Arne Slot has been advised to target Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Southampton’s young talent Tyler Dibling, should Mohamed Salah decide to leave Liverpool. Despite the Reds’ current success under Slot, leading both the Premier League and Champions League tables, three key players’ contracts are set to expire in 2025, including top scorer Salah.
Salah’s recent admission that he is “more in than out” after a game against Southampton last month caused concern among fans. However, if the worst were to happen and Salah were to end his successful career at Anfield, a return to the south coast with a chequebook in hand has been suggested.
Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy, who made nearly 250 appearances for the club, speculated on Salah’s potential departure, identifying two young stars who could attempt to fill the Egyptian’s boots.
“I think Mohamed Salah will stay at Liverpool,” Murphy began, telling BetBrain. “I think Liverpool will get it done – even if it means giving him just one more year.
“I just don’t think they’ll let him go. The pressure will be too big from the fans. However, if he were to leave, I think Rodrygo would be an outstanding replacement if Liverpool were able to pinch him off Real Madrid.
“He’s a phenomenal young player and plays on that right-hand side as well as anyone at the moment. He’s a massive goal threat and would makeup for the numbers that Liverpool would lose if Salah left.
“Alternatively, if you’re looking at someone young and left-footed who could develop over the next five years and occupy that right-hand side in a similar fashion to Salah, then I’d look no further than Tyler Dibling from Southampton.
“I think he looks like someone who’s going to be a phenomenal talent in the future. He’s got a great left foot, can beat people, scores goals, and you can easily coach and mould him into the player you want. Either of those two would be fantastic replacements.”
Liverpool have already been linked this month with a swoop for Rodrygo, who is believed to command a transfer fee in the region of £100million.
The Brazilian winger, who joined Real Madrid in 2019, has played a pivotal role in securing three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies at just 23 years old.
However, his hefty price tag could be a stumbling block, hence Murphy’s suggestion of a player who’s set the Premier League alight this campaign in Dibling.
The 18-year-old has emerged as a shining prospect amidst a challenging season for the Saints, impressing with almost every touch of the ball. His absence was missed during their 5-1 home defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, having been ruled out through suspension.
