Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be preparing for life without Mohamed Salah if he can secure the services of highly rated Nicolas Pepe this summer.

According to Le10Sport, Jurgen Klopp is ready to oversee the sale of star player Mohamed Salah if he can land top target Nicolas Pepe this summer. The Liverpool manager holds the LOSC Lille star, who has become of the most sought-after attackers in Europe following a remarkable campaign, in high esteem. So much so, that he would be willing to let go of Salah, with whom his relationship has started to collapse in recent weeks.

The report believes that Liverpool have already launched a bid to sign Pepe. But, Lille are not yet convinced, having two received other offers of such kind from unnamed clubs. Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the Ivorian international this summer.

The apparent tension between Salah and Klopp could have adverse effects over Liverpool’s morale ahead of the start of next season. The Reds, having recently won the UEFA Champions League, have enjoyed a massive surge in popularity. But, the potential departure of Salah could have a large impact on disrupting the overall balance and chemistry of the team.

Hence, Liverpool should try their best in keeping hold of Salah, preferably by offering him a pay raise after yet another remarkable campaign that saw him become the joint top scorer in the Premier League. His services in front of goal were also critical in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph. He notably scored the penalty in the final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Set to celebrate a move to the Premier League? (Photo by Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images)
Set to celebrate a move to the Premier League? (Photo by Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images)

However, should the Reds fail to keep hold of Salah, they will have an able replacement in the shape of Pepe. Indeed, the LOSC Lille superstar is more than capable of reinvigorating Liverpool’s offensive line in the event of the Egyptian’s departure from the club.

Pepe has enjoyed two productive seasons since joining Lille, having been involved in 58 goals in just 79 games for the French outfit in all competitions. In the recently concluded 2018-19 campaign, Pepe scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists – ending the season as the second most productive attacker in the league, behind PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Pepe’s explosive pace, coupled with his productivity, would make him a decent alternative to Salah. He is also known for his aggression and can provide a genuine threat on the counter, meaning he could be a tailor-made fit for Jurgen Klopp’s Gegenpressing style of play at Liverpool. And at the age of 24, the Ivorian can be a smart long-term investment for the Reds as they aim to continue their dominance over European football.

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