Liverpool Faces Challenge in Replacing Mohamed Salah’s Departure
Liverpool has encountered a significant issue regarding the right side of their attack following the decision by Richard Hughes to allow Mohamed Salah to leave for free, ending his £400k per week contract one year early.
With their top target to replace the 34-year-old, Yan Diomande, seemingly staying at RB Leipzig, the prospects appear grim, as Paris Saint-Germain emerges as a likely future destination for the Ivorian.
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Liverpool’s Struggles in the Transfer Market
Other players mentioned as potential replacements include Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Yankuba Minteh, and Said El Mala, but the leading contender currently seems to be Bradley Barcola. However, the costs associated with the PSG winger could exceed £130 million before accounting for wages, prompting Hughes and Andoni Iraola to consider contingency options, including internal solutions.
In-House Alternatives Under Consideration
Recently, a report suggested that Jeremie Frimpong may see increased opportunities as a right-sided attacker rather than in his usual right-back position next season.
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Furthermore, reports indicate that Harvey Elliott is being evaluated as a potential alternative to Salah for the upcoming season. Football Insider reports that Iraola intends to give Elliott a chance to prove himself during preseason.
“Andoni Iraola is planning to offer Harvey Elliott a chance to impress in pre-season to win his place back in the Liverpool squad,” states the report.
“Iraola is keen to take a look at Elliott and will include him in his plans for next season if he impresses in training.
“The Reds are eager to enhance their attacking options this summer after Mo Salah’s departure, with Elliott potentially set to rejoin the squad.”
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Elliott’s Contract Situation
Elliott returned to the AXA Training Centre following an unproductive loan spell at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old was anticipated to finalize a £35 million transfer after his year on loan, but the Villans decided against the deal.
The England under-21 player now finds himself back on Merseyside with only one year left on his contract and has already had discussions with Iraola regarding his future role.
With Richard Hughes facing difficulties in securing a suitable replacement for Salah, Elliott may very well become an important player as the Premier League season approaches next month.