'We need this guy': Mohamed Salah shares if he's had a role in choosing Liverpool's transfer targets this summer
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Liverpool still have some big business to attend to this summer as they attempt to end the window on a high.
It has been one of the costliest and most active markets in recent memory at Anfield, with the Reds buying five first team players.
Supporters will be hoping for one or two more as Liverpool push to sign Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi before Monday’s deadline.
What has stood out about the Reds’ recruitment drive has been the quality of the players targeted and the sums of money willing to be spent on them.
Liverpool have shown a marked change in strategy, which has no doubt delighted the top players already within the squad.
At various stages, Mohamed Salah is one of those to have called upon Liverpool to be active this summer.
And as the window draws to a close, Salah has revealed the role he has played alongside Arne Slot in picking the Reds’ targets.
Photo by Alex Livesey – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Salah’s role at Liverpool has evolved to that of elder statesman over the past couple of seasons.
The Egyptian’s status as an all-time Liverpool legend is long since secured and he is now simply adding to that legacy.
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Asked during an interview with Sky Sports whether this has given him an inside track on the club’s recruitment, Salah says Slot has allowed him to give his opinions on players who could improve the Liverpool squad.
“I think I had a conversation with him before I renewed about that, and also in the beginning of the season, but I don’t tell him ‘oh boss, we need that’,” says the 33-year-old.
I know my role, I know the manager needs to decide what he wants, what position.”
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“But to be fair, the thing I admired the most about him is he gives me the space to say my opinion and to tell him what I see in the team, what can we improve,” adds Salah.
“Even if I look at that now, I feel if I went and told tell him ‘we need this guy in this position’, I think he would listen a lot and that’s something I really, really appreciate.”
Given his worldwide appeal and also his position as a symbol and role model within the Liverpool team, Salah had almost felt like a shoo-in to be named as the Reds’ vice-captain this summer.
But as per Liverpoolfc.com late on Friday night, Slot has overlooked Salah in favour of Andy Robertson.
“He has played here so many years, won the league twice.
Trent left, so there are a lot of logical reasons for [the decision],” reasoned the Liverpool head coach.
“He is a very good player, plays many games, knows what it takes, knows the culture, but also knows the culture of the club and the dressing room.”
While Salah will still be part of the leadership group and will no doubt be delighted for Robertson, there is a nagging feeling that perhaps it should have been him.