Liverpool have four options to replace Mohamed Salah after Saudi transfer ‘green light’ | Football | Sport
Liverpool might be forced to make a big purchase in the summer window if Mohamed Salah leaves for the Saudi Pro League. The prospect of an exit has rumbled on for some time and it seems the 33-year-old could finally depart Anfield at the end of the season. His agent is reportedly in talks with Al-Ittihad, who previously saw a £150million offer rejected by the Reds.
Salah is said to have approved those talks and is ‘much more open’ to a move than he was before, with a deal at the right price able to satisfy all parties. It would leave Liverpool needing to replace their most influential player in recent memory, which would be no small task. Only a few in world football would be able to step into Salah’s shoes and every one of them would be hugely expensive.
Express Sport takes a look at four potential candidates for Liverpool to consider…
He is believed to be on Liverpool’s radar and would be a solid long-term replacement for Salah should the Egyptian depart in the summer.
The Reds are reportedly preparing to battle the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal for his signature, with time of the essence when it comes to snapping him up.
Bradley Barcola
Barcola would be an exceptional signing for Liverpool, with his skill and trickery having played a key role in helping PSG to establish themselves as Europe’s unstoppable force.
He has only started 12 league games this season but is far too good to play second fiddle to the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Liverpool would be able to offer him a starring role in the absence of Salah, which would be mutually beneficial given his world-class ability and huge potential for future growth. He usually plays on the left but is more than capable of shining on the opposite flank.
Raphinha
The former Leeds United man has developed into one of the world’s best wingers since leaving Elland Road for sunny Barcelona in 2022.
He has scored a hatful of goals over the last few seasons and is the sort of star player Liverpool should be looking for when it comes to replacing Salah.
However, it will be extremely tough to prise him away from the Nou Camp with Barcelona almost certain to resist any bids. That said, their well-documented financial troubles could make a nine-figure offer too tempting to turn down.
Michael Olise
Another player to have flourished since leaving the Premier League, the Frenchman would be a very effective option to succeed Salah in Liverpool’s front line.
This season alone, he has scored 10 goals and registered a further 18 assists in just 21 league appearances for Bayern Munich.
A return to familiarity might appeal to Olise, who was born and raised in England. However, he remains tied down at the Allianz Arena until 2029, meaning the German champions are under no financial pressure to sell him.
