Liverpool: Francisco Conceicao fails audition to be Mo Salah’s replacement
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Credit: Imago, Mundo Deportivo Mon 30 March 2026 11:45, UK Liverpool will not have been impressed with Francisco Conceicao’s performance for Portugal in his first outing since they were publicly linked to his services.Recent reports out of Italy have claimed that Juventus winger Conceicao is on the Reds’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window.He is one of several targets identified as a potential replacement for the outgoing Mo Salah, who announced his impending exit last week.The 23-year-old has impressed in Serie A since a move from Porto in 2024, and would likely be signed alongside another player to bolster Arne Slot’s attacking ranks.It remains to be seen if Conceicao features heavily in Liverpool’s transfer plans, but his latest performance on the international stage could have harmed his chances of a move. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Francisco Conceicao struggled against Mexico in dull Portugal drawConceicao is a regular in the Portugal national team and was handed a start in their friendly against Mexico on Sunday, just days after those links with Liverpool had emerged.He struggled to make any sort of impact on the right-wing, as Roberto Martinez’s side were held to a 0-0 draw in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.Minutes46′Accurate passes15Successful dribbles0Chances created0Shots0Touches in opposition box1Duels won0/3Fouls committed1Conceicao’s stats vs MexicoHis stats from the game show how he failed to add any firepower to their ranks, with 31-year-old Mexico left-back Jesus Gallardo, who plays for Liga MX side Toluca, keeping him quiet before he was taken off at half-time.Portuguese media were pretty scathing in their assessment of the 23-year-old’s performance, with A Bola giving him a 4/10 rating and saying: “Restless and irreverent, he tried to liven up the national team’s right wing, though he didn’t always succeed, partly because of the Mexican defensive wall, which he ran into on several occasions.”While Publico questioned his position ahead of the World Cup, writing: “On the side of the wings, Conceicao again left the indication that he is more useful to leave on the bench than to start in the eleven.”What has Conceicao said about joining Liverpool?Conceicao’s output at club level has also left a lot to be desired in recent times, particularly compared to Salah, with four goals and three assists in 34 Juve appearances so far this season.The 23-year-old was asked about links to Liverpool ahead of Portugal’s clash with Mexico, but played down the talk and insisted that he is focused on the task at hand with his club and country.He said: “I know people talk about a big club, but I play for a big club where I am happy.“At the moment I am only focused on these two games with the national team and then I will focus on the final stretch of the season to help my club as much as possible.”Football Insider revealed ahead of January that Liverpool would accept an offer for Federico Chiesa in the next window, and if Liverpool do want Conceicao, they could use the Italian in a deal following Juventus’ recent interest in his signature. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.