“Something’s going on’ – Liverpool receive alert as ‘Mohamed Salah successor’ identified.”

The ongoing saga around Mohamed Salah’s contract shows no signs of slowing, much like Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions. However, the uncertainty surrounding Salah could jeopardize those aspirations if the club doesn’t act decisively.

With Salah now in the final six months of his contract, questions about his future persist. While the 32-year-old has expressed a desire to stay, a summer departure remains a possibility. Foreign clubs can now negotiate with Salah directly, and reports suggest at least one club is prepared to make a lucrative offer. In response, Liverpool have begun exploring potential replacements and have identified a standout La Liga player as a candidate. Letting Salah go may prove pragmatic, particularly as speculation grows that “something’s up” with the forward. Here, ECHO breaks down the latest developments in this unfolding story.

Contract Situation

While Liverpool may hesitate to meet all of Salah’s demands, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal has no such reservations. They are reportedly among several clubs keen to sign Salah, offering a massive deal to lure him to Riyadh.

Al-Hilal, eyeing Salah as a marquee replacement for Neymar, are eager to offload the Brazilian after a disappointing stint marked by just seven appearances in 18 months. Neymar’s £1.6 million-per-week wages have added to the urgency to move on, with Salah seen as a far more reliable and in-form alternative. Despite turning 32, Salah continues to impress, scoring 18 Premier League goals this season—matching last year’s tally—and making more appearances than any other Liverpool player.

Back in 2023, Liverpool rejected a staggering £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad for Salah. But with the Saudi clubs more determined than ever, reports suggest Salah could receive an unprecedented offer that would make him the face of the league.

Concerns About Salah’s Form

Despite his stellar numbers, concerns have emerged over Salah’s attitude. Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney raised questions about Salah’s demeanor after Liverpool’s recent 2-0 win over Brentford. Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney noted that Salah appeared disengaged, leaving the pitch immediately after the game while his teammates celebrated together.

“[Salah] doesn’t look interested,” said Deeney. “He was the first off the pitch… Something’s up. Whether it’s related to a move or something else, he just didn’t seem fully focused. It was like, ‘Job done, I’m out of here.’”

Deeney also criticized Salah’s performance, arguing he was fortunate to avoid substitution. “If it was anyone else, they’d have been taken off,” he said, adding that Salah’s recent performances have lacked the energy fans expect. This marked Salah’s third consecutive game without a goal or assist—a rare slump that comes amid the swirling speculation about his future.

Identifying a Replacement

Liverpool are preparing for the possibility of life without Salah. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz has emerged as a potential replacement. The former Manchester City player, who recently returned to Madrid after a successful loan spell at AC Milan, has impressed with two goals and two assists this month.

While Diaz has been a regular squad member, he has struggled to secure a consistent starting role under Carlo Ancelotti, given competition from stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo. Madrid may be open to selling Diaz for the right price, with reports suggesting Liverpool would need to bid around £50 million to secure the 24-year-old’s services. However, competition is expected, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring Diaz’s availability.

Liverpool’s search for Salah’s successor underscores the delicate balancing act of planning for the future while remaining competitive in the present. Whether Salah stays or departs, his ongoing contract saga will undoubtedly shape the club’s trajec

tory in the months ahead.