Latest developments
- Salah to Barcelona deal revived with possible free transfer in the summer.
- Camp Nou side negotiated with the Egyptian back in 2021.
- Liverpool forward is out-of-contract at the end of the season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Prior Barcelona interest gives confidence
Mohamed Salah has dropped a few hints in recent weeks that this will be his final season at Anfield after arriving on Merseyside in 2017, with Saudi Arabia thought to be the first-choice destination for the Egyptian.
But according to Spanish organisation SPORT, Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to bring the 32-year-old to the Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer. The SPORT coverage doesn’t name their source, but Barcelona are known to be admirers of Salah, who could be set for one final big payday.
Value (4/5): Salah free transfer to Barcelona ideal for Blaugrana
If Liverpool are unable or unwilling to extend Salah's current deal, the “Egyptian King” would be free to move elsewhere come the end of the season. Financial difficulties prevented Barcelona getting a deal done three years ago, so they will no doubt be pleased not to have to part with a transfer fee.
Salah will still command a large wage, which is less than ideal for Barcelona, given that he will turn 33 in June, Salah's time at the top of the European game is limited.
Suitability (4/5): Salah perfectly into front
Since arriving in Catalonia, Hansi Flick has dispensed with Barcelona's longstanding 4-3-3 formation, and instead gone with a 4-2-3-1 system to full effect.
With Barcelona off to a flying start under the German, there appears no reason for them to return to their old ways, yet in either system, Salah would be able to play in his favoured right side as part of an attacking trio in behind the striker, or on the right side of a front three. Seven goals and five assists from 10 Premier League appearances so far proves he is still a lethal winger despite his advancing years.
Upgrade? (1.5/5): Kop star won't easily replace Kopa star
Although age is yet to catch up with him, it would be tough for a 32-year-old Salah to dislodge the current occupant of his position – Lamine Yamal, winner of the Kopa Trophy at last month's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Not only do Barcelona have perhaps the finest young talent in the game today on their right wing, they also have Ferran Torres as a more than worthy back-up, who is eight years Salah's junior. Salah may have great experience, but it's hard to see him being more than an expensive bench-warmer in Barcelona.
Logic (1.5/5): Mo's latter years better spent elsewhere
Despite Barcelona's resurgence being driven by another batch of youth players from La Masia, they have proven to be a good home in recent years to ageing stars, such as Lewandowski.
Unlike the Polish striker, Salah does not play in a problem position for Barcelona and, other than the chance to win Spanish domestic honours, there is little that being a rotation player at Camp Nou can offer him.
Whisper+ final verdict – 14.5 / 25
Recent form suggests that Salah is very much still the same player that Barcelona tried desperately to sign three years ago, with the added bonus this time of him being much cheaper.
Yet, with minutes at a premium and high wages a given, Barcelona and Salah are probably better off putting the past behind them.
