Will Liverpool Keep Salah this Summer?
The 2017/18 season is yet to end but already speculation is brewing regarding potential transfers this summer. One of the big names being discussed is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian joined Liverpool from Roma last summer and it seems strange to be thinking he could make another move having spent just 12 months at Anfield. However, the way the transfer system works and the power players have in the modern game means anything is possible.
Salah has enjoyed an incredible season for Liverpool and his goal scoring exploits have attracted the biggest clubs in world football.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid seem set to offload Gareth Bale this summer, as the Welshman has struggled for fitness and a regular place in the Real Madrid starting XI. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s advancing years meaning he is no longer a viable option on one of the flanks, this leaves Zinedine Zidane’s team short in the attacking third.
That’s where Salah comes in and if Real Madrid come knocking, it is very hard to prevent them from getting their man. Liverpool will be hoping a bid does not materialise because if it does, they will be in for a very difficult battle to keep the forward.
According to Don Balon, a Spanish outlet famous for its bold transfer claims, Salah has demanded the No.11 shirt, which is the one currently occupied by Bale. If Bale was to leave, perhaps Liverpool could conduct a cash and player deal but Bale’s wages are sure to be a stumbling block and Liverpool will struggle to meet them.
Barcelona
Another potential suitor for Salah this summer is Barcelona. The Catalan giants have sealed the Spanish title this season but failed in the Champions League and Salah’s brilliance in that competition will not have gone unnoticed at the Camp Nou.
With Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi continuing to carry the bulk of the attacking play for Barcelona, something is going to have to give and the pair need someone to help with the workload. With Andres Iniesta leaving at the end of this season, Philippe Coutinho is expected to take his position in the team, leaving room for one more world class forward.
Salah would be an excellent addition to the Barcelona attack, allowing Suarez to remain as the central striker and Messi to drop into the deeper positions and dictate the play. With Liverpool being linked with a move for Ousmane Dembele, the potential is there for another player plus cash deal involving Salah.
If the Egyptian forward has a good World Cup, it will only add to the desire of Real Madrid and Barcelona to land Salah and Liverpool could have a huge fight on their hands to keep their star man after just one year at the club.