Liverpool faces worst possible scenario as Man City eyes Kevin de Bruyne replacement

Liverpool’s interest in Mohammed Kudus could be rivaled by Manchester City as the Premier League champion looks to plot its Kevin de Bruyne succession plan.

‌Signed by West Ham from Ajax in 2023 for $48 million (£38m/€40m), Kudus produced several dazzling performances for the Hammers last term, including a final day of the season overhead kick against City at the Etihad. Liverpool has long been linked with the Ghanaian ace, who can operate out wide and through the middle.

However, any potential pursuit of Kudus could face a serious challenge in the form of Pep Guardiola and City. CaughtOffside report City is keen on signing Kudus to replace Kevin de Bruyne, should the Belgian leave this summer.

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De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with the City star open to a move. “Saudi? At my age you have to be open to everything,” De Bruyne told Belgian media last month. “You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”

‌Any move for the 23-year-old winger will likely prove to be a costly one. West Ham do not need to sell this summer and will likely command a fee at least double the $48 million it paid for him last year. Additionally, it has not been confirmed whether Kudus wants to leave the Hammers this summer‌.

However, Liverpool could find itself with cash burning a hole in its back pocket should the Saudi Pro League come calling for Mohamed Salah once again - which could prompt the Reds to sign Kudus as the Egyptian’s replacement.

‌Al-Ittihad tested Liverpool’s resolve for its star man last summer, albeit just as the window was closing, with a monstrous $269 million (£215m/€253m) bid.

‌Should the Saudis come calling again during the transfer window, it seems highly unlikely Liverpool would stand in the way of the 32-year-old. A mega-deal sale of Salah would allow the Reds to invest heavily this summer, giving new head coach Arne Slot plenty of space to manoeuvre within the transfer market.