Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move to sign 21-year-old Spanish winger Ansu Fati from Barcelona.
A report from Fichajes has claimed that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Ansu Fati as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian international has been linked with an exit from the Merseyside club.
Mohamed Salah Facing Uncertain Future at Liverpool
The Egyptian international has a contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2025, and he could be sold at the end of the season if he does not renew his contract with the club. Liverpool will not want to lose him as a free agent in 2025. So, it would be sensible for them to sell him this summer.
They will need to replace him adequately. Salah has been an exceptional performer for Liverpool since joining the club in 2017, and replacing him will be a massive challenge. The 31-year-old Egyptian international is not just a superb goalscorer but has been an exceptional creator for Liverpool as well. Replacing a player like Salah might require more than just one signing.
Ansu Fati to Replace Salah?
Meanwhile, Fati is currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, and he is looking to continue his development with regular game time. He was regarded as a world-class talent when he broke through from La Masia. He was handed the prestigious number ten shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi.
However, his development has stalled because of persistent injury troubles. The 21-year-old is now working hard to get back to his best, and it remains to be seen whether he can rediscover his sharpness. The winger has chipped in with four goals across all competitions for Brighton this season.
He could prove to be a quality long-term investment for Liverpool. But replacing a player like Salah might be beyond the Barcelona prospect. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decide to follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign the Spanish winger at the end of the season.
Barcelona are going through financial difficulties, and they are unlikely to stand in his way. He is not a key member of their first-team squad. So, the Blaugrana are likely to sanction his departure if a substantial offer is presented.
Fati could prove to be a good investment for the future. But Liverpool need to bring in someone who can make an instant impact as well. Signing another established attacker along with the Spaniard would be the ideal course of action. And that player might also come from Barcelona, with Raphinha being a target for Liverpool.
