Salah linked with Rangers as Liverpool pursue Diomande
Mohamed Salah is reportedly set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, with Rangers adviser Stig Inge Bjornebye sparking speculation of a sensational move to Ibrox. According to comments made by Bjornebye on Egyptian television and reported by the Rangers Review, the former Liverpool player has discussed Salah's situation with Rangers chiefs, though he stopped short of confirming any deal. Salah's contract at Anfield was due to run for another season, but the club is understood to be allowing the 33-year-old to depart at the end of the current campaign.
Salah's potential availability has also attracted significant interest from the Saudi Pro League, which pursued him aggressively last summer, as well as clubs in Italy and Major League Soccer. The Egyptian forward has spent nine seasons at Liverpool, scoring over 200 goals and winning every major trophy, cementing his status as a modern club legend. His departure would mark the end of a defining era for the Reds, necessitating a major rebuild in their attacking line.
In preparation for Salah's exit, Liverpool have intensified their efforts to sign a replacement, with RB Leipzig's Ivorian winger Yan Diomande identified as the primary target. According to reports from Bild and TEAMtalk, Liverpool officials have held fresh talks with both the player's representatives and Leipzig. However, they face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, while previous suitors Manchester United are said to have cooled their interest as they focus on strengthening other areas.
The potential move for Diomande, a 19-year-old who has impressed in the Bundesliga, represents a significant shift in strategy for Liverpool, opting for a younger profile to fill the void left by a proven superstar. The club is also monitoring the situation of Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan, though any move would be complicated by Newcastle's valuation, reported to be between £95m and £100m.
Bjornebye's comments regarding Salah and Rangers have been met with surprise, given the vast financial disparity between the Scottish Premiership and the leagues typically associated with such a high-profile player. While a move to Glasgow would be a major coup for Rangers, the more likely outcome remains a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia or another major European league. For Liverpool, the focus is firmly on securing Diomande as the cornerstone of their post-Salah attack, with negotiations ongoing but facing potential hurdles from Leipzig's stance and rival interest.
