UNBELIEVABLE £75m forward passes Liverpool audition

Liverpool are coming towards a very significant crossroads with Mohamed Salah.

Although the Egyptian King is contracted to the Premier League champions until 2027, it looks increasingly likely that he will move in the January transfer window.

The 33-year-old caused ructions owing to an interview given following the club’s 3-3 draw with Leeds last weekend. Banished for the subsequent Champions League assignment at Inter, it’s not currently known whether Salah will even play for the club again.

He is due to jet out to the Africa Cup of Nations next week alongside his Egypt teammates and if the Pharaohs reach the final then he will be out of action until the closing stages of January.

By then sporting director Richard Hughes may have found a buyer for Salah - who is attracting significant interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool already look light in the wide areas without Salah in the ranks - given Slot refuses to start Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha under any circumstances.

Rodrygo passes Liverpool 'audition'

The Reds could therefore opt to go into the market for a new player to replace Salah in January.

And one player on the club’s long-term shopping list - Real Madrid forward Rodrygo - certainly impressed in his Anfield audition on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old has been a fading force for large parts of 2025 - with a goalless streak extending to 32 matches from March to December.

The Brazil international’s future has looked precarious at the Bernabeu ever since Xabi Alonso took over - with the new coach simply not trusting the two-time Champions League winner.

But perceptions certainly changed following Rodrygo’s sensational outing against Manchester City in the Champions League. Although Los Blancos lost 2-1 at home, Rodrygo was singled out for praise by opposition coach Pep Guardiola afterwards.

Pep hails UNBELIEVABLE Rodrygo

“I went to Rodrygo and I told him: what a player you are… he’s really unbelievable,” Pep said.

It was a stunning reminder of what he is capable of - and a big incentive for Liverpool to make a bid in January.

Rodrygo was only playing due to the number of absences in the Real Madrid attack and midfield and should not now be considered an automatic favourite of Alonso.

He will likely find himself relegated back to the bench once Kylian Mbappe is fit - and this is a deal Liverpool should be all over.

Michael Edwards tried to sign Rodrygo back in 2019 before left Santos for Real Madrid and although the player is contracted until 2028 the time could be right for a bid.

Madrid quote £75m for Rodrygo

Against City he scored a brilliant goal, created several chances and completed four of his six cross attempts. Were it not for poor finishing from Vinicius Junior he could well have had an assist to go along with his goal.

Named from the right, Rodrygo popped up in combination with Vini on the left, exuding a calmness in possession and carrying Madrid up-field.

He would be very useful on either side of the Liverpool attack for the second half of the season.

Madrid may well seek up to £75m for Rodrygo - which could prove to be a snip if he can once again discover his best form on a consistent basis. The next few weeks will be very interesting indeed to see if this Rodrygo renaissance can endure.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 A new centre-back is COMING to Liverpool

👉🏻 Liverpool finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with brilliant playmaker

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool