Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool has been defined by a series of bold moves, both on and off the pitch, and it appears that one of his more intriguing plans was to replace Mohamed Salah with a Premier League misfit, Antony, during the winger’s uncertain period at Anfield.
According to reports, Klopp was considering an offer for the Manchester United winger as a potential successor for Salah, whose future at Liverpool seemed uncertain at the time due to contract talks stalling. However, with Salah’s continued brilliance and recent form, Klopp’s contingency plans have largely remained under wraps—until now.
As the Egyptian King continues to perform at an elite level, contributing ten goals and ten assists in 16 matches so far this season, the shadow of his contract situation looms large over Liverpool’s long-term planning. Salah, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract at the end of the current season, and as of yet, no clear indication has emerged as to whether he will remain at Anfield beyond that. Liverpool, traditionally cautious about offering long-term deals to players in their 30s, face a difficult decision when it comes to their star man.
For a while, it appeared that Salah’s time at Liverpool could be coming to an end, particularly during a tense period of contract negotiations a few years ago. His agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, was famously involved in tough discussions, and it wasn’t until a hard-bargained three-year extension was agreed that the speculation over Salah’s future was finally put to rest. However, the renewal talks are set to be revisited in the near future, with Salah now 32 years old, and still playing at the peak of his powers. A lucrative new contract would seem warranted, but it remains unclear whether Liverpool will be willing to meet his demands.
In the midst of this uncertainty, Klopp is reported to have considered a significant alternative—a move for Antony, then at Ajax, to replace Salah in the long term. According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Klopp had been keeping a close eye on the Brazilian winger as a potential option should the Salah negotiations take a turn for the worse. Joyce’s report revealed that during those challenging contract talks, when it seemed increasingly likely that Salah might depart, Klopp’s team discussed the possibility of signing Antony as a direct replacement.
This move, however, never materialized. The decision to renew Salah’s contract was ultimately taken by Mike Gordon, the then-president of Fenway Sports Group, who concluded that retaining Salah was a more sensible use of the club’s resources. Given Salah’s continued excellence and importance to Liverpool, that decision appears to have been vindicated, even as the negotiations drag on for a potential further deal. Nevertheless, the fact that Klopp was considering Antony—who has struggled to make an impact at Manchester United—shows just how far Liverpool were prepared to go in securing a future beyond Salah if necessary.
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Antony’s career at Manchester United has been far from smooth sailing. The Brazilian, who was signed by United from Ajax for a hefty £85 million in 2022, has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances in the Premier League. Despite his flair and skill, Antony has struggled to adapt to the physical demands of the English top-flight. His inability to cement a regular spot in United’s starting lineup this season, where he has yet to start a league match, has only heightened the doubts surrounding his ability to make a long-term impact in the Premier League.
Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole recently weighed in on Antony’s struggles, suggesting that the Brazilian’s playing style is more suited to leagues with less physical intensity, such as the Eredivisie, rather than the rigours of English football. “I think the problem with Antony at Manchester United is the physicality of the Premier League,” Cole said. “He’s a talented player with great technique, but he struggles with the physical side of the game here. I don’t see him making an impact in the United starting team this season, and I can’t see him turning it around at Manchester United.”
Cole went on to speculate that Antony may be playing for a move away from Old Trafford, with United likely to move past the winger in the coming seasons. “I think he’s probably best suited to other leagues,” Cole added. At 23, Antony is still at an age where he should be entering the prime of his career, but his struggles in England have left his future in doubt.
Had Klopp’s interest in Antony gone through, Liverpool would have taken a significant gamble on the winger, who has not proven himself in the Premier League at United. It’s hard to imagine that Antony, who has been criticized for lacking the necessary consistency in the top flight, could have seamlessly stepped into Salah’s shoes. Liverpool fans, who have witnessed Salah’s incredible contributions since his arrival in 2017, would likely have been skeptical of such a move, particularly considering the steep price tag that came with Antony’s signing from Ajax.
Instead, Liverpool’s decision to renew Salah’s contract looks to be a masterstroke. Salah continues to be one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, maintaining his position as one of the best attackers in Europe despite his advancing age. His ability to deliver crucial goals and assists has helped keep Liverpool competitive in both domestic and European competitions, and his leadership on and off the pitch remains vital to the Reds’ success.
Salah’s cryptic message after his match-winning goal against Brighton on November 2 only added to the ongoing speculation regarding his future. In a post on social media, Salah wrote: “Top of the table is where this club belongs. Nothing less. All teams win matches but there’s only 1 champion in the end. That’s what we want. Thank you for your support last night. No matter what happens, I will never forget what scoring at Anfield feels like.” While this message was clearly intended to inspire the fans, it also hinted that Salah’s long-term future at Anfield remains up in the air.
As Liverpool continue to excel under the management of Arne Slot, the question of Salah’s future will inevitably come to the forefront again. The club may soon need to make a decision on whether they will offer him another lucrative contract extension or move on to other long-term options. However, given Salah’s continued form and status as a talismanic figure for Liverpool, the idea of replacing him with a player who has yet to prove himself in the Premier League seems unwise in hindsight.
In conclusion, Klopp’s reported interest in Antony during the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s contract negotiations provides a fascinating insight into the planning that goes on behind the scenes at Liverpool. While the Brazilian may have been considered a potential replacement for Salah, his struggles in the Premier League make it unlikely he would have been able to step into the role that the Egyptian has made his own. As Liverpool look to secure their future with Salah, it’s clear that replacing a player of his quality is no easy task, and Klopp will need to continue exploring other options should the time come for a change. For now, though, the focus remains on Salah, who continues to be a driving force for Liverpool’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.