Jurgen Klopp identified a Premier League flop to replace Mohamed Salah and it would have been a disastrous transfer for Liverpool.
Salah has enjoyed an ultra-prolific spell at Liverpool since signing for the club in the summer of 2017.
This season, he has 30 goals to his name across all competitions as he is on course to enjoy one of the best seasons of his legendary career.
But Salah could be departing Anfield this summer, with his existing contract set to expire at the end of the season.
It's not the first time he has had to negotiate with Liverpool for fresh terms.
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According to The Times' Paul Joyce, there were times during the previous round of negotiations with Salah and Ramy Abbas Isas, the player's agent, when a resolution also seemed unlikely.
Then-Liverpool boss Klopp discussed the possibility of signing Antony as a replacement for Salah amid uncertainty over the Liverpool star's future.
Antony eventually moved to the Premier League in the shape of an £82 million transfer to Manchester United in the summer of 2022.
But he has failed to live up to his hefty price tag, having scored just five goals in 62 league games during his spell at Old Trafford.
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Antony confirmed Klopp's intentions, saying "It's true... I was very close to signing for Liverpool, but nobody knows what would have happened."
It is understood that it was Mike Gordon, Fenway Sports Group's president, who ultimately decided renewing Salah's deal was the 'sensible use of resources'.
And it has proved to be a wise choice considering his blistering goal-scoring exploits this season.
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Salah has been in scintillating form for Liverpool, who currently sit at the top of the Premier League table as the Reds fight on three fronts.
The 32-year-old remains locked in talks with Liverpool over a new deal.
As for Antony, he completed a move away from Man United during the January transfer window.
He joined Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.
Topics: Antony, Mohamed Salah, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar