Paul Merson warns of transfer that would ‘take the pool out of Liverpool’ that risks Reds ‘finishing nowhere’

PAUL MERSON has claimed that Liverpool would struggle should Mohamed Salah leave the club.

The Egyptian winger has long been linked with an exit from Anfield, with the Saudi Pro League being the most likely destination.

Last summer, Salah was the target of a £200million bid from Al-Ittihad but the offer was refused.

It is expected that clubs will return for the forward in the summer as he enters the final 12 months of his £400,000-per-week contract.

The 31-year-old has been key for the Reds again this season, with 23 goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Merson believes that Liverpool will struggle should the club cash in on their talisman.

The former Arsenal star suggested that Salah would be more difficult to replace than Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

He told Sky Sports: “If he goes wow, you could take the pool out of Liverpool.

“You’re talking about a right winger putting up numbers like that.

“You’re talking about Saka, who’s a phenomenal footballer.

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“He’s nowhere near those figures.

“Him and Martinelli had a breakout season last year.

“They didn’t score as many as Salah put together. And Liverpool finished nowhere.”

Former Liverpool and Manchester City defender Kolo Toure believes that the club would have to sign a similar player to fill Salah’s void should he leave.

He said: “He’s a very effective player. He wants to score goals.

“He doesn’t want for running. He will run at the right time.

“When he’s being marked, he can make the pass. He can provide the ball to his team-mates. He’s been doing some really good passes.

“Sometimes they don’t finish it, which is harsh on him. I think he’s a really effective player.

“Liverpool needed a player like that, who can score goals and provide.”