Extraordinary star inches closer to BOMBSHELL move

Liverpool have a vast array of quality players, although it seems as though a spark is missing.

A lot of the individual efforts haven't really met the standards we expect, not least Mohamed Salah at right-wing. His goal returns aren't terrible, but the performance levels have been miles off the pace.

With midfield star Florian Wirtz, the performances have been there, but the goals and assists haven't come as freely as he might have expected. Countless chances created, but just two assists so far.

Meanwhile, record-transfer Alexander Isak is not really excelling in either department - struggling to get on the ball and putting away the few opportunities he's afforded. It's been quite a difficult watch.

As such, it's clear that something has to change. Of course, the new signings will get to grips with things eventually, but the context surrounding Salah is a lot different. He's started to show his age.

Salah's successor to join in January?

According to Graeme Bailey at TBR Football, it's possible that Rodrygo Goes at Real Madrid could be on the move sooner than you think. So far this season, it's clear that the Brazilian isn't a favoured star.

Turkish youngster Arda Guler is consistently being played ahead of the 24-year-old, which is a major problem when you consider that the World Cup is in the summer. He desperately needs game-time.

In the latest report, Arsenal and Tottenham are noted as potential suitors for the galactico, but we mustn't forget just how closely linked Liverpool were to the extraordinary talent in the summer. In the end, the Reds chose against engaging in talks for him, because other needs had to be prioritised.

Furthermore, it wasn't clear at the time that Salah would struggle as much as he is. The Egyptian only signed his new contract earlier this year, after his record-breaking campaign helped deliver the title.

But we're now in an interesting situation, where the Reds might have to reconsider their plans.

Now into his ninth season on Merseyside, it's more than fair to give Salah the power to decide when he'd like to move on. He's one of the best forwards in Premier League history. It's unthinkable that he won't get better at some point this season. He's capable of playing to a far better level than he is.

But his recent fall-off has reminded us that he's still a person. The consistent goal returns were going to stop at some point because he's gradually nearing closer to the end of his career. When that time comes, Liverpool will need to replace him and identifying someone for that role is going to be tough.

Rodrygo is more than capable of being a game-changer for Liverpool, with his last three campaigns for Real Madrid looking like 29 g/a, 25 g/a and 23g/a, as his game-time has diminished year on year.

Of course, the competition for places at Real Madrid is high and it shouldn't lead to any suggestions that he's not good enough to play regularly. But for whatever reason, he's not appreciated by Alonso.

His transfer fee was rumoured to be extremely high, and because of just how talented he is, Madrid will charge a hefty price for his transfer in the future, but we could see a discounted rate given the player's desire to be in contention for the upcoming World Cup, and Liverpool might just be tempted.

Salah isn't going anywhere yet, but having his successor playing alongside him would be useful, and Rodrygo is capable of playing across the forward line. The spark he brings could make a difference in bringing other players into the game more. At the very least, it's something Liverpool will consider.

Of course, there are far more serious issues in the Reds' squad than the attack - the defence is a mess and the midfield is too easy to play through, but a January move for a winger may be tempting.

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