Mohamed Salah has no intention of signing a new Liverpool contract and has given signs to Barcelona over a transfer.
The Egyptian’s future is firmly in the spotlight as the summer transfer window draws ever nearer. His current deal runs until the end of next season. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has subsequently stressed that, at this stage, talks are going as they should.
However, reports have claimed otherwise. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed last week that talks between Liverpool and Salah broke down in December.
Furthermore, those discussions have supposedly not yet restarted. And despite Romano adding more recently that Salah is not currently angling for a move to La Liga, Spanish publication Sport has claimed the opposite.
Indeed, the report has alleged that Salah thinks that Liverpool are coming to the end of their winning cycle. He therefore wants to leave Liverpool this summer ideally – and if the transfer fee is acceptable.
Barcelona are subsequently showing serious interest in making a huge wave in the transfer window.
However, the report adds that Salah has already given signals that he could move to Camp Nou.
The forward reportedly spoke with the La Liga club two years ago. Back then, though, Barcelona’s financial problems restricted them over a deal. And while those money troubles still remain, they are more manageable.
As for the cost of a potential deal this summer, Barcelona would be willing to pay €70million (£59million) for Salah.
Sport adds, though, that Liverpool could drop a €100million (£84million) valuation on the 29-year-old if they fear his exit is likely.
Nevertheless, Barcelona feel that a deal for Salah would prove more affordable than a move for Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund striker’s release clause this summer stands at £63million. However, Manchester City are reportedly putting together a package for the 21-year-old worth over £100million.
Salah has more of the focus on his contract situation after Liverpool’s major moves last summer.
The Reds tied down several players including captain Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
As well as Salah, fellow forwards Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are also out of contract in 2023.
The contracts of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also expire at that point.
But given Salah’s status in the squad, his situation is an outlier at Liverpool.