Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool on a permanent transfer has once again been talked about this week.
Salah returned against Marseille on Wednesday, playing the full 90 minutes of the Champions League win.
Any potential issues between the player and Arne Slot that may have been brought about pre-AFCON seem, on the surface, to have been put to bed.
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However, a report on Thursday then claimed the Saudi Pro League have made Salah a top target for the 2026 summer transfer window, along with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
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Jamie Carragher looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield
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Liverpool have been linked to Rodrygo, the Brazilian’s teammate at Los Blancos, previously, but they now appear to have an interest in the left-sided winger.
Liverpool and Manchester City at the table for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr
Speaking to Bild, journalist Christian Falk was asked about Bayern Munich having an interest in the Real Madrid sensation.
He dismissed those claims as untrue before going on to say Liverpool and Manchester City are ‘at the table’ for the 25-year-old.
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Falk said: “That’s not true [that Bayern are interested]. A lot of people will obviously be very disappointed – it would be a spectacular name. It reminds me a bit of when the Ronaldo rumours kept popping up, which also weren’t completely made up. Of course Bayern would love to have a Vinícius Junior, but no, that’s not true.
“Bayern are looking for a player for that position. They need someone on the left side who can provide real competition for Díaz. But Vinícius Junior has turned down an offer from Real Madrid. Bayern wouldn’t be able to top that anyway.
“His contract runs until 2027, and there would still be a transfer fee involved. And the truth is, Saudi Arabia is also tempting him. So if it’s about money, it’ll be Saudi Arabia. If it’s not about money, then City and Liverpool are also at the table – clubs that have both the financial power and a strong sporting project.”
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Federico Chiesa celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the Premier League against Bournemouth at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
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Could Liverpool replace Mohamed Salah with Vinicius Jr?
Whether it’s this summer or in 2027 when his contract expires, Liverpool will eventually have to find a replacement for Salah.
Yan Diomande has been linked with the club, amid the player himself saying he wants to play at Anfield.
Diomande is a promising talent and is still only 19 years of age. But if Liverpool were to go for a more ready-made player, Vinicius would be top of the list.
However, the potential finances involved in such a deal would surely be huge, even if they managed to get him on a free transfer next year.
According to Capology, the South American has a base salary of €480,769-a-week (around £416,000-a-week).
That’s £16,000-a-week more than what Salah is earning as Liverpool’s highest-paid player now.
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