Liverpool boss Klopp wanted to sign Salah transfer alternative but Edwards stepped in

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wanted to sign Julian Brandt instead of Mohamed Salah in 2017, however, Anfield sporting director Michael Edwards stepped in to make sure the Reds landed the Egypt international.

Salah, 28, has been sensation since joining Liverpool, with the winger netting 71 Premier League goals in 101 starts.

Liverpool’s top scorer this season has won the Golden Boot twice, with Salah also in with a shout of scooping the award again this time out.

Salah has helped guide Liverpool to their first Premier League title, building on their Champions League triumph last season.

However, according to the Athletic, it could have been much different for Liverpool and Salah.

They say Reds boss Klopp wanted to sign Germany international Brandt, then of Bayer Leverkusen.

Klopp had doubts over Salah due to his struggles at Chelsea.

However, Liverpool transfer guru Edwards pressed the club to sign Salah instead.

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Edwards convinced Klopp that Salah would be a hit at Anfield, urging the German to forget about the forward’s poor spell at Chelsea.

Klopp listened and Salah’s £36million move to Anfield will go down as one of the bargain buys in the Premier League era.

A lot has been made of Salah’s future at Anfield, with Real Madrid and Barcelona linked with the forward.

However, Premier League icon Alan Shearer says Liverpool’s stars will not leave as Klopp’s created the best side in the world.

He said: “Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are clearly on the wanted lists of Europe’s big spenders, but why would they want to leave Liverpool now?

“Even if the likes of Real Madrid are lining up, I don’t see why they would want to go elsewhere. This is a club in Liverpool on the up, a huge club and they are well and truly back.

“You’ve just won the Premier League, won the Champions League last year… keep going and you’re on the cusp of greatness.

“Jurgen Klopp’s side could dominate for a few more years, so they will not be willing to let their superstars go and I don’t see any reason they would leave.

“For next season, I think Liverpool need only a small turnover of squad players to keep things fresh, keep the squad hungry.

“Not one of the first-choice starting XI were born when they last won the title 30 years ago so it’s not an ageing squad.

“I could see them bring one big hitter in, which will push those already there even further.

“But when you look at the team; the keeper, top class. The full backs, heaped with praise.

“They could add a centre-back alongside Virgil Van Dijk but Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have done well.

“Then you look at midfield and frontline and whoever they go out and buy, are they going to improve this team that much?

“Boss Klopp now has the job of getting them ready for the next challenges.

“There will be a feeling of total relief given how long they wait to seal the title and the small matter of that 30 years.

“But also elation at what they have achieved. They’ve been the best team by miles.

“Two defeats in two years, two defeats! When you put it like that, it’s just incredible.”

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source: express.co.uk