Liverpool want to sign Barcelona attacker as replacement if they fail to renew Mohamed Salah’s contract: Reports
Liverpool have reportedly identified Barcelona winger Raphinha as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is in the final year of contract at Anfield and while extension talks are said to be ongoing, the club are also planning for life without him.
As per El Nacional, Liverpool are hoping to keep hold of Salah and agree to an extension with him. However, in case he leaves, they are prepared to approach Barcelona for Raphinha.
The Brazil international has been a crucial component of manager Hansi Flick's system at the Catalan club. He has already matched his best-ever goal tally in LaLiga (seven in the 2022/23 season) in just about four months of the ongoing term and looks good for more.
Barcelona are thus hoping that Liverpool manage to extend Salah's contract so as to keep them from approaching Raphinha. The 27-year-old's contract with the Catalan giants runs until the summer of 2027.
Should Raphinha end up leaving Camp Nou for Anfield, the Blaugrana have identified Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential replacement.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot refuses to comment on Mohamed Salah's future
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been understandably quizzed about the future of his superstar player Mohamed Salah. However, when asked about the same earlier this month, he chose to instead focus on how the Egyptian can contribute at Anfield.
He told TNT Sports Brazil (via EuroSport):
"The only thing I think about is he is so important for us. Scores important goals, works hard for the team. I’m hoping he can enjoy that feeling many, many, many more times. Especially if I’m here but also if I’m not here. I’m hoping he can do this many more times.
"He’s been incredible for Liverpool over the past eight years. He’s been incredible for us this season and I hope he can continue doing this for the rest of the season and maybe longer to come, but that’s up to him and the club to find the idea about the future."
Salah has been with the Reds since July 2017 and has grown into one of their and Premier League's greatest-ever players. In 366 appearances across competitions for the club, he has scored 221 goals and provided 99 assists.
In over seven years at the club, he has won eight trophies, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.