Liverpool are close to completing the signing of versatile striker Mohamed Salah from Serie A side AS Roma per Metro. The former man’s agent flew to England earlier this week to discuss personal terms with the Merseysiders and the talks have gone on smoothly with just a fee between Roma and Liverpool to be agreed.
Sky Sports reported that a bid of £28million was rejected by the Giallorossi as they value their star man in excess of the £30million mark. However, the negotiation is expected to be resolved soon and the Egyptian will become the Liverpool’s third signing following the arrivals of young talents Dominic Solanke and Patrick Raitanen according to The Sun.
It will be his second move to the Premier League, following his spell with Chelsea, when he joined the Blues from FC Basel in a £11million deal in 2014. However, following a poor start to life, Salah moved out of Stamford Bridge on loan after 6 months to Italian side Fiorentina, following which he was sent out on loan at Roma for the whole 2015/16 season, before making the transfer a permanent one last summer.
Now it seems the Egyptian is set for a return to the Premier League with Liverpool and below are three reasons why he will be a great addition to their squad:
Versatility
One of his biggest assets in his versatility. Salah can play anywhere in the attack, be it on the flank or through the middle in an attacking midfielder role. The 24-year-old can also lead the line on his own if need be and as a result he will provide Jurgen Klopp with plenty of options.
Proven Credentials
He may not have been able make fame with Chelsea, but that was mainly due to lack of game time that comes his way by the former Blues manager Jose Mourinho. Since his poor 6 months at Stamford Bridge, he has gone on to score heavily at each of his clubs.
During his half season at Fiorentina, he scored 9 goals and assisted 6 from 26 games and in his two-full season at Roma, Salah has managed to bag 34 goals and create 24 more from 83 appearances, proving that he can deliver goals and create assists in plenty.
Perfect Sadio Mane Alternative
Jurgen Klopp suffered this past season when Sadio Mane was away on international duty earlier of the year, and at the business end of the season when an injury knocked the Senegalese man out for the rest of the season. Mane adds some unpredictability with his blistering pace and ability on the ball. Salah will bring the same attributes to the table.
As one of the fastest players around, Salah is an excellent dribbler and can bet his man with ease with his pace and trickery. His prolific goalscoring record means the Reds will have someone in their ranks to come in and fill in seamlessly for Mane if he goes unavailable due to some reasons.