Merson names Liverpool star worthier of Klopp chop than ‘priceless’ Salah

Mohamed Salah Liverpool v Chelsea March 2021

Paul Merson believes that Liverpool should be thinking about getting rid of Roberto Firmino before his fellow forward Mohamed Salah.

Salah has faced increasing speculation over his future this season after some notable moments.

He admitted in December that he felt “very disappointed” not to earn the captaincy in a Champions League match. In the same interview, he admitted appreciation for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

More recently, meanwhile, he vented his frustration at coming off midway through the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Anfield.

According to Merson, though, Brazilian no. 9 Firmino is the player manager Jurgen Klopp should be replacing before Salah.

The 29-year-old’s form has dropped off considerably this season, leading to criticism from several pundits.

“Liverpool cannot afford to lose to Mo Salah – he is PRICELESS to them,” Merson wrote in his Daily Star column.

“He’s top scorer in the Premier League again playing on the wing, and how many chances has he missed to score even more?

Jurgen Klopp downplays Mohamed Salah Liverpool substitution

Jurgen Klopp downplays Mohamed Salah Liverpool substitution

Jurgen Klopp insists there is no problem with Mo Salah at Liverpool after the forward was substituted early against Chelsea.

“Plus, he’s doing it while they are struggling. I don’t see that he’s doing anything wrong. His goalscoring record speaks for itself.

“There’s lots of talk about him maybe leaving. But if you’re Liverpool, you don’t want to be losing Salah.

“Even if Jurgen Klopp wants to freshen things up, I wouldn’t freshen up by selling Salah. Roberto Firmino maybe. But not Salah.”

Salah, who has finished as Liverpool’s top scorer in each of his three seasons at Anfield, is likely to do so again this term.

The Egyptian has 25 goals for the season in all competitions and tops the Premier League’s scoring charts with 17.

Merson tips Salah to continue Liverpool form

Mohamed Salah Liverpool warm up

“I know he was upset the other day when Klopp took him off. And he had a right to be too. Liverpool needed a goal. You don’t take Salah off in that situation,” Merson added.

“If he really wants to leave, a club would find the money to buy him. But why would you leave Liverpool?


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“When everybody’s fit again they will give anybody a game. I can’t see him going. I think he’ll be there next season.”

Liverpool return to action on Monday when they travel to Molineux to face Wolves.

READ MORE: Pundit makes bold prediction about Gerrard’s first signing as Liverpool boss