According to reports, Liverpool is looking at Ansu Fati and Raphinha of Barcelona as possible Mohamed Salah substitutes.
The renowned winger’s contract at Anfield is about to expire in 18 months, and it is not yet apparent whether it will be renewed.
Positive talks had supposedly been had at one time, when it seemed more probable than not, but that was before Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be stepping down as manager at the conclusion of the current campaign.
There haven’t seemed to be many changes since then, and Salah is still out due to a hamstring injury, but Liverpool and Salah will soon need to make choices.
Salah’s worth and the Saudi Pro League’s acknowledged interest in him make it unlikely that the Premier League’s executives would allow the Egypt international to go on a free transfer in 2025.
The proceeds from the sale would have to be used to identify a worthy replacement for a player who finished 20 league games with 14 goals and 8 assists in 2023–24.
According to Spanish media, which TEAMtalk reported, Liverpool is keeping an eye on both Fati and Raphinha in anticipation of Salah’s potential departure.
Both players have played in the Premier League before, with Fati most recently joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan.
Injury has hampered the 21-year-old’s time at Amex Stadium, but despite this, he has made seven starts and eight substitute appearances across all competitions, accounting for four goals and one assist.
Raphinha, however, has plummeted in Barcelona’s hierarchy while continuing to start 15 games and use eight substitutes in La Liga and Champions League matches.
Despite recording three goals and six assists in seven games, Barcelona executives believe the Brazil international is a transfer candidate as they want to improve their dismal FFP ranking.
The same goes for Fati, who in the summer declined to consider making a permanent move from Camp Nou, and it’s likely that Barcelona would want at least £50 million for each player.
Clubs are aware that Barcelona has to sell, but since each player has a contract that expires in 2027, Barcelona is in a reasonably strong position to demand the prices they want.
