Liverpool transfer news: Barcelona like Mo Salah but deal deemed 'impossible'

Barcelona rate Mohamed Salah as the best option in their search for a new winger, but have already deemed a move 'impossible' due to his cost, according to a report.

Following the departure of Ousmane Dembele last summer, Barça have found themselves short on wide attacking options this season, with a left winger deemed a priority signing for the club this summer.

According to Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona — who will also be seeking a new manager for next season — intend to keep playing 4-3-3 and are on the lookout for a 'pure' winger who can operate in the system.

The report claims that the Barça hierarchy have already drawn up a list of players they like, with Liverpool's Salah supposedly "considered the best to play on either wing", despite only really featuring on the right with any regularity for Liverpool.

However, there appears to be no chance that the club will actually make a move on their interest, with the Reds' No. 11 deemed "impossible due to his cost."

Salah is the Reds' highest ever earner on around £350k a week basic pay, while Liverpool rejected a bid worth up to £150m for their all-time top Premier League goalscorer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer.

Barcelona, after a period of overspending and financial turmoil, have been forced to operate under strict budgetary conditions in recent times, and the days of being able to handpick the continent's best players (such as Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho) for too-good-to-refuse fees are behind them.

Instead of pursuing Salah, the report suggests that Barça are looking at Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — though both are under contract until 2027 and unlikely to come cheap either.

Meanwhile, Brighton's Kaouru Mitoma — previously linked with Liverpool — is slated as another alternative.

A summer move for Salah is still a concern for many, with the Egyptian now less than 18 months from the end of his contract and Liverpool facing a period of transition with the imminent exit of Jurgen Klopp.

The 31-year-old signed his last extension in 2022, which runs until 2025, while there has been significant speculation about renewed interest from Saudi Arabia.

However, Anfield Watch understands that Salah is now inclined to extend his deal at Liverpool beyond 2025 despite overtures from the Middle East.

Salah, who could return from injury to feature for Liverpool away at Brentford this weekend, is the Reds' top scorer in 2023/24 with 18 goals in all competitions.