Liverpool have retained their interest in signing Mo Salah’s long-term successor, despite tying the Egyptian star down to a new two-year contract. The Reds are said to have a £200million budget for the summer transfer window – and Arne Slot will be given the opportunity to help shape the squad in his vision.
Bryan Mbeumo has caught the eye of the Anfield hierarchy and remains a subject of attention despite Salah extending his stay. The Premier League’s leading goalscorer was set to be available for free with his deal due to run out in the summer.
Liverpool know that they will soon need a successor for Salah, 32, and Mbeumo’s form has seen him put his case forward. The Brentford ace has scored 18 goals in 33 Premier League appearances this term.
The Reds will need to part ways with around £50million to land the Cameroon international, according to The Sun, and will face competition from Arsenal and Newcastle. Mbeumo has one year remaining on his current contract, plus an option of a further season with the Bees.
The Bees signed Mbeumo from Troyes for £5.8m in 2019 and could be seen as a smart replacement for Salah. The 25-year-old’s contract situation may see Brentford willing to cash in.
After securing Salah’s future for a further two seasons, Liverpool will feel in a stronger position to sign a successor. Should the veteran have departed, the Merseyside club may have found themselves held to ransom in the transfer market.
The Reds however will feel well-placed to complete summer business as they sit on the verge of winning the Premier League. Slot is set to find success in his first season despite only adding bit-part player Federico Chiesa to his team.
The Dutchman will likely conduct more business this summer, but Salah is enthused by on-pitch prospects. The winger believes the team can achieve more success in his remaining time at the club.
“Of course I’m very excited,” said Salah. “We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team.
“But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football. It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.
“I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”
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