Liverpool’s Premier League return on Saturday ended in disappointment as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Marco Silva’s Fulham. The Reds, who are chasing the title, were forced to play much of the match with ten men after Andrew Robertson was shown an early red card. As a result, they had to settle for a draw when the final whistle blew.
While Andrew Robertson’s early red card was a setback for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah continued to shine in his blistering form, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his contract. The 32-year-old Egyptian showed no signs of slowing down, contributing an assist in the 2-2 draw against Fulham. Salah was in fine form, taking three shots on goal, but it was his precise pass to Cody Gakpo that set up Liverpool’s opening goal in what proved to be a thrilling encounter. His impact on the pitch remains undeniable, even with the contract situation hanging in the balance.
If the sublime Liverpool number 11 had found the back of the net on Saturday, that would have been eight league games on the spin for Salah where he’d scored, with the forward ageing like a fine wine on Merseyside.
In total, he has a staggering 16 goals and 13 assists next to his name from only 23 fixtures, with the anxiety levels ramping up now no doubt over whether he will stay at Liverpool past this season or whether a new suitor will come in and snap him up.
If Mohamed Salah’s departure becomes a reality for Arne Slot and his team, Liverpool may have a strong replacement option in mind: Barcelona’s Raphinha. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool has expressed significant interest in the Brazilian winger, signaling they would be thrilled to secure his services. The report also notes that Arsenal and Manchester City inquired about Raphinha in the summer, and all three clubs remain interested, reportedly holding talks with agents about a potential move in 2025.
Raphinha, well-known in England for his standout performances at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa, has impressed at Barcelona, putting up Salah-like numbers this season. His ability to shine in Spain has made him an exciting prospect for Liverpool, with the possibility that he could be the perfect fit to replace Salah if he were to leave the club.
Very similar when comparing their attacking games over the last year using FBRef, alongside the fact Raphinha is remarkably only two goal contributions off Salah for his 2024/25 output, the South American might well be just what Liverpool need to soften any blow that might well come their way.
Raphinha’s stunning goal and assist numbers have even seen him be labelled as “Europe’s best player in 24/25” by Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley, despite Salah lighting up the Premier League.
It would be a real knock to the system if Liverpool were to lose their magnificent attacker, but if Raphinha then comes in, that gaping wound could be sorted out rather quickly.