Liverpool has received a big transfer boost as a Lionel Messi replacement might now be signed for free.

Liverpool has received a big transfer boost as a Lionel Messi replacement might now be signed for free

After making preliminary inquiries, FSG finally chose to keep out of the Kylian Mbappé transfer dilemma, leaving it to two financially capable teams to resolve.

Despite this caution, it appears that Anfield will be the most affected by the final conclusion, with Real Madrid considering bids for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.

The transfer merry-go-round, however, does not end at Liverpool. Even in the worst-case scenario, when the Spanish giants steal one of the star duo, Mbappé’s decision might provide FSG with new choices. One player in particular, rumored to be Lionel Messi’s heir, may have just become more available.

Ousmane Dembele has been linked with a possible move to Liverpool (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Messi is, of course, still at PSG. Mbappé’s arrival appeared to disturb him, and his new contract with the club apparently includes guarantees that he will be the face of the brand going ahead. Nonetheless, the Argentine will be present, along with Neymar and (for the time being) Mauro Icardi. The front line is well-supplied.

PSG hasn’t exactly been shy about acquiring top attacking talent in the past. It would still appear to be a reach for them to make a move for Ousmane Dembélé, who appeared to be Mbappé’s back-up plan. As things stand, the Barcelona midfielder has yet to sign a new contract, raising the possibility of a free move.

Barcelona is said to be working on a new contract, with Xavi breaking his pledge to freeze out Dembélé and instead relying on him in the second half of the season. However, they are operating under severe financial difficulties, and Liverpool may see an opportunity.

Dembélé, who possesses the rare gift of true two-footedness, would be the ideal successor if Salah or Mané were to leave the team.

While his time at Barcelona has not been easy, where he was expected to eventually succeed Messi, his quality has showed through in the occasions when he has been able to overcome injuries.

Dembélé even presses at a pace of slightly more than 15 per game, which puts him on par with Salah and Mané. Jürgen Klopp will need to work on improving the effectiveness of his pressing, but the fundamental work rate is there – in this regard, he is better suited to Liverpool than Mbappé or Messi.

A ‘free’ move is, of course, never completely free. Both Real Madrid and PSG offered Mbappé eye-watering signing-on fees, which only served to emphasize that fact.

Dembélé could still price Liverpool out in the same way. But, with his most realistic suitor potentially off the table and Barcelona still in financial trouble, a significant opportunity may present itself.

In other news, Liverpool monitor Barca center back as Steven Gerrard eyes Joe Gomez move to Aston Villa