Liverpool are reportedly prepared to consider Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Raphinha as potential replacements for Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool reportedly consider Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Raphinha as potential replacements for Mohamed Salah.
The legendary winger has recently entered the final 18 months on his contract at Anfield, it currently unclear whether those terms will be extended.
At one point, it appeared more likely than not, with it being claimed that positive negotiations had been held, but that was before Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be leaving his role as manager at the end of the season.
Since then, and with Salah currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, there have seemingly been minimal developments, yet Liverpool and Salah will soon have decisions to make.
Given Salah’s value and known interest from the Saudi Pro League, the Premier League leaders will not want to risk the Egypt international leaving on a free transfer in 2025.
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Any money generated from a sale would be required to find a suitable alternative to a player who contributed 14 goals and eight assists from 20 league fixtures during 2023-24.
According to Spanish media, as per TEAMtalk, Fati and Raphinha are each on Liverpool’s radar ahead of Salah’s potential exit.
Both players have Premier League experience under their belts, more recently Fati who is spending a season-long loan at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Injury has disrupted the 21-year-old’s time at the Amex Stadium, but four goals and one assist have still come from seven starts and eight substitute outings in all competitions.
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Meanwhile, Raphinha has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona, albeit still making 15 starts and eight substitute outings in La Liga and Champions League fixtures.
Three goals and six assists have been recorded during those outings, yet Barcelona officials view the Brazil international as a player who is available for transfer as they bid to boost their poor FFP position.
The same applies to Fati, who refused to contemplate a permanent switch away from Camp Nou in the summer, and the likelihood is that Barcelona would command at least £50m for each player.
Although clubs are aware of Barcelona’s need to sell, each player remains on a contract until 2027, keeping Barcelona in a relatively-strong position to demand their asking prices.
