Liverpool’s Ambitious €200m Quest to Replace Mo Salah: The €3m Missed Opportunity from 2017
Reports from Spain suggest that Liverpool is already planning for a future without Mo Salah, eyeing a replacement in the form of Real Madrid’s talented winger, Rodrygo. The Egyptian forward attracted significant attention during the summer transfer window, with Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad making bold offers, including a whopping £150 million bid. However, Liverpool stood firm in retaining their prized asset.
Their decision to keep Salah has certainly paid off, as he has been in sensational form, contributing two goals and four assists in just five matches at the beginning of the new Premier League season. Yet, the looming prospect of another bid from Al Ittihad in January could test Liverpool’s resolve, particularly if their title ambitions begin to wane.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool’s gaze has shifted towards 22-year-old Rodrygo as a potential successor to Salah should he depart. While Liverpool’s interest is apparent, Real Madrid is reportedly reluctant to part with the Brazilian talent unless an ‘exceptional’ offer is presented.
Rodrygo has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football, with an impressive record of 32 goals in 171 appearances for Real Madrid. The CIES Football Observatory estimates his transfer value at a staggering €200 million (£173 million), ranking him as the fourth most valuable player globally, behind his club teammates Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, as well as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Interestingly, Liverpool had a chance to secure Rodrygo’s services for a mere €3 million (£2.6 million) back in 2017, a year before Real Madrid swooped in to sign him from Santos. A Guardian report suggests that former Brazil and Manchester City midfielder Elano played a pivotal role in persuading Santos’ then-president, Modesto Roma Junior, to scrap plans to sell Rodrygo to Liverpool. At the time, the winger was just 16 years old and had yet to make his debut for the Brazilian club.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s bid fell through, paving the way for Real Madrid to acquire the talented youngster for a significantly higher fee of €45 million (£39 million) the following year. Securing Rodrygo in the current transfer market would undoubtedly require a substantial investment from Liverpool, far surpassing the missed opportunity of the past. As the January transfer window approaches, Jurgen Klopp’s pursuit of his coveted talent remains an intriguing subplot in the world of football transfers.”