Liverpool are poised to bring in a new forward to help Arne Slot in his first season at the club.
The Reds had five senior options throughout Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at Anfield. However, their wastefulness meant Liverpool came up short in the Premier League title race.
That the Reds couldn’t topple Man City was not all on their forwards. But had the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz been more clinical at times, Liverpool would surely have been closer.
As a result, it has been claimed that attack is one of the areas in line to be strengthened this summer.
Then there’s the situation of Mohamed Salah, who is still garnering interest from Saudi Arabia. Should Salah end up going, journalist Graeme Bailey says Liverpool could end up bringing in more than one new forward.
Johan Bakayoko is on Liverpool’s list
With the season now over, transfer rumours are starting to ramp up. And this week has seen PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko emerge as a big target for Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop though, journalist Bailey says that the 21-year-old is likely on a list of options only if Salah heads to Saudi Arabia.
“I think he’s one who’s always been on Liverpool’s list, I think he’s on the long-list for sure,” says the reporter. “I still think they’re having those discussions, do they go for a wide player do they go for a central player? But Bakayoko is a good young player.
“He’s a bit raw but it depends on what they want,” Bailey adds. “Are they going to sign a central striker and a wide player? Possibly, if Salah does go – and I still think he will – then they probably do need more than one.
“We know Bakayoko is a complete right-sider and he doesn’t play anywhere else, so if it was him, you’d think he’d maybe be one of the Salah replacements, because they might sign a couple who can play there. So, I think he might be more dependent if Salah goes.
“I think he’s a very good player, is he ready to play top three in the Premier League? I think it’s a very hard sell that isn’t it.”
Will Mohamed Salah stay at Liverpool?
Throughout the season, there had been an expectation that it could well be Salah’s last at Anfield. The Egyptian was subject to a huge bid from Saudi Arabia last summer.
Although Liverpool turned that down, there was a feeling that they would not do the same again.
READ MORE: Liverpool should target La Liga winger if Mohamed Salah leaves
However, even before the season had ended, reports emerged that Salah was now more likely to stay with the Reds than leave.
While that is excellent news, the 31-year-old is now moving into the final year on his contract. As a result, Liverpool would have to seriously entertain another big offer.
For that reason, we don’t think anybody can say with any certainty that Mo is staying. If he does, it seems only one new player will be signed. If he does not, then keep an eye on the £43m-rated Bakayoko.