Liverpool could be denied 'dream' Mo Salah replacement as €1bn decision made

Liverpool could be denied their ideal Mohamed Salah alternative next summer due to an impending contract clause.

Salah is of interest to the Saudi Pro League, who attempted to sign him for Al Ittihad last summer.

Liverpool received an offer of £150 million to sell the Egyptian prior to transfer deadline day, but quickly turned it down.

However, according to reports, the Reds could still receive a fresh bid from the Saudi giants, who are said to be preparing to renew their interest in the forward if Liverpool are not challenging for the Premier League come January.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Jurgen Klopp's side had lined up Real Madrid star Rodrygo as an ideal replacement if Salah was to depart.

The right-sided forward was directly involved in 17 Real goals in La Liga last term, but has struggled this season in a more unfamiliar central striker role.

Fichajes even claimed that Los Blancos were willing to listen to offers for the Brazilian as long as they exceeded €100 million, given their anticipated summer pursuit of Kylian Mbappe.

But according to Fabrizio Romano, Real are now taking steps to keep the 23-year-old at the Bernabeu for the long term.

Vinicius Junior has signed a new four-year deal at the club to keep him in Madrid until 2027 - and his contract contains a release clause of a staggering €1 billion.

And Romano adds that Real have plans to insert the same clause into proposed contracts for four other players, including Rodrygo.

Taking to X (Twitter), he wrote: "Rodrygo, set to sign new long term deal at Real Madrid on Thursday, agreement confirmed.

"Understand it will be valid until June 2028 as key, top player for present and future plans at Real Madrid.

"New release clause: €1 billion."

Once that deal is signed, it may be time for Klopp and Liverpool to look elsewhere for a potential Salah replacement.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.

Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Mohamed Salah, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.