When the summer transfer window opens, Liverpool will be faced with a difficult decision: should they sell Mohamed Salah or keep him?
They seem to have no shortage of possible heirs to the Egyptian throne, at the very least.
The January arrival of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund has undoubtedly brought attention to an opportunity that will probably last past the 2023–2024 season.
“Sancho’s arrival would put a lot of pressure on Donyell Malen. He could be sold immediately,” Christian Falk wrote in his latest exclusive column with CaughtOffside.
“There was an idea of a swap deal with Manchester United for Sancho – they didn’t go for it.
“But if there is an offer coming from the Premier League for Malen, Dortmund will be open to talks.”
The Dutchman has registered eight goal contributions in 23 games this term (at a rate of one every 173.5 minutes).
Based on statistics provided by FBref, the 25-year-old presently has the fifth-most similar statistical profile to Salah.
Interestingly, however, Malen is far from as creatively inclined as the Liverpool hitman, registering in the 43rd percentile for xAG – in stark contrast to his remarkable placement for non-penalty xG (99th percentile).
While the forward’s 87th percentile ranking for touches in the attacking penalty box is impressive, he still needs to improve to match the 99th percentile score of the Egyptian.
On paper, Liverpool’s recruitment team might find the profile appealing even at the age of 25.
