Report: Liverpool Receive ‘Green Light’ to Sign £68m Premier League Star Next Summer | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah’s Future at Liverpool: What Comes Next?

Liverpool’s quiet summer transfer window raised more than a few eyebrows, with Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili being the only notable additions. While Mamardashvili was loaned back to Valencia, Chiesa is now the primary new face in the squad for the 2024/25 season. However, with Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain, Liverpool may find themselves forced into a marquee transfer move sooner than expected.

Salah’s Uncertain Future

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star forward, has been central to the club’s success in recent years. But now, his contract situation has thrown doubt over his long-term future at Anfield. According to The Liverpool Echo, “Transfer rule might force Liverpool into an early Mohamed Salah contract decision.” This looming decision is crucial, especially if Salah does not sign a new deal soon.

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The January transfer window could become a pivotal moment for the Reds. Should Salah decide not to extend his contract, Liverpool may feel compelled to bring in a big-name replacement. With clubs like Manchester United circling around Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, it’s no surprise that Liverpool have also been linked to the young England international.

Eberechi Eze as a Potential Target

One of the exciting prospects for Liverpool could be Eberechi Eze. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has been exceptional for Crystal Palace, catching the eyes of both Manchester City and now Manchester United. As The Liverpool Echo explains, “It’s thought that Eze will have a release clause in his contract worth £68 million, which can be activated in 2025.”

While Eze remains at Palace for the time being, his talent and versatility would make him an ideal candidate to bolster Liverpool’s midfield or even act as a potential successor to Salah. With a creative spark and the ability to score goals, Eze could be exactly what Liverpool needs if their Egyptian talisman departs.

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Although these rumours have not gained significant traction yet, it would be a smart move for Liverpool to keep an eye on Eze, particularly if Salah leaves Anfield in the near future. The Manchester Evening News has already reported that Manchester United are seriously considering him, which could spark a bidding war when the time comes.

Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy Moving Forward

Liverpool’s transfer strategy under Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has often been more measured than that of their Premier League rivals. But as Salah’s contract uncertainty grows, the need to secure top-tier talent may become urgent. Liverpool’s future could very well hinge on whether or not Salah stays, and if he doesn’t, they’ll need to act quickly to remain competitive.

Midfield reinforcements are already an area of need, and with the rumoured interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool clearly have their sights set on bolstering that area. Despite Zubimendi’s decision to remain with his boyhood club for now, the Spanish international is still a player that Liverpool could pursue in the future.

FSG’s Approach to Big-Money Transfers

Liverpool’s owners, FSG, have often opted for a conservative approach when it comes to big-money transfers. However, the possibility of losing Salah could force them to make an exception. With £68 million potentially enough to trigger Eze’s release clause, FSG may well find themselves in a position where they have to spend big to maintain the quality of their squad.

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The Liverpool Echo acknowledges the growing pressure on the club, stating, “Liverpool will have a greater understanding of what their squad needs are when it comes to identifying reinforcements.” If Salah leaves, the urgency to replace him with a marquee signing will be undeniable.

While Federico Chiesa has been a key addition for the Reds this summer, he alone cannot fill the gap that Salah would leave behind. Arne Slot and FSG will need to decide whether to stick to their cautious transfer approach or make a bold move to ensure Liverpool stays competitive at the highest level.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The news of Eberechi Eze being a potential target is thrilling. While Salah has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack, his departure would open the door for fresh talent and a new style of play. Eze, with his agility, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, seems tailor-made for a team like Liverpool.

There’s no denying that losing Salah would be painful, but sometimes change can bring new opportunities. Eze could provide Liverpool with an exciting new dimension in attack. His versatility in playing both as an attacking midfielder and a winger makes him the perfect candidate for Slot’s dynamic system. In fact, many fans might argue that signing Eze wouldn’t just be a reaction to Salah’s potential exit but a move towards building a more well-rounded, future-proof team.

The £68 million price tag for Eze, while hefty, is entirely justified considering the impact he could have at Anfield. If FSG is willing to break the bank for him, it could mark the beginning of a new, exciting era for Liverpool. And who knows? Maybe Slot could even get the best out of both Chiesa and Eze, making Liverpool’s attack one of the most unpredictable in Europe.

Liverpool fans should be excited about the future, even with the potential departure of Salah. The club has a knack for identifying talent, and if Eze is on their radar, it’s a move that could pay off in the long term.