Mohamed-Ali Cho to Liverpool: O’Rourke updates on summer deal
Mohamed-Ali Cho has enjoyed an impressive season at Nice, attracting interest from top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
The young forward is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Ligue 1 and has been linked with a return to England, with Liverpool reportedly showing interest.
Cho previously had a spell at Merseyside rivals Everton before moving back to France, later joining Real Sociedad. He then signed for Nice in January 2024, and he has played a key role this season.
Liverpool have shown interest in young forwards such as Stefanos Tzimas in the winter window, suggesting that a younger striker profile could be a priority in the market.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke believes Cho “ticks boxes” for the club if they decide to pursue a deal, but he “doesn’t expect” them to be “making major plans” to try and sign Cho.
Liverpool could set for major summer transfer window under Arne Slot
Cho has registered five goals and three assists in 25 appearances this season. The 21-year-old is versatile across the front three, which could appeal to Arne Slot.
However, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke revealed that if Liverpool lose Mohamed Salah, the club may prefer to “save that money” for bigger signings rather than move for Cho immediately.
O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Yeah, I think he would be a more long-term one. Again, it’s a bit of a surprise that they’re being linked with Ali Cho. Obviously, he’s had a decent season for Nice—five goals and three assists in 25 appearances.”
“I don’t think he’d be ready to come straight into that Liverpool starting XI right now if they were to pursue an interest in him. I’m sure, like Liverpool in their transfer strategies, they do look at young and upcoming players.”
“So he ticks boxes in that respect, but I don’t think he’d be ready to come in and replace Mo Salah on that right wing. I think he’s maybe somebody that the club have got on their list as a potential player they could bring in and develop into a top-class player as well.”
“I don’t expect Liverpool to be making major plans to try and sign Ali Cho. He’s probably somebody on their list rather than someone they’re actively pursuing to bring to Anfield in the summer.”
“Arne Slot didn’t make many major signings in the last couple of transfer windows, so I’d imagine he’ll be looking to save that money to maybe make a couple of big signings in the summer—especially if he ends up losing Trent Alexander-Arnold and potentially a Van Dijk or a Salah.”
Liverpool could target a younger striker as Jota and Nunez face uncertain futures
A younger striker could fit Liverpool’s profile, especially with Diogo Jota being linked with a move to Arsenal and Darwin Nunez coming close to joining Al Nassr in January.
If either forward departs, the club would need a replacement. Given their fluid attacking setup this season, a player with a profile similar to Cho wouldn’t be a surprise.
Liverpool often look at younger talents they can develop, but their priority is expected to be securing a major signing if a key player leaves.