Liverpool are planning to adapt to life without star striker Mohamed Salah, who could soon move to the Saudi Pro League, with a former Manchester City forward at the top of their wish list.
Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Salah.
With the iconic striker expected to leave for the Saudi Pro League in the near future following interest in the recent transfer window, the Reds are planning ahead.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool are prepared to break their transfer record – the £80million they paid for Darwin Nunez – to land the German star.
Sane is currently shining for Bayern in the Bundesliga, where he has established an excellent partnership with England captain Harry Kane. But a return to the Premier League could soon be on the cards for the 27-year-old.
During his previous stint in England, Sane spent four years at Manchester City between 2016 and 2020, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. He played a key role in denying Liverpool the title in 2018/19, scoring the winner in a pivotal 2-1 victory over the Reds midway through that campaign.
City went on to pip Jurgen Klopp’s side to the title by just one point, 98 to 97. Bayern paid City £55million for Sane and are likely to demand closer to £100million to even consider selling the Germany international.
There are high expectations Salah will move to the burgeoning Saudi League next summer, with Liverpool turning down a bid of £150million from Al-Ittihad in the last transfer window.
With the 31-year-old unlikely to sign a new Anfield contract, with his current deal expiring in 2025, Liverpool will have little option but to cash in. However, it will have bought them time to line up a fitting replacement, with Sane topping their wish list.
Saudi Pro League director of football, Michael Emenalo, is confident that Salah will soon join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar in the Middle East.
“Mo is welcome at any time,” he said. “Mo is my personal favourite. There are many world-class players showing interest. It’s a place where you can go and have fun and definitely improve their economics.”
