Liverpool are now plotting a move to sign Francisco Trincao from Sporting CP this summer, with the Reds contemplating whether to trigger his £52m release clause.
Liverpool plotting Trincao move
In the same month that Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah have gone back-and-forth about club standards, Liverpool are seemingly turning to Portugal to find a replacement for their Egyptian King.
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Liverpool are reportedly interested in a deal to sign an attacker who could be their new version of Roberto Firmino.
It's not a decision that those at Anfield can afford to get wrong this summer. They already spent big without much reward last season and as Slot's position continues to come under fire, the pressure is on.
Saturday's draw with Chelsea once again exposed their flaws, especially in midfield, but Salah's pending departure means that a winger could take priority.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now plotting a move to sign Trincao from Sporting this summer.
The former Barcelona winger reportedly has a release clause worth €60 (£52m) and that's certainly a boost if the Reds want to avoid breaking the bank in the coming months.
francisco-trincao-sporting
In terms of like-for-like replacements, Trincao would certainly be a solid choice.
What's most interesting is how the winger compares to Salah in the season before he joined Liverpool and exploded into a goalscoring inside forward.
Stats Trincao at Sporting 25/26 Salah at Roma 16/17
Games 51 41
Goals 12 19
Assists 18 14
At 26 years old, Trincao is also just one year older than Salah when he joined Liverpool. With similar numbers, there's every chance that the Reds' renowned moneyball approach has found another gem.
Dubbed "intelligent" by former coach Abel Ferreira, the ceiling is clearly high for the ex-Wolves attacker who could finally rewrite his Premier League courtesy of Liverpool this summer.
Slot "convinced" Liverpool will improve next season
In the face of full-time boos, Slot remained as honest as ever in his post-match press conference after the Chelsea game, insisting that Liverpool will be a different side next season.
"This season they will have their opinion and it will not change but if we can have the summer that we are planning to have I am 100 per cent convinced we will be a different team next season than we are now.
"Different in terms of results, different in how things look. It is really clear what we are lacking this season and we are trying. One of the things we are lacking is players that are fit."
Whether the Dutchman gets the opportunity to prove the rest of Merseyside wrong is the big question. Picking a battle with a club legend in Salah certainly wasn't wise and that was the latest moment to forget for the manager this season.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes may be of the opinion that Slot still has credit in the bank from last season's title win. That credit, however, is quickly running out with every disgruntled Anfield noise.
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