Paul Merson’s Surprise Call: Salah Out, Saka In for Liverpool!

In the latest installment of Soccer Saturday, Paul Merson has ignited a fiery debate by suggesting that Liverpool should entertain the idea of selling Mohamed Salah should a tempting offer come their way, even though the British transfer window has closed, leaving them without an immediate replacement option.

Merson’s proposition centers on Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Pro League club, who are rumored to be preparing a £200 million bid for the Egyptian superstar. Despite Liverpool previously rejecting a £150 million bid from the same club, Merson advocates considering the latest offer.

His rationale? By accepting the £200 million deal, Liverpool could potentially target Arsenal’s young sensation, Bukayo Saka, in the January transfer window as Salah’s successor.

Merson voiced his opinion, stating, “Do they sell him for £200 million and then in January see if they can get Saka from Arsenal for 150? I’m thinking, one person’s 31 (years old), if I can get £200 million, who’s the next one in line? Who’s going to be the next big thing? It’s definitely Saka; he’s the best right winger around after Salah!”

Clinton Morrison joined the discussion, asserting, “If it doesn’t happen by Thursday (the Saudi Pro League transfer deadline), it will definitely happen next year.”

Clearly, Al-Ittihad remains undeterred in their pursuit of Saka, with the Saudi Pro League transfer window still open for another week.

Despite the ongoing transfer chatter, Salah remains a vital contributor to Liverpool’s 2022/23 campaign, boasting a goal and two assists in the opening three Premier League games, including a crucial assist for Nunez’s late-game heroics against Newcastle last weekend.

It’s important to note that Saka, an ardent Arsenal fan, has risen through the ranks of the club’s academy to become one of their star players. Thus, a move to Liverpool may currently appear unlikely, but as football has proven time and again, stranger things have happened in the world of sports.