Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool‘s talisman since he arrived at Anfield. But the forward will enter into the final 12 months of his contract from June. Liverpool are yet to offer another contract to the Egyptian. Also, Salah has hinted a few times this season that he is not sure about his future and it can lie elsewhere as well.
The current Premier League champions have failed to live up to the expectations of fans this season. Following Manchester City’s win over Leicester City, they are out of the title race and face a tough competition to finish inside the top four. If at all Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League for the next season, will Salah stay with the Reds?
If he opts to move elsewhere, what are the possible alternatives Jurgen Klopp can look at?
3. Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
Dembele is one of the brightest talents in the world but the Frenchman has struggled to establish himself at Barcelona. In 22 games in La Liga this season, Dembele has scored just four goals and assisted only twice. His best performances have come in the Champions League this year. In six games, he has three goals and two assists to his name.
The 23-year old Frenchman is an amazing dribbler and prefers to cut inside with the ball. Something that Klopp demands from his wingers so that full-backs can take up attacking positions higher up the pitch. Liverpool’s arch-rivals, Manchester United, have often been linked with this 2018 World Cup winner. Thus, it will be interesting which side goes all-out for him, in case he is made available.
2. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
Sancho is another player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford very strongly over the last 12 months. The 21-year old superstar is one of Dortmund’s most prized asset and thus won’t come cheaply. In 21 Bundesliga games this season, Sancho has found the back of the net six times and recorded 9 assists.
His preferred position is on the right flank but is flexible enough to play in different positions. Just like Dembele, Sancho is a strong dribbler of the ball and has a great vision to create opportunities galore. If Salah is allowed to leave, Sancho will be a robust replacement.
1. Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Without a doubt, the best alternative has to be Kylian Mbappe. The 22-year old, Mbappe, is one of the biggest superstars in football. At this tender age, he has achieved those milestones which many players can’t achieve even after playing for years at the top. He has the highest goal involvements in the Ligue 1 this season with 20 goals and six assists.
It won’t be long before he is rewarded with the ultimate individual recognition, the Ballon d’Or. If Liverpool can bring this French player to Anfield, they will be the favourites to win almost every competition next season. No need to say that some serious financial backing will be required to force PSG to sell their star player. Can Liverpool pull this deal off?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored