Mo Salah leaving Liverpool? Christian Pulisic back to the Premier League? January Transfer Window Preview with Fabrizio Romano, presented by Verizon

0:00You're listening to the Men in Blazers Media Network Suboptimal Radio.

0:16Welcome to a Men in Blazers pod special at the most wonderful time of the year. And I'm not talking about Christmas or Hanukkah or even the New Year itself. I'm talking about the January transfer window. What is Santa going to leave under the tree for your club? The only man who can answer that question and break down all the potential comings and goings is with us now for the first of three very special episodes. We'll be rolling out as we smash towards 2026 from the Here We Go podcast on your Men In Blazers media network. The oracle of football HR moves to one and only Mr Fabrizio Romani. Ciao, my friend.

0:52How are you? Thank you for the introduction. It's always a pleasure to be here and can't wait to deliver news. Come on, some of it. I'm very excited for the blue parts, but the January transfer window is about to open. but this is your time to shine, Fab. I want to know, health-wise, you're about to lose your mind. Before it starts, do you hit the gym? Do you juice cleanse? Do you get some work done? Is there anything you do physically to prepare for the window to open so you're game fit? No, not at all. I just try to sleep a bit more, you know? So I try to rest a bit more before the transfer window opens because it's going to be completely crazy, and it's going to be a completely crazy year.

1:29So there is not only a transfer window, but I'm already thinking, of course, of the World Cup, summer transfer window is going to be mad. So I'm preparing with my sleep. Yeah, when you say sleep a bit more, is that like Tom Brady eating another almond in his daily diet? Are you talking about like 10 minutes more? Exactly. One hour more, maybe. We go from four to five. Live on the wild side, Fab, but let's dive in because we sit here on the precipice of the January transfer window, which is football's answer to one of those great open air markets where there's a fine line between the wonder of an incoming Virgil van Dijk or Martin Erdegaard.

2:05And also you've got your Michaela Mudryx, your Vukveghors. Fab, how does the January transfer window differ to the summer one? The real difference is that things can change very quickly. During the summer transfer window, sometimes it takes a lot of time before you close a deal and it's easier, I would say, also for the clubs to take some time, negotiate. Then in January, sometimes you have to react very fast. Maybe there is an injury, maybe there is a player being sold and so you have to be super super fast and so on the journalistic point of view also you have to be always attentive to what's happening and then this year there is the afcon that's going to be a factor as well with many players going to africa and so this could change also some of the strategies of the club so it's a very fast market and we have to be ready for that before we get into it this episode is brought to you by our good friends at verizon proud supporter of the global game and the players who inspire us on and off the pitch as an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

2:59Verizon is honoured to help share the stories of the world's top players. Stay tuned for more on how Verizon can get you connected to the game we love. Well, let's dive in with the biggest news in football right now, one I don't think any of us honestly saw at the beginning of the season. The one name I wouldn't have ever believed would be leading our January transfer window special is one Mohamed Salah. Fresh off winning the Premier League, the two-year,$532 ,000 a week contract extension signed back in April. And Salah's found himself on the bench for the past three games. The venting in the mix zone was left off a Champions League away day.

3:36And he's kind of in a no-win public spat with his manager on a slot, even by the Premier League scriptwriter standards. Armageddon is breathtaking. How likely is it that Mo Salah actually leaves Liverpool in this window? Look, it's a serious possibility. At the moment, it's not something guaranteed because we have to see what's going to happen and it's still very fresh. So at the moment, there is still nothing advanced in terms of negotiation. But it's a serious possibility because as of today, the relationship with Arnest Lott is really complicated. I would say broken at this stage. And so obviously, Mo Salah agent will start to explore the market for the generally transfer window.

4:09On Liverpool's side, they say, perfect, you want to do your public statements, you want to say what you said, but bring us some proposal if you want to go. And at the moment, there is still nothing on the table. There is strong interest from Saudi, I can confirm that. From Saudi, they wanted Mo Salah three years ago, two years ago, last summer as well. So he's always been a top target and he remains a top target. I think if something is going to happen already in the January window, he's going to be with Saudi. I don't see a European solution at this stage, also because of the contract you were mentioning.

4:35It's really complicated to imagine any European club paying that money, so only in case Mo Salah decides to reduce his salary. So let's see what's going to happen there in terms of relationships, Salah-Liverpool in the upcoming days, before and after the AFCON. but from Saudi, they are really interested. So that could be the solution. Is there any other option that we could see that six pack, that eight pack glistening under their sun? Is this Liverpool, Saudi or nothing? There are no other options. At the moment, zero. At the moment, zero. Then, you know, the market sometimes can change. There could be surprises.

5:05Maybe from the MLS, someone could call. But at the moment, the situation is very quiet. Salah to Columbus crew. Here we go. That would be fantastic. God bless. That's all we need to put football over the top. just Mo whipping his shirt off in the Midwest. I wouldn't know where to look, but what would you put the percentage chance on Mo having played his last game for Liverpool already and we just didn't know it yet? There is a percentage, I would say not over 50 % at this stage because again, it's a fluid situation where the parties are still talking. People at the club are still talking to Mo Salah.

5:36Let's see how Arne's lot will react in the upcoming days to what happened on Sunday. The first reaction was to leave Mo Salah out for the Inter game. But again, there is Brighton. after the AFCON, we have to see what's going to happen there. So at the moment, the situation is still really, really open. I think the message from slot is very clear. If someone has to apologise, it must be Mo Salah first. And so let's see how Mo will react to this. At the moment, it's still really fluid, but I would give it a percentage, to be honest, to say that Mo Salah already played his last game for Liverpool, because again, there is the AFCON, and the market in January is going to be super fast.

6:07So there is a chance. Godspeed, Mo. Liverpool paid$598 million in the transfer and it was meant to supercharge them. Instead, they've gone into one of the most free-falling title defences in Premier League history. Fab, all that money spent this summer, is there any chance Liverpool can now try and spend their way out of this hole or are they going to just have to ride it out with what they brought in in the last window? I think it's not over yet, Liverpool's spending. There is the possibility, even with this Mo Salah case now, to see Liverpool maybe investing more money in the January window.

6:40Again, it's not something guaranteed. Let's see what happens with Mo, but it's a possibility because in the past few weeks, Liverpool, for example, were calling around to understand the situation of Antoine Semenio at Barmout in terms of release clause, how this clause works for the January window. So Liverpool are very attentive to the market still. And then we know there is the Mark Gehi situation for the January window is going to be complicated, but for the summer could be an opportunity on a free. So Liverpool are absolutely active on the market, are not just leaping on what they did in the summer, despite investing, as you mentioned, big, big money.

7:06Let's get into the Mark Gehi issue. I mean, a gent Liverpool could not get over the line. It fell apart on transfer deadline day at the very last. A move not done with incredible intrigue. Crystal Palace round mound the rebound. Mark Gahey, England centre-back, Palace captain, led the team to the FA Cup, the Community Shield victory, and has been soaring again this season. And Fab Gahey has already informed Palace that he's going to leave at the end of his contract this summer. But you have a little quick Google search, and there are so many rumours surrounding him. Even this January, you mentioned Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid.

7:40what is the truth in terms of what you're hearing for that man in this window? The truth is that Liverpool are still there. So Liverpool wanted a player last summer. It was almost done, as you were mentioning. Then the deal was not going through in the final minutes because of what happened with Palace. And so Liverpool are still a solution for Margehi, eventually on a free in the summer transfer window. Then I can guarantee that there have been already two meetings with Bayern. Bayern could look for a centre-back in the summer transfer window. English players feel very comfortable there, as we can see with Eric Kane.

8:09He's German now. He's German now. And Marc Gehi is also one of the targets for Bayern. So already two meetings took place. Let's see what happens with Ufamecano, because Ufamecano is a crucial piece of this puzzle. If Ufamecano decides to extend his contract at Bayern, maybe for Gehi it could be a different solution. If Ufamecano leaves on a free as well, Gehi could be a serious name, a serious target for Bayern. And then there is interest from Spain as well, because also Spanish clubs are keen. Barcelona called to be informed, Real Madrid did the same. At the moment it's not advanced. So I would say these four clubs at the moment, to be realistic.

8:40Some rumours also on Italian clubs, but I'm told it is impossible to make it happen for Italian clubs. So let's see what's going to happen there. But for sure, Marghe is leaving Palace and the attention is serious. I think the Bayern situation is interesting and it's going to be crucial to see what happens with Upamecano. Another player you've mentioned we should dive into is Bournemouth just won the king, Anton Semenyo. Six goals, three assists this season for your Las Vegas Golden War Cherries. He's building on the 11-goal campaign last season, but a reported$86.5 million release clause could free him in January.

9:14Fab, where could we see the Ghana international land in this window? There is a lot of attention in this one, because Semenyo has serious possibilities, I would say in this case more than 50%, to leave Barmout in the generally transfer window. It depends on the player, because interest in the player is concrete. Now he has to decide whether he wants to complete the season at Barmout or maybe go already mid-season. I can mention for sure Liverpool. Liverpool are interested in the player. Liverpool appreciate the player, but we have to see if they decide to invest this money. I want to mention as well Tottenham.

9:42Tottenham wanted Antoine Semenio last summer. That was not possible. And now also doesn't seem easy for Tottenham to convince the player. So let's see what's going to happen there. And then Man City. Man City want to sign an important winger in 2026. Semenio is one of the names, not the only one, but one of the names they are monitoring. I'm not sure it's going to be January. City have to decide whether they will go for a winger in January or in the summer. but winger is a key position for City in 2026. So these three clubs are very attentive to the situation as well. Many people asking about May United.

10:11May United love the player. Amorim loves the player. He also had a direct contact with the player last summer but May United already invested big money in that position with Cunha last summer so at the moment nothing concrete yet. So let's see let me remind just one thing 65 million pounds is the value of the release clause valid until 10th of January. So after that the clause is no longer valid so must be a quick deal.

10:35You mentioned Manchester United. I love the way you're pushing me towards the next question all the time. What a talent you are. So many rumours swirling around their midfield. And some of the most delectable names in the Premier League link. Nottingham Forest, Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Vision King, Adam Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Beliba. Which one will be given the Golden Clippers and be charged with giving poor Frank Illit a shape-up? Look, if there is a player May United put on top, top, top of their list, for sure is Baleba. Baleba is a player they absolutely love. Last summer they tried to make it happen.

11:09It was beginning out of August, but it was impossible to negotiate with Brighton. Then, I'm not saying that the other two are not targets. They are targets as well. And of course, for a top club like Man United, you need to be prepared for all situations. So for sure, Anderson is on the list, 100%. And Adam Wharton as well. So these three players are all on the short list. But what I can say is that Baleba has always been seen as the top target for Ruben Amorim because he can bring also in terms of quality but also intensity, something that he really wants in the midfield. And so let's see what's going to happen there.

11:36May United are preparing important signings in midfield in 2026. The point is, in January, these three names are very unlikely to be available on the market. So it's possible that May United consider some opportunity on the January window, maybe on loan or maybe some name that could be available on the market, and then go for a top, top midfielder in August, in July, whether it's not going to be possible in the January transfer win. So let's follow that situation. But what I can guarantee is that May United will sign one or maybe two midfielders, important midfielders, in 2026. Let's just give Arsenal fans some joy and talk about their possibilities.

12:11Super Mick Arteta battling so many injuries with that squad as they battle for both the Premier League and the Champions League, fighting on two fronts. What's the pathway for Arsenal in this window? Look, at the moment, it's very quiet, I would say. Arsenal is very quiet, also because now Gabriel Jesus is also back. Kayavers is going to be back very soon. So at the moment, the situation is very quiet around Arsenal. The main focus is on contracts, from what I'm hearing. So they want to keep the players they have more than adding new players in January as of now. Then there are injuries, there are surprises.

12:38But as of now, it's very quiet. So I expect Arsenal to accelerate a new contract for Bukayo Saka very soon. The agreement is getting closer. And so I think this could be the next one. Jadion Timber as well. Then in 2026, they will talk to Deca and Rice and offer him a new deal. So Arsenal are really focused on new contracts. and at the moment is quiet in terms of new sounds. Another club looking to add some attacking depth, possibly, or at least some bubble wrap to the doors in Cole Palmer's home, Chelsea Football Club. Who could be making their way to Stamford Bridge in January? When I say one person, it's probably multiple.

13:08Yeah, we have to see what they find on the market because, you know, it's not easy in January to find players with the skills wanted by Chelsea. Chelsea, we know how they work on the market, how is their policy, and they're looking for the newest eval rather than going for an emergency solution in January. So that is going to be the mentality. What I can mention to you as of today, as guaranteed, is they are adding new wonder kids for the future. So a centre-back is going to be for 2028. Dainer Rodonnes, Ecuadorian from Independiente del Valle is already done. Yesterday they signed Zombo, who is a midfielder from Burkina Faso, 16 years old, one of the best players at the Under-17 World Cup.

13:43So I know these names maybe today are not exciting, but in the future they believe they're going to be very exciting. There is Giovanni Kenda from Sporting arriving in the summer. So Chelsea believe they already prepare the future. Then if there is an opportunity in January, we will see. But at the moment, still nothing imminent. What about Spurs, Fab? There's a lot of talk that are in the hunt for Semenya, which you mentioned. But if they cannot land him, what points will Thomas Frank cast his line into? Yeah, they will explore the market for sure. They will. They are looking at opportunities.

14:11As always, in terms of January window, you have to be ready on that kind of options. For sure, Semenya is a player they love. He's a player approved in terms of directors, in terms of management and in terms of coaching staff. So Thomas Frank would love to have Semenio. But at the moment, the difficult part is to reach an agreement with the player. So let's see. At the moment for Tottenham, it's still the moment to explore. It's still quite early to mention other names. Semenio is a dream target, let's say like this. He's a player they already had on their short list last summer. Let's see what's going to happen in the January win.

14:37You know, I have to contractually ask about them because last time we spoke over the summer, you broke the glorious news about the possibility of Jack Grealish's calves arriving on loan at Everton. This is purely objective, this part of the conversation. Who are Everton signing in this window and whatever position they play, can they play striker? Look, at the moment, still nothing imminent. I can guarantee to you, Everton are not desperate to add players in general, if there is the right opportunity, but they are not desperate for that. So they are looking at opportunities, for sure. But at the moment, what I'm told is patience, still nothing really imminent.

15:10So I'm sorry for you, but I'm sure very soon I will have updates, so we will stay in touch. I'm sorry for David Moyes. Grealish has arrived on loan. Everton made all the right noises about Zion permanently. Grealish has cooed back. Can we afford him? I think it's a possibility to find a solution with Manchester City, because what I'm told is that Jack Grealish has no way back in Manchester City, so they believe that chapter is completely closed, and that's good news for Everton. He's very happy there. He's very happy with Everton. So I think they have a chance to find a solution. If all parties go in the same direction, they have a chance because with City it's over, because the player is very happy at Everton.

15:44And so they can try to find a solution, a financial solution, I would say, altogether. Can you stop tweeting at all for the next couple of years about the demigod Illy and Dye? How long will he be an Everton player, fam? I know it's not easy because when you have this kind of quality players, there is always a tension in the market. At the moment, I will stay calm and enjoy the player, to be honest. Then let's see, because the summer, you know, after the World Cup, always things are going to move. But at the moment, I don't want to spread panic. So let's enjoy the play. If you stop tweeting about him, man cannot move.

16:17He can be ours forever.

16:21From one of my loves to the other, US men's national team, rumours that Manchester United and Aston Villa are looking to lure Christian Pulisic back to England. By all accounts, he's loving life in Milan, thriving again there this season. but he's yet to sign a new deal, wants to hear about the club's future plans. Is Christian Pulisic back to the Premier League? Is it any kind of possibility, Fab? Look, at the moment I can guarantee there is zero in terms of concrete context for negotiations because for Milan he's more than an important player. He's the player in this moment. Together with Rafa Leao who's doing fantastic as well but Pulisic is absolutely leading the team and we saw against Torino and not only this season.

17:00So he's considered as an untouchable player for Milan. So I don't think there is going to be a move back to the Premier League. Interest is normal, absolutely normal, when there is this kind of fantastic player. But I'm told in terms of concrete contacts, nothing. And I expect Milan to return to the table very soon and try to offer him a better deal and to find a solution with the boy. Before we go, a quick reminder. This episode has been brought to you by our good friends at Verizon. Proud supporter of the global game and the players who inspire us on and off the pitch. As an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Verizon's honored to help share the stories of the world's top players.

17:35Stay tuned for more on how Verizon can get you connected to the game we love. Name one player that we've not discussed who will be shocked by a move in January, Fab. Good question. Let me think about it because, for example, I would mention someone at Manchester United, maybe Kobe Meno. I think Kobe Meno could be one of the big names for the January window because now it's gone quite on the English press and I understand that because for May United, the point is that several players will go for the AFCON. And so Ruben Amorim doesn't want to lose players as they have their own players in Africa for a few weeks.

18:08But maybe after that, there is a chance that they find a solution for Kobe Meno because he's not playing. He wants to play. There is a World Cup to play in the summer. And trust me, there are more than 10 clubs interested in getting Kobe Meno loan. One club I want to mention here with you is Napoli. Could be the new Scott McTominay in Napoli. That's what they believe. So let's see. They're going to pay him in tomatoes. Conor Gallagher to where? Conor Gallagher is a good point because Atletico Madrid don't want to give him a loan. Atletico Madrid are insisting permanent transfer, 30 million euros or nothing.

18:36And you know, at the moment for that kind of fee is complicated, but sometimes the market is magic. You can go from permanent to loan during the window. And so let's see, in case it's going to be a loan, remember that, for example, May United wanted the player in the final days of the summer window. So if you can't get maybe your super top targets, Gallagher could be a good solution. But let's see. Come to Everton, you beautiful human being. Fab, you're an incredible man. We will be back next week. I love that line. The market is magic. We'll be back on Christmas Eve Eve where we're going to do a special episode taking your questions, dear listeners, on all of this to come in this transfer window.

19:10Until next time, Fab, arrivederci. Thank you. See you soon. Ciao, ciao, ciao.