We take an early look at a potential Liverpool starting line-up for the first game of the 2024/25 season after the latest Leroy Sane and Mohamed Salah rumours.
Liverpool would need to come up with a solution to replace the goalscoring and creative talents of Mohamed Salah should he leave the club next summer – with the latest suggestion Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane is that man.
Saudi Pro League interest in the Egyptian just isn’t going away and so the Reds are prepared to use some of the money they recoup in the summer of 2024 to land Sane in a club-record deal, the latest rumours read.
This has already caused a debate amongst supporters. Firstly, the potential loss of Salah who continues to maintain high standards into his thirties is understandably vexing some.
Following that, many remember the Sane of old – a rapid left winger scoring four times against Liverpool while a Manchester City player between 2016 and 2020.
But after tearing his ACL against the Reds in 2019’s Community Shield clash, he has been forced to adapt his game as an all-round attacker to a slower pace upon returning to Germany with Bayern.
Though even with that fact, the reality remains Salah’s current Liverpool deal ticks down to only one year remaining come next summer’s transfer window.
If nothing is agreed by then – whether it be a new contract or a sale – the club run the risk of losing their 192-goal man for free.
This would be financially unthinkable, especially given Al-Ittihad laid their cards on the table with a £150m offer no less than two months ago.
So with a decision looming, all possibilities must be explored and analysed before conclusions are arrived at.
No Salah in the Reds’ squad is certainly daunting but as a proven goalscorer and title-winner wherever he has played, it is not unreasonable to suggest Jurgen Klopp reignites his interest in former target Sane.
After all, six league goals in seven appearances isn’t a bad showing in the slightest so far this campaign.
The other option would be to shift Diogo Jota perhaps to the right flank, as has been done on occasion before.
Alternatively Ben Doak could be fast-tracked into a starting berth, though that is a huge responsibility to place on the soon-to-be 18-year-old.
It is also worth noting both ideas plus not signing anyone runs the risk of decreasing the squad’s attacking depth severely, as two injuries or suspensions places a strain on the forward line.
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