Liverpool monitoring Barcelona pair amid Saudi’s interest in Salah

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on August 27, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on August 27, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Barcelona starlets Ez Abde and Ansu Fati are reported to be on Liverpool’s shortlist as part of their contingency plan in the event Mo Salah is lured by the riches of Saudi Arabia.

SPL outfit Al-Ittihad, who have already signed Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, are thought to be plotting an ambitious move to sign Salah from Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp has so far insisted the Reds have no intention to consider proposals for their talisman, but considering how clubs from the Gulf Kingdom have thrown eye-watering contracts and transfer fees to sign some of the biggest names in Europe, including Barca transfer target Neymar, it won’t be wise to rule out anything before the summer window slams shut.

Liverpool knock on Barcelona’s door for Salah’s potential replacement

According to SPORT, the Merseyside outfit have approached the Catalan giants to understand the situation of both Abde and Fati. It’s understood that Klopp is studying how to ‘cover the possible departure’ of the club’s all-time leading Premier League goal scorer.

Liverpool have communicated to the officials at Camp Nou that they would be interested in signing one of the two wingers should Salah make the move to Saudi.

Xavi is unlikely to happily sanction Abde’s exit, as his ability to take on defenders is really appreciated at the club. With Ousmane Dembélé out of the door, it won’t be far-fetched to say the Moroccan is the best dribbler at Barcelona. He has the potential to be a valuable asset off the bench against tiring backlines this season.

However, all signs point to the door being wide open for Fati to leave. The Spain international is also on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton. Accordingly, Liverpool have to act fast if they want to secure the right-footed winger’s services ahead of their Premier League counterparts.