Normal view

Yesterday — 13 December 2025Main stream

Liverpool already have a replacement in mind if Mo Salah leaves in January

13 December 2025 at 10:42

Liverpool are preparing for what could be one of the most dramatic months in recent memory, as uncertainty continues to surround Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield.

According to TEAMtalk, the Reds could look to recall Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Aston Villa in January, a move that may serve as an immediate response to any potential Salah departure.

Salah’s situation at Liverpool has become increasingly tense after his explosive comments last weekend, where he claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club following his omission from the starting lineup in recent matches.

The Egyptian international, who has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success over the past seven years, appears to be at odds with both manager Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy.

Mo Salah to leave Liverpool?

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Clubs from the Saudi Pro League, including Al Hilal and Al Nassr, have reignited their long-standing pursuit of the 33-year-old.

With the Saudi transfer window set to open on January 1, the timing has only intensified speculation that Salah could be on the move sooner rather than later.

While Liverpool’s board have repeatedly insisted they want Salah to stay until his contract expires in 2027, insiders acknowledge that a massive offer from Saudi Arabia could test their resolve.

Elliott’s loan spell at Aston Villa has not gone as planned. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Villa last summer seeking regular first-team football, has made just three Premier League appearances under Unai Emery.

Harvey Elliott is set to make Anfield return

Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first goal
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Emery admitted that “talks are ongoing” with the player about his situation, hinting at a possible mid-season resolution.

TEAMtalk reports that Villa are open to terminating the loan early, as they do not plan to activate the £35 million clause that would make the move permanent once Elliott reaches 10 league appearances.

This development could work perfectly in Liverpool’s favour. Should Salah leave in January, Elliott’s early return would provide Arne Slot with a left-footed attacking option capable of playing on the right flank, the very position Salah has owned for years.

Report: Two Liverpool players Klopp will demand at new club if he returns to management 

The post Liverpool already have a replacement in mind if Mo Salah leaves in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa will not sign ‘world-class’ Premier League star

11 December 2025 at 02:58

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that the club will not be exercising their option to sign Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott on a permanent basis.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who arrived at Villa Park on deadline day has struggled for minutes and now faces an uncertain future as he prepares to return to Merseyside.

Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa will not sign Harvey Elliot

Speaking ahead of Aston Villa’s Europa League clash against FC Basel, Emery was candid about the situation, effectively ruling out a long-term stay for the former Fulham prodigy.

The loan deal reportedly included an obligation to buy set at £35 million, contingent on Elliott making 10 appearances for the club.

With only five appearances to his name and having not featured since October, that threshold is unlikely to be met.

Emery said: “We are speaking with him. Hopefully we can get a solution for him to try to play consistently, to continue in his career with us or not.

“He is on loan here, but not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract.”

Elliott’s time in the Midlands has been frustrated by tactical misalignments and stiff competition, with the midfielder failing to displace Villa’s established players.

His last outing came over two months ago, and he has frequently been left out of matchday squads entirely.

Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa during the pre-match warm-up during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Burnley at Villa Park on October...
(Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)

What’s next for Harvey Elliot?

Harvey Elliott is expected to return to Liverpool next month. The midfielder was allowed to leave Anfield in the summer having fallen down the pecking order under Arne Slot.

If Slot remains in charge, it is highly probable that Elliott will be shipped off again, likely on a loan or permanent transfer to a club lower down the Premier League or abroad.

However, given Liverpool’s current situation and the mounting pressure on Slot; should there be a managerial change at Liverpool, Elliott, who has been dubbed as ‘world-class‘ by Glen Johnson, could yet be handed a lifeline to prove his worth at his boyhood club.

The post Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa will not sign ‘world-class’ Premier League star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌
❌