Todd Boehly cannot ignore Mohamed Salah transfer alert as new Chelsea trend continues

The buzz generated from reports claiming Mohamed Salah is open to joining a Premier League club is to be expected. One of the outstanding players across the last five years, the Egyptian has not only become a great goalscorer for Liverpool, but he's also provided moments of pure genius.

Even at 29, where the concern over spending vast amounts might appear a risk, his relentlessness and self-drive could see him excel at an elite level for years to come.

What his decision to stall on contract talks with Liverpool indicates more broadly is a growing trend at the high-end of the market, one that might prompt clubs to change their strategy.

Chelsea among trio who could sign Mohamed Salah after huge Liverpool transfer wish reveal

Chelsea knows first-hand the dangers of allowing players to enter the final year of their deals. Losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this year for free, and with Cesar Azpilicueta's future still in limbo, the sheer amount of high-level free agents in 2022 feels more like a mere coincidence.

Paulo Dybala, Ousmane Dembele, and Paul Pogba all likely have several clubs interested in their signature. The chance to negotiate a wage without the hassle of a transfer fee can be a win-win situation for both parties. This new trend could eventually see the ludicrous inflation in transfer fees come down due to the idea of a long-term investment no longer being so concrete.

Players know their increasing value, and the quickly changing nature of football means that being stuck on a five or six-year deal could mean a player's chance to jump at a dream move could be halted by an employer unwilling to sell.

Wilfried Zaha and Harry Kane both feel like pertinent examples across recent years in England, two