Your morning digest for Wednesday, August 11.
Lionel Messi transfer saga puts Liverpool on £116m Mohamed Salah alert
In losing Lionel Messi, Barcelona have lost the jewel in its crown.
Unable to register arguably the greatest player to have ever played the game, the club’s performances will surely suffer on the pitch.
However, despite already finding themselves in a perilous financial state, Messi’s departure could harm the Barca coffers even further.
According to experts Brand Finance, the Argentine’s move imminent to PSG could cost the Spanish side a huge £116.2m, with the company claiming the Catalan club’s brand value will decrease by 11%.
READ: 'Nobody cares' - Liverpool striker speaks out on transfer exit after joining 'huge club'
That is the worth placed on being able to sell his number 10 shirts and associate the club with Messi’s name.
In Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have a similar financial asset, with the Egyptian’s social media following totalling 72m.
As the Reds eagerly attempt to sign the 29-year-old to a new deal, Messi’s contract situation highlights the importance of Salah’s commercial value to the club.
Read the full story here.
Jurgen Klopp could be about to replace Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool
Despite a full Anfield being reunited with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for the first time in nearly 18 months, it was Harvey Elliott that took centre stage against Athletic Bilbao.
The 18-year-old was deployed on the right of a midfield three, offering composure and fluidity in possession, always looking to push Liverpool forwards.
Used as a wide forward throughout his loan spell with Blackburn last season, Jurgen Klopp has deployed the teenager in more central areas this summer and has seen a similar style of play before.
Although still a teenager, the balance he has offered Liverpool between attack and midfield in pre-season will remind the German coach of Philippe Coutinho.
Klopp has previously opted to use the in-demand Xherdan Shaqiri as an attacking midfield option and given the consistent fitness doubts over other members of the Reds’ midfield, Harvey Elliott could be in line for a breakthrough season.
Read the full story here.
