Liverpool 'already have' Mohamed Salah replacement in mind amid explosive Arne Slot row
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.
Salah found himself on the bench for the third game running during Saturday's thrilling 3-3 stalemate at Elland Road.Former Reds shot-stopper James, speaking prior to Salah's interview, reckons his old side have already identified a successor for the Egyptian.READ MORE: Egypt boss backs Mo Salah after furious outburst with clear message to Arne SlotREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah copies Cristiano Ronaldo tactic with bombshell Liverpool comments"Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool," the ex-England international told CasinoBernie."I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties. And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren't unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they're producing."So you could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need.
And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go."Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid."I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future."However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse."I also think that Liverpool will have someone already lined up to replace Mo Salah."Salah has been touted for a switch to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo, I know he's playing in Saudi, but he's only been doing it for a few years, but the guy is 40, he's still scoring at international level."Mo, it has been well-versed about how fit he is.
People keep talking about losing pace, but I don't think he has from the numbers, that I'm told are the same as they were before."The one thing I would say is probably the defenders he's playing against are getting quicker. So it's not Mo, it's just the opposition.