In a stunning turn of events that could reshape Liverpool’s future, sources have revealed a potential bombshell: Mohamed Salah might be on his way out of Anfield at the end of the current season. As the defending Premier League champions grapple with this uncertainty, their search for defensive reinforcements has intensified, with a notable link emerging to former Newcastle United star Lloyd Kelly, who was sold to Juventus for just £20m last summer.
The Mo Salah Saga: A Shock Exit on the Horizon?
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian superstar who has been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack for years, signed a fresh contract extension in April 2025, tying him to the club until the summer of 2027. Despite a public fallout with manager Arne Slot earlier this season—which has since been resolved—the 33-year-old forward’s future is now shrouded in doubt.
Exclusive sources have informed TEAMtalk that there’s a real chance Salah could depart Liverpool this summer (2026). Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reports that the Saudi Pro League is gearing up for another aggressive pursuit of the winger. Al-Ittihad remains the frontrunner in the race, but Al-Nassr has also entered the fray, particularly amid speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo might leave the club.
The Saudis are eager to seal any deal early in the transfer window, aiming to make Salah a marquee signing for their league. Publicly, Liverpool maintains that Salah isn’t going anywhere, emphasizing his importance to the squad. However, behind closed doors, the club is reportedly bracing for his exit and has already begun scouting potential replacements for the ex-Chelsea and AS Roma ace.
This development comes at a pivotal time for the Reds, who are defending their Premier League title and pushing for success in multiple competitions. Losing Salah, who continues to deliver goals and assists at an elite level, would be a massive blow—but it could also free up significant funds for reinvestment.
Liverpool’s Defensive Hunt: Eyes on Lloyd Kelly
With uncertainties in their backline, Liverpool’s recruitment team is actively seeking a new centre-back to bolster Arne Slot’s options. Virgil van Dijk remains the linchpin of the defense, but Ibrahima Konate’s contract expires at season’s end, and Joe Gomez’s injury history adds vulnerability. Young prospects like Jeremy Jacquet will join the squad next season, while Giovanni Leoni is expected back from an ACL injury for the 2026/27 campaign. Recent links have included former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell, but a new name has surfaced: Lloyd Kelly.
According to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale’s post on X (formerly Twitter) at 9:50am on February 13, 2026, Liverpool are among the Premier League “big guns” monitoring Kelly’s situation at Juventus. The 27-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, joined the Italian giants on loan from Newcastle United in the second half of last season before making the move permanent for £20m (€23m, $27.2m) in the summer of 2025.
Di Natale highlighted that Juventus isn’t currently open to selling, but interest from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool could heat up in the summer. Kelly’s valuation has skyrocketed to between €40m and €50m (£34.8m-£43.5m, $47.4m-$59.3m)—more than double what Newcastle received just a year ago. His versatility and strong performances in Serie A make him an attractive target for Liverpool, who need reliable depth to maintain their title challenge.
Broader Transfer Ambitions: Yan Diomande in the Mix?
While the focus is on defense, Liverpool’s financial muscle was underscored by Bild journalist Christian Falk, who confirmed the club can afford a €100m (£87m, $118.7m) splurge on RB Leipzig’s rising star Yan Diomande. The young winger has caught the eye of several top clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United, as a potential long-term attacking option—perhaps even as a Salah successor.
Falk noted on his CF Bayern Insider website that Diomande’s price tag, set by Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff, is steep but within reach for Premier League sides. However, Bayern Munich has cooled interest due to their established left-wing options like Luis Diaz, viewing Diomande as more of a developmental prospect.
What This Means for Liverpool
As the February 15, 2026, date marks another twist in Liverpool’s season, the potential loss of Salah could signal the end of an era. Yet, with smart recruitment—like pursuing Kelly or Diomande—the Reds could emerge stronger. Arne Slot’s side has shown resilience, but addressing these key areas will be crucial to sustaining their dominance.