Khaberni - In the historic corridors of Anfield, the news of transfers is no longer just maneuvers to bolster the ranks, but has recently turned into encrypted messages, and perhaps even friendly fire targeting to break the pride of legends.
The news that shook the sports circles about Liverpool starting negotiations to sign Ivorian Yann Dioumande for 100 million euros, was not just a fleeting news, it's the visible part of an iceberg of a plan that some might call a renewal of blood but lovers see it as a betrayal of a king who has yet to abdicate his throne.
Here's an analysis of the behind-the-scenes through 3 signs that confirm Liverpool has indeed started the post-Salah era:
The first sign: The timing of the deliberate leak
Why now? As the season enters its crucial phases, the news of official negotiations with Dioumande comes out publicly and with astronomical figures. In the language of the backstage, this leak aims to destabilize Salah’s position.
The management wants to send a clear message to the Egyptian star: We no longer rely on you for the future, we have already made our decision. This kind of leaks is usually used to prepare the audience for the departure of their favorite star, and to notify the player that a ready replacement is just waiting for a go-ahead, putting Salah under immense psychological pressure.
The second sign: The budget shock and the identity of the successor
Liverpool, known for its extreme caution in spending in recent years and only paying to sign stars known for their brilliance at the highest levels, is ready to spend 100 million euros on a 19-year-old player who has not achieved much yet, this financial leap is not just a technical investment, but it is a declaration of independence from the Salah era.
Choosing a young player at this age means that the club has decided to invest in the distant future, it's a harsh message indicating that the club prefers to bet on a promising unknown rather than continue relying on a known who is nearing the end of his career.
The third sign: Escape from the dictatorship of the old tactic
Liverpool's expected signing with Dioumande, who has technical characteristics different from Salah such as a greater inclination for dribbling and linear play rather than direct finishing, indicates the coach Arne Slot's desire to dismantle the system that was built around Salah for years.
The management supports Slot in his tactical revolution, which involves getting rid of players who impose a certain style due to their overwhelming stardom, and Salah is the primary target in this tactical cleansing to break the centrality of the sole star.
How will the king respond?.. A motivated beast or a silent departure?
The question now: How will Salah respond to these signs? Salah's history tells us that he thrives on skepticism; whenever it is said that he's finished, he returns with a version even more terrifying than before.
It's expected that Salah will transform on the field into a fierce beast in the remaining months, not out of love for the management, but to prove that they have committed the sin of a lifetime by considering replacing him, and he will try to break all possible records to leave while at the peak of the pyramid.
However, behind closed doors, this betrayal could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Salah well understands his value, and his feeling that the management is coldly disposing of him rather than honoring him might push him to make a difficult decision.
The response might not be with a press release, but with his agent Rami Abbas contacting the anticipated Saudi offers, making the departure in the summer the ultimate response with a royal exit leaving Liverpool to face its destiny with the 100 million euro gamble.. So, will the Reds regret rushing to the end?
