years old, the winger knows that consistent playing time is vital—especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching.
Reports suggest Rodrygo has already informed people close to him that a move to the Premier League could be the reset his career needs. Though Madrid are reluctant to lose him permanently, they are aware that maintaining a high-profile player without offering regular minutes could backfire.
TEAMtalk claims Madrid would value Rodrygo between €80–90 million, a figure reflecting both his age and long-term potential. Even so, Madrid continue to insist publicly that he is part of their long-range squad planning.
Rodrygo’s numbers this season highlight the drop in his importance. He has made only four starts across all competitions, supplemented by 12 appearances as a substitute, registering just two assists and no goals in almost 450 minutes of play. Remarkably, he hasn’t scored a league goal since January of last season.
Such stagnation could threaten his hopes of retaining a prominent role with Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. For that reason, a January move—previously considered unlikely—has now become a genuine possibility.
Liverpool Must Move Quickly as Salah’s Future Remains in Doubt
Rodrygo is among the highest-paid players at Real Madrid, earning around £350,000 per week, and his current deal runs until June 2028. Negotiating a transfer of this scale will require both financial muscle and conviction—something Liverpool may soon need to demonstrate if Salah forces an exit.
Liverpool see Rodrygo as an ideal stylistic replacement: fast, creative, technically sharp, and capable of playing across the frontline. If Salah were to leave—either in January or the summer—the Brazilian would fill a massive void both tactically and symbolically.
The issue is no longer only about performance. Salah’s emotional outburst after the Leeds match marked a clear turning point. The Egyptian forward openly stated he felt “thrown under the bus,” accused the club of breaking promises, and claimed that his relationship with Slot had deteriorated to “nothing.”
Salah’s diminished role supports his frustration. He has been benched in three consecutive Premier League matches, logging just 45 minutes across those games. Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League clubs are preparing renewed efforts to lure him away in January, an offer Liverpool may find difficult to refuse if the internal climate does not improve.
Liverpool Face a Transformative January Window
The Reds now stand at a critical juncture. If Salah departs, Liverpool will need to act decisively to secure a replacement capable of carrying the attacking burden for years to come. Rodrygo fits that profile—but sealing such a transfer will require pace, precision, and significant financial commitment.
With tensions mounting at Anfield and uncertainty clouding Real Madrid’s squad hierarchy, the January window could reshape the futures of both Salah and Rodrygo. What seems clear is that Liverpool are preparing for change—whether they want to or not.
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