Liverpool reach decision over €60m Salah replacement

Liverpool have managed to convince Mohamed Salah to sign a new contract - taking his time at the club to 2027. But plans remain to eventually REPLACE the Egyptian King.

Salah is just about to turn 33 and although no immediate successor is required, there has been no shortage of left-footed, right wingers linked.

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Rayan Cherki presents a more two-footed option on the Lyon right side and Maghnes Akliouche is another player who could cut inside to create chances.

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The club have also been long linked with Takefusa Kubo - the Real Sociedad wide-man. Indeed it was claimed last year that the Reds were ready to trigger his €60m release clause.

The Japanese forward hasn’t enjoyed the most productive season for La Real - scoring only five LaLiga goals and not providing any assists.

And now it appears that lack of productivity is counting against him when it comes to gaining a move to the Premier League champions.

Liverpool unwilling to pay €60m for Kubo

A new report from Spain reveals that the club still admire Kubo but are now unwilling to pay anything like €60m to sign him.

“The €60 million buyout clause not only sets the price tag, but also further complicates the deal,” a report in Fichajes reads.

“Real Madrid, which still retains rights to the player, could influence the player's future, either through a buyout or by receiving 50% of a potential sale.

“Both Arsenal and Liverpool are cautiously assessing their attacking options. The Gunners, with Bukayo Saka established on the right, are instead looking for alternatives on the left flank.

“At Anfield, the new post-Klopp project contemplates reinforcements in other positions, and although Kubo has been linked as a possible replacement for Salah, it doesn't appear to be a priority.

“Kubo's name remains attractive on the market, but neither the Londoners nor the Merseysiders seem willing, for the moment, to pay such a high fee for a player who wouldn't be guaranteed a starting spot from the start.”

Kubo's strong numbers

Despite his relative lack of output, Kubo’s underlying numbers remain strong. He ranks highly among his peers on FOTMOB for chances created, successful dribbles and touches in the opposition box.

He is also a willing worker off the ball, earning high marks in the duels won, interceptions, recoveries and possessions won in the final third categories. Kubo is also among the most-fouled players in the Spanish top flight - winning 73 fouls across the season.

He is under contract at the Anoeta until 2029 - meaning Sociedad won’t have to compromise anytime soon on a transfer fee.

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It looks like the Reds will have to sit this transfer battle out. But if Kubo remains at Sociedad then they could well be back when the time comes to eventually replace Salah.