Mo Salah ’emerges as Barcelona’s Top Alternative to Erling Haaland this summer’

Barcelona has identified Liverpool star Mohamed Salah as a possible replacement for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Erling Haaland.

The Egypt international’s contract expires in 2023 and, despite the Reds’ best efforts, the club and player have failed to agree on a new deal.

Haaland remains the Catalan giants’ top objective, but they have compiled a shortlist of alternates in case that deal falls through. According to reports, if a deal for Manchester City target Haaland falls through, Salah, along with Bayern Munich attacker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku, will be the next in line.

Lewandowski’s contract, like Salah’s, expires in 2023, while Lukaku joined the Blues in a £97million deal last summer. But his future remains uncertain following a disappointing year.

Chelsea’s future is similarly uncertain, with owner Roman Abramovich facing sanctions and new owners certain to arrive ahead of the summer transfer window, with preferred bids now being shortlisted.

While the emphasis remains on Haaland, Barcelona face stiff competition from Pep Guardiola’s City, who are willing to splurge the cash on the Norwegian – meaning Salah, Lewandowski, or Lukaku might end up being first-choice options.

Although Salah is not a centre-forward, Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly hell-bent on utilizing the Liverpool star as his Nou Camp No 9.

At Liverpool, Salah is thought to be seeking £400,000 per week, which would make him comfortably the club’s highest-paid player.

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, has already claimed that he is unconcerned with Salah’s contract dispute.

‘It is a firm commitment for this season, and then we will discuss the remainder – future, near, and future.”

‘Mo is not a guy who is easily sidetracked. If I do not (start) him, his mood (with me) will deteriorate! That is possible, but not against the team or in any other circumstance.’