Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly already identified Federico Chiesa as Mohamed Salah’s replacement if the Egyptian completes a shock exit from Anfield. Salah has been strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia but it remains to be seen if the Reds accept a deal this late in the transfer window.
Al-Ittihad are desperate to land the forward on a mega-money contract, with reports suggesting he has been ‘tempted’ by the riches of the Saudi Pro League. It is claimed that the Egyptian has been offered a huge £191million deal, which would make him the world’s best-paid player.
Liverpool are unlikely to sell at this stage in the window but it is reported that they are still looking for alternatives. Juventus ace Chiesa has been frequently linked with Anfield and would be a natural replacement for Salah.
Klopp is apparently keen for the Italy international to replace Salah, should he depart. However, Juventus are supposedly likely to demand around £60m at this stage in the window.
That is according to the print edition of TuttoSport, who claim that Klopp is already seeking alternatives for Salah if the worst happens before next Friday’s transfer deadline. Chiesa’s excellent start to the Serie A season – including a goal against Udinese on Sunday – has reportedly put him in Liverpool’s sights.
However, Klopp will hope that Salah will remain beyond the end of the transfer window. He has insisted that Liverpool will reject any approach from Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere.
“It’s difficult to talk about media stories, as there’s nothing to talk about from our point of view. Mo is a Liverpool player, he’s essential,” the German said on Friday.
“There’s nothing there. If there would be something, the answer would be no.”
Salah signed a two-year contract extension last summer, ensuring he remains at Liverpool until 2025. One of his representatives, Ramy Abass Issa, insisted earlier this summer that the deal would not have been signed if there was a possibility Salah might leave.
Responding to speculation, he tweeted: “If we considered leaving LFC this year, we wouldn’t have renewed the contract last summer. Mohamed remains committed to LFC.”
Chiesa would be an excellent replacement for Salah. Having shone for Italy at the 2020 European Championship, the 25-year-old has overcome a horrible knee injury to score 23 goals in 95 appearances for Juventus.
