Barcelona enter race to sign Mohamed Salah, Al Hilal want Liverpool star for Club World Cup – Paper Round
Published 06/11/2024 at 00:02 GMT
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The race to capture Mohamed Salah's signature is heating up, with Barcelona and Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal interested in signing the Liverpool star next summer. The former are said to be weighing up a move for the 32-year-old, while the latter would like to sign him before the Club World Cup in 2025. Elsewhere, The Reds have made a shortlist to potentially replace Andy Robertson at left-back.
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Barca enter race to sign Salah
Barcelona have entered the race to sign Mohamed Salah on a free this summer, according to a report in the Mail.
Salah’s contract with The Reds expires at the end of the season and Arne Slot recently told TNT Sports Brazil that it is an issue for the Egyptian and the club to sort.
“Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Mohamed Salah once his contract with Liverpool expires in the summer,” writes the outlet.
“Salah scored the winner in a comeback win over Brighton on Saturday and posted on X the following afternoon with a note that read: 'No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.'
“Some fans took that as a hint that he could be leaving this summer, with the 32-year-old's contract set to run out at the end of the current season as it stands.
“It is the second time he has publicly discussed his future after previously saying this was his 'last season at the club'.
“With that in mind, reports in Spain now claim that Barcelona could enter the race to sign the Egyptian having previously tried to sign him in 2022.
“According to Sport, the Egyptian winger would be open to change his scene and supposedly likes the Barcelona project.
“The outlet claim that Barcelona's top priority is Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams however Salah has been added to the list, should they fail to sign the Spaniard.”
Al Hilal want Salah before Club World Cup starts in June
Al Hilal are desperate to sign Mohamed Salah before next summer’s Club World Cup, claims a report.
The speculation regarding the 32-year-old is only intensifying, and now the Mirror reports that the Saudi Arabian champions are stepping up their interest.
“Saudi Arabian champions Al-Hilal want to sign Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in time for next summer's Club World Cup,” reads the article.
“Salah, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season, with his current deal expiring on June 30. The Egypt international has been heavily linked with a move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League in recent years, with then-champions Al-Ittihad seeing their £150million bid rejected by Liverpool last summer.
“Since then, Salah has indicated on multiple occasions that the 2024-25 campaign will mark his final season at Liverpool. On Saturday, after scoring the winning goal in the Reds' 2-1 victory at home to Brighton, the forward posted a cryptic message on social media.
“Three days later, talkSPORT are reporting that Al-Hilal have made plans to sign Salah in a lucrative deal before the newly-expanded Club World Cup kicks off on June 15. The reigning Saudi champions have qualified for the 32-team tournament in the United States, with Manchester City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.
“Given the fact that Salah's contract doesn't expire until the end of June, however, it may be difficult for Al-Hilal to orchestrate a free transfer in their preferred time frame.”
Liverpool draw up shortlist to replace Robertson
Liverpool have reportedly made a shortlist of potential replacements for Andy Robertson at left-back.
According to a report in The Sun, there are “question marks over how long” Robertson will be an “automatic starter” for Arne Slot’s side.
“Liverpool are tracking three left backs as potential long-term replacements for Andy Robertson,” reads the article.
“The Scottish international, 30, was on the bench at the weekend, and there are question marks over how long he will be an automatic starter for the Merseysiders.
“And although new boss Arne Slot has shown faith in Kostas Tsimiskas, 28, SunSport understands the club have made recruiting a left-back one of their key priorities.
“Two players high on Liverpool’s wishlist are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and the impressive David Raum from RB Leipzig.
“Both are seen as potential first-team players who could fit into Liverpool’s system.
“Scouts have watched both players several times this season.
“It is believed Slot is personally involved with the process and will play a key role in all future recruitment decisions.
“Liverpool are also tracking Ipswich’s impressive Leif Davis, who has made a strong start to the season for The Tractor Boys despite their difficult introduction to the Premier League.
“Slot believes Robertson is paying the price for playing with an injury last season but thinks he will recapture his flying form.”
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