Salah repeat: FSG submit £24m bid to seal Liverpool's first summer signing

This summer will once again be a defining period for Liverpool Football Club as they enter another uncertain period ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Last summer, the Reds spent upwards of £450m on new signings for Arne Slot, but the manager will have to deal with key first-team departures this time around.

Fan-favourite Mohamed Salah has already announced that he will be departing Anfield this summer after spending nine successful years at the club.

The Egyptian played a key role in both of the club’s two Premier League title triumphs, with his pending departure undoubtedly leaving a huge hole in the club’s forward line.

Given the nature of last year’s spending, it remains to be seen how much Slot will be given to spend, but it hasn’t stopped the hierarchy from identifying potential reinforcements ahead of the window.

Liverpool already make bid to land European star

In an attempt to replace the outgoing Salah, Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to land numerous top-level attacking talents ahead of the summer.

Yan Diomande is just one player who remains on the hierarchy’s shortlist at present, but his £87m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for the Reds.

PSG sensation Bradley Barcola is another option who continues to be mentioned with a switch to Anfield, and could be a cheaper alternative at just £61m.

However, other areas of the squad are also set to be bolstered in the months ahead, with Slot’s side already said to have made a move for Napoli centre-back Sam Beukema.

According to Area Napoli, the Reds have already made a €28m (£24m) offer for the 27-year-old who’s made 22 Serie A appearances throughout the ongoing campaign.

The report suggests that Slot is 'ready to welcome him' at Anfield, with the Italian side in line to make a sizeable profit if they are to cash in.

It also mentions that current boss Antonio Conte would sanction such a transfer if the asking price is met, which could lead to a potential transfer taking place.

Why Beukema could be Liverpool’s next Salah

Replacing a player of Salah’s quality is undoubtedly going to be a huge task for Liverpool, especially considering the levels he’s reached during his time at Anfield.

The Egyptian international has registered a staggering 257 goals during his nine years at the club, subsequently sitting third in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

He’s also laid on 122 assists for his teammates during such a period, even being a part of an iconic front three alongside the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Salah’s departure makes him the last out of the aforementioned talents to depart Merseyside, which no doubt signals the start of a new era for Slot and the Reds.

Whilst replacing the 33-year-old will certainly be a priority, the hierarchy will also want to improve other areas of the squad - as seen by the recent bid for Beukema.

Whilst the Dutch star operates in a different position to Salah, he could emulate the Egyptian in moving to Anfield from the Serie A and looking to take his career to the next level.

His stats from the ongoing campaign in Italy’s top-flight demonstrate his talent, whilst also having the opportunity to make himself the next fan-favourite on Merseyside.

The 27-year-old has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted, subsequently demonstrating his phenomenal ability when playing out from the back - something which is vital in Slot’s system.

He’s also completed 68% of the dribbles he’s attempted this term, which only reaffirms his ability to be comfortable in bringing the ball out of the defensive third.

However, without the ball, Beukema has been just as impressive, as seen by his remarkable tally of 3.7 ball recoveries and 5.9 defensive contributions made per 90.

The Dutchman has also made 1.2 tackles and come out on top of 52% of aerial duels - something which could make him a huge threat at either end of the pitch for Slot’s men.

The recent bid for the centre-back’s signature demonstrates how highly he’s rated by Liverpool and the board, with a deal this summer now looking likely.

£28m would be an excellent piece of business in today’s market and one that would allow the backline to finally have a natural left-sided centre-back.

The similarities to a deal for Salah are there for all to see, with the Dutchman having the chance to emulate the Egyptian’s feats upon any transfer to Anfield.

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