According to Diario Gol, Real Madrid could face fresh competition in the pursuit of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian International has been linked with a move to Bernabeu this summer. But, the report claims that Los Blancos will face competition from arch-rivals Barcelona.
It is believed that the Catalans have identified the Liverpool star as their desired alternative for Neymar, whose pursuit was reportedly dropped by the club, as per the report. Therefore, Real Madrid needs to act swiftly if they are to secure the services of Salah during the remainder of the ongoing summer transfer window.
Salah’s success at Liverpool
Since joining Liverpool in a €42 million move from AS Roma back in 2017, Salah has become one of the best attackers in the world. The Egyptian international scored a whopping 32 goals in 36 matches in his debut campaign while his ten goals in the UEFA Champions League helped the Reds reach the final of the coveted tournament.
The ex-Chelsea star wasn’t as productive in the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign. But, he still managed to finish the season as the league’s joint top-scorer (along with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sadio Mane) with 22 goals in 38 matches. He notably scored the winner in the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur as the Merseyside giants lifted their sixth major European title.
Why Real Madrid must make a move for Salah
Real Madrid are in dire need of someone who can act as the main influence in attack – something they have duly lacked following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. While new man Eden Hazard is one of the best attackers in Europe, the addition of someone like Salah could help Los Merengues compete with Barcelona’s iconic attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann, who is expected to join the club in the coming days.
Where will Salah fit in at Real?
Real Madrid have made waves in the ongoing transfer market by signing a host of star players, including Hazard, Luka Jovic and Rodrygo. All of them will strengthen their offensive unit. But at the same time, Los Blancos are expected to get rid of their unwanted players this summer – a list that includes the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Mariano Diaz, among many others.
And their potential departure will allow Salah a path to the first-team. The Egyptian will be a guaranteed starter in the right-wing slot in Zidane’s 4-3-3, with Hazard featuring on the opposite flank and Jovic or Karim Benzema leading the attack.
Salah’s pace, coupled with Hazard’s trickery, will add another dimension to the attacking unit. And at the age of just 27, he could be an ideal long-term investment for Real Madrid as they aim to conquer Europe next season.
