Real Madrid have made Mohamed Salah their ‘No.1’ transfer target this summer, according to reports. The Liverpool forward has persistently been linked with an Anfield exit in recent weeks.
TalkSPORT makes the claim, with Salah in the midst of a barren run of form during a critical period of the season for Liverpool.
The 28-year-old is currently without a goal in his previous three Liverpool outings. Questions have been asked of the player’s loyalty following an exclusive interview with Spanish publication AS.
Salah failed to rule out the prospect of a future move to either Real Madrid and Barcelona, but did reaffirm his commitment to Liverpool. His recent struggles have proven untimely given the number of transfer reports that have followed since the interview.
"Madrid and Barcelona are top clubs," Salah said.
"We never know what is going to happen in the future, but right now I’m focused on winning the Premier and the Champions League again with my club."
"Of course, I want to break records here and, I repeat, every record in the club, but everything’s in the hands of the club."
Liverpool have struggled immeasurably since their 7-0 victory at Crystal Palace. In the three matches that have followed, the Reds have claimed just two of the nine points available.
Against Southampton, Jurgen Klopp suffered only his second league defeat of the season. Salah, in particular, was especially poor during the 1-0 loss.
The Egyptian international still leads the way in terms of goals (13) in the division, however. He had five goals in four games prior to Liverpool’s draw with West Brom which started the club’s recent dip in form.
And according to talkSPORT, Salah is now the top transfer target of Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid. His current Liverpool contract is due to expire in 2023.
One thing is for certain. It would take a mammoth offer for Liverpool to consider entering the negotiation table for Salah.
With two years left on his current deal, the Reds are in no position to sell. Salah will have turned 29 by the end of the season. With that said, it would take an eye-watering price-tag to take him away from Anfield during his peak years.
The only way Liverpool would consider selling were if a direct replacement were lined up. With Kylian Mbappe on their radar, the Reds could have just that.
Salah – who signed from Roma in a £34 million [BBC] deal in 2017 – is approaching 30 and this summer could represent the club’s best opportunity to get the best possible deal for arguably their most valuable player.
Also, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are both at a similar age, meaning eventually Liverpool will have to draw up a succession plan.
Selling Salah and signing Mbappe wouldn’t be a bad way to about addressing both Liverpool’s short and long-term aspirations.
Luckily, Liverpool hold all the cards. If they deem it is the right time to cash-in then it is likely a blockbuster signing would follow.
If not, the Reds can rest easy maintaining the services of a world-class forward for at least another year.