David James believes Liverpool backed Mohamed Salah's decision to leave the club this summer to free up funds for multiple new signings. Salah will officially become a free agent next week after bidding an emotional farewell to Liverpool fans in his final match against Brentford last month.
Agreement to depart on a free transfer
In an agreement with Liverpool, the Egypt international will depart on a free transfer despite having 12 months remaining on his contract. The former Reds goalkeeper says his old club supported the forward's decision to leave, as the money saved on his wages could help bring in as many as three players this summer.
“His performances last season were not anywhere near the level that they were, first of all, the season prior to that,” the ex-England international said. “His contract would have been a very hefty contract with regards to the wages and stuff like that. And it's whether Liverpool really wanted to carry that contract, knowing that they might not get the returns again.”
Recruitment plans and wage savings
James added: “As I say, I think there's going to be a lot of recruitment done in the summer and therefore the money that they would have paid Mo would go a long way to getting, dare I say, one, two or three players in. So, I don't think this was purely down to Mo. I think this was a club decision at the same time.”
Salah's contract officially expires on Wednesday (June 30), and his next destination is not yet known. Liverpool have identified RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as a top target to replace the Egyptian, having already secured Victor Munoz's services. The Reds have told the Bundesliga club that they will pay about £86m for Diomande, a valuation equating to a package worth about €100m. Leipzig previously indicated they would seek around €130m (£112m) to sell the 19-year-old.
Kvaratskhelia touted as ideal replacement
However, James believes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who impressed as his Paris Saint-Germain side won the Ligue 1 title and Champions League last season, is the man to replace Salah. “I mean, I'd go for Kvaratskhelia,” he said via Grosvenor Sport. “I know he's not in the same position, but he can play multiple positions. The guy is up there for a Ballon d'Or nomination, and he would cost a few quid.
“I don't think it would happen. I say it's a bit of a dream, isn't it? But if Liverpool want to be successful next season, then someone like, if you were going to go and buy a ready-made player, then Kvaratskhelia would be the one. But with a new manager and everything that we have talked about with Andoni Iraola, there's a part of me that thinks they don't have to go out and spend anywhere near that kind of money to get the kind of player that Iraola can get performing.
“What will be a new-look Liverpool side doesn't require someone like Mo, if that makes sense. I just think there's an opportunity here just to freshen everything up.”
Alisson Becker set to stay
While Salah will depart Anfield this summer, James is delighted that Alisson Becker will remain a Reds player for the forthcoming season. Alisson had been widely tipped to join Juventus this summer despite Liverpool triggering a clause to extend his contract to 2027. But the Brazil international is now set to remain at Anfield.
James said: “Ali, like any one of the players that we can mention from last season, he was part of an environment which was not conducive to good form, good play. I mean, injuries, they happen for multiple different reasons, but I think what we will see now is, again, the best of Ali. I think everybody needed to get out of Liverpool just to get their heads right again.
“Now that he is playing in the World Cup, the injury side of things, I just hope he is not too old. I mean, I just hope that that's sorted. But his history has always been games missed through injury. But I don't think they need a replacement if he wants to stay now, and I think Ali at his best is the best in the world. So, I'm happy we will see him in goal for Liverpool this season.”
