Report: Could a Liverpool Legend Head to Barcelona This Summer? | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah to Barcelona: Will Liverpool’s Icon Really Leave Anfield?

Barcelona’s Long-Standing Interest in Salah

Barcelona’s reported pursuit of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has set off a wave of speculation around one of the Premier League’s most enduring stars. According to Sport, Barcelona are closely eyeing Salah, who has just eight months left on his contract at Anfield. This isn’t the first time the Spanish giants have shown interest in the Egyptian winger. Back in 2022, Barcelona’s then-manager Xavi considered Salah as part of his plans to rejuvenate the squad, though that potential move never materialised.

While Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s current manager, has reportedly earmarked other targets, Salah remains an attractive option. Given his record-breaking career at Liverpool — an incredible 220 goals in 364 games since joining in 2017 — Salah’s departure would signify the end of an era for both the player and the club.

A Cryptic Post Fuels the Rumour Mill

On the Sunday after scoring the winner in a comeback against Brighton, Salah posted on X, “No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.” This cryptic message sent fans and media alike into a frenzy, interpreting it as a potential farewell. While Salah has previously alluded to this season being his last, this message was seen by many as a more definitive nod towards a summer exit.

Arne Slot, downplayed the speculation. He remarked, “You interpret (the post) in a way maybe other people don’t… it is important how he plays and what he says in conversations and not how you guys interpret his posts.” Nonetheless, with Liverpool yet to confirm any contract extension talks, Salah’s future remains a tantalising question mark.

Photo: IMAGO

Why Barcelona Could be the Perfect Next Step for Salah

At 32, Salah has little left to prove in the Premier League. He has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and two League Cups with Liverpool, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most influential figures. Joining Barcelona, a club known for its love of technically gifted forwards, would offer Salah a new challenge and an opportunity to extend his career in a league known for a slower tempo.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s brand of football might suit Salah’s style as he navigates his career beyond his prime years. The club has been in fine form this season, leading La Liga, and they could offer Salah a chance to add more silverware to his collection in a new environment. Sport reported that Salah is “open to change his scene and supposedly likes the Barcelona project,” giving further credence to the potential move.

Future Uncertain for Other Liverpool Stars

Liverpool’s contract concerns do not end with Salah. Key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk also face uncertain futures, with their current contracts set to expire soon. Losing such iconic figures in a single summer could spell a challenging transition period for Liverpool. Arne Slot may face the unenviable task of replacing stalwarts who have defined his team’s success over the past few years.

As Liverpool fans hold their breath, the future of Mohamed Salah — along with that of other Liverpool icons — hangs in the balance, and the allure of Barcelona looms larger than ever.

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For Liverpool supporters, the idea of Salah leaving feels both heart-wrenching and inevitable. They’ve watched him break records, win trophies, and etch himself into Anfield history, so the prospect of him donning Barcelona’s iconic colours is bittersweet. Many fans would argue that the allure of Barcelona, despite its financial struggles in recent years, remains a powerful pull for players seeking a change of scenery and fresh challenges.

The possibility of a summer that sees both Salah and possibly Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold departing is a daunting thought. Losing such central figures in one transfer window would not only strip Liverpool of its core leaders but also its identity. For fans, this looming transition isn’t just about losing players — it’s about seeing the last of an era that brought Liverpool back to the summit of English and European football.