Dembele Eyes Anfield Switch as Alonso Revolution Looms and Salah's Exit Edges Closer

Liverpool's summer rebuild is taking shape with an unexpected twist: the club appears ready to cash in on Mohamed Salah while simultaneously pursuing one of world football's hottest properties.

Ousmane Dembele, fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or in 2025, has made clear his enthusiasm about joining the Reds, according to reports. The Paris Saint-Germain forward's contract renewal talks with the French club have stalled over salary disagreements, leaving the door open for interested parties.

The timing couldn't be more intriguing. Liverpool's current campaign has been a far cry from their title-winning form of last season, with the Reds languishing in sixth following a 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. Manchester United's victory over Arsenal moved them above Slot's side, adding fresh pressure on Merseyside.

A midweek Champions League thrashing of Azerbaijani opposition—a 6-0 demolition of Qarabag that secured their last-16 passage—offered some respite, yet behind the scenes, major upheaval appears inevitable.

The Alonso Factor

Word from Spain suggests Xabi Alonso will replace Arne Slot in the summer hotseat, with the former Real Madrid coach set to oversee a significant overhaul. Despite Liverpool's substantial outlay of over £400 million during the previous transfer window, continuity has proven elusive.

Dembele fits the profile of the kind of statement acquisition a new regime might pursue. Though he's operated centrally for PSG this season, Liverpool believe he possesses the qualities to flourish on the right flank—the very position Salah currently occupies.

Salah's Departure

The Egyptian's relationship with the board has reportedly deteriorated beyond repair following months of simmering tensions. The club has begun its search for a replacement in earnest, with Dembele representing the calibre of talent they're willing to pursue.

Liverpool's hierarchy are banking on their institutional prestige and the Premier League's competitive appeal to overcome any initial wage differential. Formal discussions are anticipated once the transfer window officially opens.

Saudi Interest Complicates Picture

However, Liverpool aren't operating in a vacuum. Saudi Arabia's evolving transfer strategy has turned its sights on Dembele, with the Pro League clubs reportedly preparing a significant bid.

Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol suggested such a move would rank among the kingdom's most ambitious acquisitions since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival, though he questioned whether a player at Dembele's peak would genuinely consider the move. The Saudi football landscape has shifted markedly in recent years, with private investment now supplementing state backing, fundamentally altering the financial dynamics.

Whether Dembele will be swayed by English football's allure or the astronomical riches on offer in the Gulf remains to be seen. For Liverpool, securing his signature would represent a bold statement of intent under Alonso's management.