Barcelona believe Mohamed Salah will be available for a transfer at a reasonable price this summer as the winger continues to reject a new contract at Liverpool, according to Sport.
The Egyptian has long been a target for the Camp Nou outfit, but finances have previously denied the Blaugrana. Particularly, two years ago, Barcelona sought to take Salah to Spain and spoke with the forward’s representatives. But they accepted any deal was impossible.
Now, however, the La Liga side sense an opportunity to strike with Salah entering the final year of his contract. All parties feel a move is more realistic given the circumstances, with the 29-year-old preferring to leave Anfield this summer if he does not pen a new deal first.
Barcelona are giving serious thought to the terms required to secure Salah’s transfer from Liverpool. Xavi Hernandez’s side already know from his camp what the winger would want as a wage. Although the Blaugrana fear Paris Saint-Germain could offer far superior terms.
Barcelona eye £59m Salah bid as Liverpool set May deadline for transfer decision
It is partly down to PSG’s interest that Barcelona are yet to approach Liverpool to discuss a transfer for Salah. The Camp Nou hierarchy fear showing their hand early and being blown out of the water. They are also fearful of frustrating the Reds and running up the price tag.
Barcelona would feel a €70m (£59m) bid for Salah would represent good value if Liverpool accepted. Yet it is too soon to rule out the Merseysiders demanding around €100m (£84m) despite his contractual situation. The Reds are also yet to give up on agreeing a new deal.
Liverpool intend to give Salah the next two-months to decide to accept their contract offer or not. Jurgen Klopp’s side may also make a fresh offer to the 80-cap ace. But if he still says no, they will reluctantly put the £200k-a-week star on the market to avoid his exit for free.
Liverpool need to make ground in Salah contract talks
Liverpool will need to make ground in talks with Salah over a new contract to ward off the threat of a transfer with Barcelona sniffing around. The Guardian note there has not been any talks since December, and he will not sign unless the Reds increase the terms on offer.
Salah is not desperate to leave Anfield and remains committed to Liverpool currently, per Fabrizio Romano. But it is up to the Reds leadership to make steps towards an agreement for the 28-goal, 10-assist star Arsenal icon Ian Wright purrs over for his final-third threat.
“He’s an extraordinary goalscorer,” Wright claimed on his Wrighty’s House podcast. “He went to Roma and did it in Rome. Then he came to Liverpool and got 32 goals in 36 and I thought this guy is a goalscoring machine.”
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