The impact of Mohamed Salah‘s comments after the match at Elland Road has intensified the drama surrounding Liverpool‘s challenging season. A January departure for the Egypt international is now a real possibility, though the club acknowledges the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement midseason.
At 33, Salah has netted 250 goals and provided 116 assists in 420 appearances over eight years with Liverpool, making it clear that such stellar output is hard to replicate through standard transfers. Potential long-term foundation players, like AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, may align with broader squad-building strategies but would not deliver the same level of performance if Salah were to leave.
Replacing him would necessitate acquiring a player with an impressive record who can both score and create at high intensity. Liverpool has shown readiness to invest, as evidenced by their spending of over €450 million on seven players last summer, including major signings like Alexander Isak, who cost €145 million, €117 million on Florian Wirtz, and €80 million on Hugo Ekitike.
However, none of these players are well-suited to fill the gap that Salah would leave. Therefore, it’s crucial for the club to identify potential successors, ranging from realistic options to more speculative candidates, for their internal shortlist. While a direct replacement may not be possible, the aim is to find an attacking forward with a compatible style, substantial impact, and game-changing ability.
One candidate worth considering is Vinícius Júnior, who has been unsettled at Real Madrid amid ongoing contract discussions. His current statistics show a decent performance, with five goals and five assists this season; however, his recent scoreless streak raises questions. While quick adjustments would be necessary for him to fit into Liverpool’s system, the prospect of him joining remains tantalizing for next summer.
Another intriguing prospect is Michael Olise, a right-winger who could thrive in Salah’s role. Although he is more of a playmaker than a pure finisher, he has been highly productive since transferring to Bayern, making him a strong candidate should Liverpool look to strengthen their attack. Likewise, Raphinha is a capable option and less likely to necessitate structural changes, having performed exceptionally since joining Barcelona. Factors like Barcelona’s financial challenges might make a €100 million proposal enticing for them.
