Perhaps with replacing Mohamed Salah in mind, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on signing the Egyptian’s greatest rival to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or this summer.

Liverpool eye new forwards as Diaz, Jota and Nunez disappoint

Arne Slot’s debut campaign has gone so well at Anfield that the natural expectancy was that they would, one way or another, find a way past Paris Saint-Germain. For the first time in the Dutchman’s Liverpool career, however, his side’s weaknesses were laid bare up against a PSG side who are simply more complete under Luis Enrique these days.

Not just Nunez: Liverpool star who lost the ball every 3 mins let Slot down

Liverpool exit the Champions League in the last 16 after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 12, 2025

It was fairly fitting that arguably Europe’s best two sides needed penalties to decide what was a two-legged tie filled to the brim with world class quality and in many ways it summed up Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool career that he was the one who blinked first.

Between Diogo Jota’s frantic yet ineffective performance, Luis Diaz’s mixed display and Nunez’s own frustrating cameo, it became clearer than ever that the Reds need an attacking boost this summer, especially if Salah departs as a free agent.

If that is to be the case – and a disastrous one at that – then those at Anfield must pursue the signature of the Egyptian’s Ballon d’Or rival this summer, having already reportedly set their sights on his potential arrival.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Raphinha from Barcelona in a move that would instantly ease their Salah blow and revive their frontline.

Unlike this time last year, however, Barcelona are unlikely to part ways with Brazilian at the first chance they get. In fact, they’re likely to deny any offer at all for the winger’s signature, given how he has exploded into life to become one of Europe’s most lethal players in the current campaign – scoring 27 goals in all competitions.

"Special" Raphinha one of few who could replace Salah

When Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes go searching for a player capable of guaranteeing 20-plus goals a season whilst also taking up the role of main creator, they will struggle to find an extensive list of players able to come close to the levels that Salah has consistently shown. However, if they turn that search towards Spain they may just find one of a select few stars beginning to show similar traits.

Goals

13

27

Assists

7

17

Expected Goals

14.4

22

Key Passes

74

68

Although the numbers show just how unbelievable Salah’s season has been, Raphinha has been no slouch either and remains the Liverpool star’s greatest Ballon d’Or rival – especially after advancing in the Champions League.

At 28 years old, the former Leeds United winger is finally at the absolute peak of his powers and earning deserved praise from Hansi Flick as a result. The Barcelona boss told reporters earlier this season: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match.

“His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”