-Credit:Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Liverpool would become one of the world’s richest clubs should Elon Musk invest – and that could open the door to some transformational transfers.
The tech billionaire’s father, Errol, added fuel to the fire after suggesting his son may be interested in buying the Reds, although he noted: “But that doesn’t mean he’s buying it.” Current Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have no inclination to sell at present, but Musk is one of the few individuals who might be able to convince them otherwise.
The club is estimated by Forbes to be worth a gargantuan £4.3billion. And in an alternative universe under Musk’s ownership, there could be big-money moves aplenty that would have the Merseysiders dreaming of new heights.
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Kylian Mbappe turns Red
Liverpool were never seemingly in the running to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer last summer, but future prospects could be ignited with Musk’s backing. A little bit of strategic planning and patience over the coming years, and it’s conceivable that Liverpool could still recruit the French wonder without bankrupting themselves.
Mbappe’s deal with Real Madrid runs until 2029 and will see the striker pocket a hefty $300,000 (£250,000) per week post-tax. That isn’t far off the amount earned by Mohamed Salah, who could soon be on his way out of Anfield.
The 26-year-old already has a tentative link with Liverpool after telling GQ Magazine he reached out to FSG stakeholder LeBron James for career advice, explaining: “He is much farther along in his career than I am and projects outside of sport have cemented his place as a sporting legend.
Kylian Mbappe (right) could one day become a Red under Musk’s ownership -Credit:Getty Images
“Being able to ask for advice from inspiring figures like him provides an opportunity to adjust my plan and create my own approach that is as effective as possible in terms of helping young people today.”
Liverpool aren’t in a position to wait out Mbappe’s current contract considering he’d be approaching 31 at that point. But billionaire Musk might have the resources necessary to facilitate an earlier transfer, tempting Real to consider parting with their star, who boasts 13 goals from 25 appearances this season.
Alexander Isak aboard
Alexander Isak is one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League -Credit:Getty Images
Swedish sensation Alexander Isak has already left an impression on those at Liverpool. He contributed to Newcastle’s 3-3 draw against the Reds back in December with a goal and an assist, making Newcastle one of the few teams – along with Arsenal – to snatch points from Slot’s squad on home soil this term.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland may lead the list as the world’s most valuable striker at present, but Liverpool could find a better fit in Isak due to the variety in his game. His ability to create chances, as well as providing the hold-up play Haaland tends to excel at, makes him arguably a more attractive prospect.
The Saudi-owned Magpies have reportedly slapped a $185million (£150m) price tag on their top scorer – who has netted 13 times in the Premier League this term. Given Darwin Nunez’s inconsistent performances up front for the Reds, there’s arguably no better player than Isak, 25, to spearhead Liverpool’s attack in the coming seasons.
William Saliba signed
William Saliba would be a premium replacement for Virgil van Dijk -Credit:Getty Images
At the other end of the park, much of the talk at Anfield this season revolves around Virgil van Dijk’s future as his contract nears its June expiration date. As he approaches his 34th birthday this summer, it’s understandable why Liverpool might be hesitant to offer the Dutchman – widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history – a new long-term deal.
However, Arsenal’s William Saliba is fast becoming a rival to that legacy despite being only 23 years old. To put that number into perspective, Van Dijk didn’t even make his English football debut until he was 24, while Saliba already boasts 111 appearances for the Gunners, who would normally be reluctant to sell to a direct competitor.
Liverpool’s defence looks significantly weaker without Van Dijk, but the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez would receive a major boost if Saliba were to step into his shoes. After all, who better to eventually replace the stalwart than the player being touted as his Premier League heir?
Lamine Yamal fantasy
Lamine Yamal has a huge future ahead of him -Credit:ANP via Getty Images
Speaking of gaps in need of filling, Salah may soon leave a major void on Liverpool’s right wing. The Egyptian was heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia last summer, and that move could still materialise in 2025.
If Salah is currently considered the world’s best in his position, then 17-year-old Lamine Yamal is fast stepping up as his No2. Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team in 2023, the teenager has accumulated 14 goals and 21 assists in 73 senior appearances, and he’ss still only in the early stages of his development.
Nineteen of those direct goal contributions (seven goals and 12 assists) have come in his 22 outings for Barca this season alone. Yamal has described Barcelona as “the club of my life” and is understood to have an $1.1billion (£866m) buyout clause, so certainly fits the bill of ‘dream transfer’.