Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on during the defeat to Man City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Liverpool are reportedly looking to be offered the chance to seal the transfer of Al Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The talented 22-year-old has impressed during his time in the Saudi Pro League, with a record 44 goals in 69 appearances.
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Leonardo’s performances have apparently attracted the attention of clubs such as Liverpool and Tottenham, according to a recent report from Sports Boom, and there may be a chance for a transfer.
According to Give Me Sport, this could be a deal that satisfies all parties, as Salah can finally get his long move to Saudi Arabia by joining Al Hilal, with Leonardo leading the way.
One issue with Mohamed Salah’s transfer talk…
It is worth noting, however, that the current expectation is that Salah will leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.
Although the Egyptian still has another year left on his contract, Ben Jacobs previously reported that there is an agreement for him to leave on a free transfer with one year left before that deal expires…
? Mo Salah will leave Liverpool on a free transfer. The teams reached a termination agreement similar to the club’s exit negotiated with Jurgen Klopp when he decided to leave. #LFC. pic.twitter.com/sVyChqoW4Y
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 24, 2026
This means that LFC cannot use Salah in a swap deal, as he will no longer be their player this summer, unless the Reds back out of the deal.
However, perhaps a more informal deal could be agreed, with Salah going to Al Hilal and Liverpool using that as a basis for any talks about Leonardo.
Is Marcos Leonardo ready for Liverpool?
Leonardo looks like an impressive young player, but it should also be noted that his experience in the Saudi Pro League alone will not prepare him for Premier League football.
The Brazilian’s previous experience in Europe was with Benfica, and he scored just 8 goals in 24 games there, so Arne Slot will probably be looking for more certainty when it comes to replacing someone as popular as Salah.
| Marcos Leonardo | OVERALL SCORE: 12/25 |
| Transfer fee | ** |
| Working | ** |
| Achievements | * |
| Work class | **** |
| A group requirement | *** |
We gave Leonardo a low average score with our Transfer Fit rating system, as he meets some criteria, but not others.
His recent form is good, but with the caveat that it is only in the Saudi Pro League, while his career achievements are nothing to write home about yet.
Still, Liverpool need attacking players and he probably wouldn’t cost a fortune, and he’s at an age where he could improve a lot over the next few years.
