While it’s not ideal for Liverpool to part with Salah at this late stage in the summer transfer window, recent reports suggest they are making contingency plans.

According to an exclusive report from FT, Liverpool is considering a move to acquire Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid. This comes after Liverpool has already sold Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to clubs in the Saudi Pro League this summer, and now Salah is linked with a surprising move to join Fab at Al-Ittihad.

Al-Ittihad is reportedly willing to offer a substantial fee of £100 million for Salah, who will turn 32 next year. As a result, Joao Felix’s name has come into focus at Anfield. The Portuguese international’s future at Atletico Madrid is uncertain, with interest from clubs like Barcelona and Al-Hilal.

Earlier this month, AS reported that Al-Hilal offered 15 million euros to Atletico Madrid to sign the versatile attacker on loan. However, Atletico Madrid rejected the bid and is demanding a permanent transfer fee of 100 million euros (£85.8 million) for Felix, who is under contract until 2027 at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Felix has not played a single game for Atletico in the current campaign due to his uncertain future. Last season, he scored four goals in 11 Premier League starts for Chelsea while on loan.

Felix is a versatile player who can operate on either flank but prefers the No.10 role (CAM/SS) behind the main center forward. However, he is not known for his speed or as a prolific goal scorer like Mohamed Salah.

The question remains whether Joao Felix is capable of adequately replacing the African superstar at Anfield, and opinions may vary on this matter.