According to Daily Star, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is ready to sacrifice Mohamed Salah in order to secure the services of Nicolas Pepe. The German mastermind is believed to be a massive admirer of the LOSC Lille forward, who has been linked with a move to a host of top across Europe this summer.
And to beat other clubs to his pursuit, Klopp is willing to sanction the sale of star player Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was linked with a move away from Anfield following yet another extraordinary campaign, and his potential departure could help Liverpool fund the €80 million asking price for Pepe.
But, is the Ivorian winger really a better option than Salah? Let us draw a comparison between the two players and figure who could be more beneficial to Liverpool next season and beyond.
Sporting/commercial influence
Salah is one of the most well-recognised footballers in the world, notably being included in the Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people on the planet earlier this year. He is regarded as a superstar in the Egyptian community, and it’s probably fair to say that the ex-Roma winger has played a vital role in Liverpool’s rise in stock in recent years.
Pepe, on the other hand, is rated among the up and coming talents in Europe, having enjoyed two productive seasons at LOSC Lille. That being said, he’s not as influential as Salah, and with no prior exposure in the Premier League, there would be a question as to whether or not he will able to integrate to the fast-paced nature of English football.
Tactical flexibility
The fact that Salah can be deployed as a false nine has been a huge help for Klopp, who has often utilised the Egyptian in a central role in the absence of Roberto Firmino. But, that could be redundant next season as Liverpool have already found an able back-up for the Brazilian in Divock Origi.
Pepe, meanwhile, has featured in a central role, at times. But he is predominantly a right-winger and hasn’t appeared confident playing on other position so far in his career. Hence, the Lille starlet won’t be able to provide much tactical flexibility to Klopp, which could be an issue in such a long and congested schedule of English football.
The prospect
Age becomes a significant factor in any big money signing. But, Pepe, at the age of 24, is just two years younger than Salah, who, at 26, is at the peak of his career. And it can be assumed that the Egyptian international will be able to perform at the top of his game for the next three-fours seasons, which is not bad.
Therefore and although obvious, Salah is a far more influential figure to Liverpool from both sporting and a tactical perspective. And if the Reds can hold onto their prized attacker this summer, there is no way someone like Pepe could eclipse him.
Hence, it would perhaps be wiser for Klopp to drop their pursuit of this talented Ivorian attacker and instead focus on signing a new defender, who could partner Virgil van Dijk in central defence next season.
