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Mohamed Salah was tempted by Barcelona in the summer of 2022(Image: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah transfer drama has become increasingly familiar in recent years, and back in 2022, a particularly tense contract standoff nearly led to a blockbuster move.

This season, the Liverpool superstar has resisted the plush, gold-plated appeal of Saudi Arabia - but three years ago, it was Barcelona singing a siren song.

The Catalan giants had dangled the enticing prospect of a free transfer in 2023, when Salah's Liverpool contract was set to expire, and the Egyptian King was considering it.



Barcelona's push to win him over was persuasive, although their global stature and magnetism probably did most of the heavy lifting.

After spending his peak years dazzling at Anfield, the then-29-year-old Salah began, somewhat understandably, eyeing new opportunities.

With Lionel Messi's departure the previous summer and £88million man Ousmane Dembele underwhelming due to recurring injuries and inconsistency, the club were desperate for a new offensive figurehead.

Salah wasn't actively angling for an exit and had even assured close pals that a renewal with Liverpool was imminent.

Still, Barcelona's sudden interest caused a shift in his thinking - and he abruptly slammed the brakes.

It was a delicate point in time: Liverpool and Salah had been deep in renewal talks for over 12 months, and his abrupt hesitation following Barcelona's approach sent a strong and somewhat unsettling signal: not only was he open to leaving, but perhaps even tempted by it.

Article continues belowBarcelona wanted Mo Salah to replace Lionel Messi, who'd left the year before(Image: Getty Images)

As such, Liverpool were left holding their breath, knowing a free departure for their marquee player would be a devastating setback.

Within weeks, Salah ended speculation by putting pen to paper on a new three-year agreement, earning a staggering £350,000 per week.

In both 2022 and 2025, Salah ended speculation surrounding his future by extending his Liverpool contract(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Whether Barcelona's pursuit lit a fire under Liverpool or whether the Spanish club's vision collapsed under financial strain, we'll never be sure.