LIVERPOOL star Wataru Endo seems to have hinted at Mo Salah’s departure from Anfield in an interview on Japanese TV.
Salah, 32, has been linked with a £200MILLION move to Saudi Arabia this summer after the Reds rejected a £170m offer 12 months ago.
It comes as Liverpool prepare for a new era under Arne Slot following the departure of legendary head coach Jurgen Klopp.
And midfielder Endo, 31, has fuelled rumours of Salah’s exit in a TV interview.
The Japan international, who played 42 games for Liverpool last season, was asked: “If you could transfer one Japanese national team player to Liverpool, who would it be?”
To which he replied: “Maybe it’s Kubo (Takefusa).”
Real Sociedad man Takefusa, 23, plays as a right winger and made 12 goal contributions in 41 games last season.
Former Japan star Tomoaki Makino and comedian Shintaro Moriyama were surprised by Endo’s selection.
But they were left even more stunned when Endo continued: “The search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah has begun, so this is becoming a real area for Liverpool to strengthen.
“I think the player who can replace him, in the national team, would be Kubo.”
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Salah has scored 211 goals and assisted 89 in 349 games since arriving on Merseyside from Roma for £36.5m in 2017.
He has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup at Liverpool.
The Egyptian did hint back in May, following the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign, that he will remain at Liverpool beyond the summer.
He posted: “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season.
“Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell.”
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is closing in on a £34million switch to Fulham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is committed to Liverpool this season despite interest from Real Madrid.
Chelsea have made a bid for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, according to reports.
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