It looks like Mohamed Salah has played his last game for Liverpool. He has been axed from the Reds' squad to face Inter Milan in the Champions League this week. This means that he may not be able to have a farewell at Anfield before he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Following AFCON, Salah may already be a Saudi Pro League player. These unfortunate events are a result of the winger being dropped by Arne Slot. Salah's comments following the draw with Leeds have led to ruthless action being taken against the club's star player.
The whole situation seems very similar to the saga including Cristiano Ronaldo and Piers Morgan that led to the Portuguese star leaving Manchester United for Al-Nassr.
Salah appears entitled, and it appears best for the team that he departs. Liverpool is reportedly prepared for the Egyptian's exit. The Express has reported that "they have already been looking at the perfect candidate with Antoine Semenyo thought to have emerged as a January target."
Semenyo has scored six goals, with three assists, in 14 Premier League games for Bournemouth this season. He has been linked with other top sides, including Tottenham Hotspur. Other teams reportedly interested in the player are Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Napoli.
Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool would affect Tottenham Hotspur
Semenyo's ability to play on the left and right wings would have made him a perfect fit for Thomas Frank's side. Spurs have options on the right flank as they have Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson. However, Wilson Odebert is the club's only recognized left winger.
As Liverpool is the Premier League champions, they appear to be the more attractive option for Semenyo. However, they are just one point and one place above Spurs in the division. Slot did a very good job last season with Jurgen Klopp's side, but it now appears that they are in their transition period.
Spurs are also in a transition period as we are now in a post-Daniel Levy era at the club. Thomas Frank has come in to replace Ange Postecoglou, who ended the 17-year trophy drought last season. The jury is still out on Frank, but the win over his former club, Brentford, last season has eased pressure on the Dane.
Frank now has winnable ties against Sparta Praha in the Champions League before they take on relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Following those fixtures, they face Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.