Liverpool need to replace the irreplaceable. Mohamed Salah — 255 goals, 435 appearances, and barely a match missed through injury in nine years — is leaving Anfield this summer, and no one is pretending that's a straightforward problem to solve.
He drove this club to a 20th league title last season while winning Player of the Year. Even at 33, that's the benchmark whoever comes next has to meet. So who actually fits the bill?
The Dream, and Why It Probably Won't Happen
Start with Michael Olise, because he's the obvious answer. Sixteen goals and 27 assists in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, cuts inside from the right onto his left foot exactly the way Salah does, and he's 24. The profile is almost too good.
But Bayern president Uli Hoeness made Liverpool's chances crystal clear last week: "We won't contribute to them playing better next year." CEO Max Eberl called the club "relaxed" about the player's future. With the price tag sitting somewhere between £140m and £180m, FSG were probably never serious bidders anyway. Cross him off.
The more credible targets tell a different story about where Liverpool's head is at — younger, cheaper, and with room to grow into the role rather than walk straight into Salah's shoes.
The Realistic Six
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, 24) — The best fit stylistically, wildly expensive, and not for sale. The dream option that stays a dream.
- Lassine Diomande (RB Leipzig, 19) — Ten goals in 26 Bundesliga matches, blistering pace, and Leipzig have already sold to Liverpool before. Szoboszlai and Konaté both came through that pipeline, and Jürgen Klopp's Red Bull connection doesn't hurt. At around £87m, this is a buy-for-the-future deal — high ceiling, real risk.
- Bradley Barcola (PSG, 23) — PSG's attacking depth is absurd. With Doué, Kvaratskhelia, and Dembélé all ahead of him, Barcola has started only 15 of 26 league games. Still hit double figures in Ligue 1 and scored twice against Chelsea in the Champions League. Similar fee to Diomande, arguably more proven.
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle, 23) — The boyhood Liverpool fan option. Only Mbappé has scored more Champions League goals this season, and his ceiling is obvious. The complications: he prefers the left, signed a new contract 18 months ago, and Newcastle won't sell cheap. If they miss European football next season, the equation changes fast. Around £75m.
- Yankuba Minteh (Brighton, 21) — Left-footed right winger, explosive, and he already played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord in 2023/24. Slot knows exactly what he's getting. This season's goal return — two — is underwhelming, but Brighton will sell, the price will be fair, and Liverpool are clearly watching him. The most affordable credible option on this list.
- Francisco Conceicao (Juventus, 23) — Three goals, three assists in 23 Serie A appearances is not the kind of form that demands £52m, but that's what Juventus would reportedly accept. When asked about Liverpool during the international break, Conceicao said he was "happy" in Turin. The cheapest name here, and the least convincing case for it.
Liverpool's transfer market position this summer is tighter than it might appear. Heavy spending last year, plus whatever they chase in other positions, means cost is a genuine filter — not just a talking point. That probably rules out Olise entirely and pushes Minteh up the pecking order.
The Salah-shaped hole in Slot's side is real, and whoever fills it will carry a weight of expectation that no price tag can fully quantify.
