Liverpool transfer news: FSG could get involved in a wonderkid chase after Chelsea failed to close a deal. The Saudi League’s director has issued a statement.
The transfer window might have closed but there is still plenty of speculation surrounding future plans ahead of January. Liverpool parted ways with both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in the summer and have made some clear upgrades to the midfield in advanced areas.
After FSG resisted attempts from Al-Ittihad to sign Mohamed Salah, it seems only a matter of time before interest in the Egyptian’s signature will resurface. Thankfully, a strong start to the season shows there is less concern over a repeat of last year’s disappointing campaign, with Salah likely to spearhead Liverpool into contention for trophies this time around.
Jürgen Klopp still has some work to do as he continues to complete his squad evolution, though, and Liverpool continues to be linked with players who could be the club’s next addition. With neither Ryan Gravenberch nor Alexis Mac Allister natural defensive midfielders, it won’t be long before the club begins to assess whether the time is right to make a move for a number six.
With prices at an all-time high for landing players in that position, FSG could need to be patient if the right target isn’t there. And there are still some months left for some potential options that haven’t previously been considered to emerge.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today.
Antonio Nusa (Club Brugge)
Liverpool is keeping close tabs on Club Brugge and Norway international star Antonio Nusa, according to 90min.
The Reds are believed to be favorites among a number of Premier League sides who are keen on the 18-year-old, who scored for Norway in their international friendly against Jordan in midweek.
Nusa is also said to have seen a potential late move to Chelsea come to nothing, after a late $32m (£26m/€30m) bid was rejected. That’s a factor that will make him a favorable target among fans after Moisés Caicedo snubbed Anfield for Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Liverpool.com says: Things look promising for Nusa as a potential star for the future, but it seems too early in his career to be excited about a potential move to Liverpool. Primarily a left-winger, he would immediately face difficult competition for minutes against Luis Díáz and Diogo Jota, who are far from in need of replacing right now.
It is positive that Liverpool remains on the lookout for players of the future, but it would be more promising if FSG were on the market for a future Mohamed Salah successor on the opposite flank.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool.
The Saudi Pro League is still interested in signing Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah. League chief Michael Emenalo has spoken on how it was important to conduct Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of the Egypt international in a respectful manner, and how they haven’t closed the door on another pursuit.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “First and foremost, Salah is one of the best players on the planet. I’ve said before, privately and publicly that we welcome anybody that wants to come to the SPL. That includes Salah.
“Nobody is angry, we move on, but we close no doors and if the opportunity is there to do things and do it well, and it brings Mo Salah to the SPL, we’ll be very grateful.”
Liverpool.com says: Al-Ittihad seemed convinced they would sign Salah in the summer despite Liverpool’s strong stance, and as he moves closer to the final year of his contract in January, it would be unsurprising if the Saudi Pro League side, or potentially Al-Hilal, invite Liverpool back to the negotiating table.
Given the promising start Liverpool has made to this season, the worst thing that the club could do is consider selling Salah. Of course, the arguments over a significant fee for a 31-year-old are fair, but the extra money gained by selling Salah before his contract expires could easily be lost if the club then fails to perform, and misses out on important TV money picked up in the Champions League.
If Klopp is convinced that he has a replacement next summer, then Liverpool could be more open, though it is unlikely Salah will have shown much sign of regression in his performances by then.
