The repercussions of Mohamed Salah‘s postmatch remarks at Elland Road have intensified the storyline surrounding Liverpool‘s challenging season. A departure in January is now a legitimate possibility for the Egypt international. Nevertheless, club officials understand the daunting task of replacing him midseason.
Over the past eight years with Liverpool, the 33-year-old forward has notched an impressive 250 goals and 116 assists in 420 matches, a level of output that is difficult to replicate with typical transfers. Players like AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon may align with Liverpool’s longer-term squad-building strategies, but neither can match the output Liverpool would lose if Salah were to depart.
To find a suitable replacement, Liverpool would need to identify someone with a proven ability to both score and create at a remarkably high level. The club has shown a willingness to invest, as evidenced by their summer spending of over €450 million on seven players, including €145 million on Alexander Isak, €117 million on Florian Wirtz, and €80 million on Hugo Ekitike.
However, none of these players would adequately fill the void left by Salah. With that in mind, let’s explore a range of potential successors—some more feasible than others—who could be on Liverpool’s radar.
It’s important to note that an exact match for Salah is unlikely to exist. The profiles of potential candidates vary, but the objective is to identify an attacking forward who shares similar stylistic qualities with Salah, has a high-impact performance rate, and possesses the ability to influence matches from the outset.
An ambitious target for the club, given the potential €150 million-plus fee, is Vinícius Júnior. His unsettled situation at Real Madrid, amidst contract negotiations (his current deal runs until 2027), has become a topic of discussion. This season, he has managed five goals and five assists in La Liga, but an ongoing 11-game scoreless streak is raising eyebrows and speculation surrounding a potential exit.
His current shot volume remains comparable to last season, although his on-target percentage has decreased by 4%. More importantly, individual actions have declined; his take-ons have dropped from over 10 per 90 minutes to 8.5, and offensive duels have declined from the 16-17 range to 14.4 per 90, indicating that Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach may be stifling his natural flair.
How similar is he to Salah? Vinícius, who is right-footed, operates mainly on the left side, generating many scoring chances by cutting in. His finishing is often dictated by his ability to exploit space, which is why former manager Carlo Ancelotti frequently utilized him in a more central role across numerous matches.
Similarities exist in his pace, dribbling skills while moving at speed, effective one-on-one play, and connectivity in passing around a forward. Some tactical adjustments would be necessary to maximize the Brazilian’s potential at Anfield, but he is among the select few who could warrant such a tactical overhaul.
How likely is a transfer? Although a January move seems improbable, the situation could shift in the medium term next summer. Very few clubs could afford to pursue Vinicius if he leaves Madrid, and Liverpool could be one of them.
If the opportunity arises, Liverpool will strongly consider Olisé, a left-footed right winger who excels in the same areas where Salah has thrived, from ball retrieval to setting up scoring opportunities. However, the former Crystal Palace winger is more of a playmaker than a goal-scorer.
His transfer from Crystal Palace in 2024 for €60 million now appears to be a steal, especially given that he is contracted until 2029.
How similar is he to Salah? While Salah’s game hinges on swift bursts, exceptional spatial awareness, and meticulous positioning in the box, Olise takes a more expansive approach. He often receives the ball in gaps between defensive lines on his left foot, and frequently sets up teammates with disguised passes rather than opting for early shots.
Nonetheless, both players share the ability to control the ball at speed, evade pressure, and carry the ball into high-quality scoring opportunities, along with notable shot quantity and zone selection.
How likely is a transfer? The France international has impressed since moving to Bayern — tallying 29 goals and 39 assists in 77 matches — making a transfer seem unlikely unless a €150 million offer emerges. However, the London-born winger may be inclined to explore a return to the Premier League.
Heat map of all actions from Aug. 1, 2023
Raphinha stands out as one of the few established wide forwards capable of seamlessly taking on Salah’s responsibilities at Liverpool without necessitating large structural changes to the attack.
A left-footed player who can operate on the right and also venture into narrower central areas (as illustrated by the heat map), Raphinha has demonstrated his world-class abilities following his transfer from Leeds United to Barcelona for €58 million in 2022. His performance was exceptional last season, leading to a domestic treble with 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches, culminating in being awarded La Liga Player of the Season.
How similar is he to Salah? Although he often plays on the left to accommodate Lamine Yamal on the right, Raphinha’s shot volume aligns closely with Salah’s, averaging 2.6 per 90 minutes. Their chance-creation profiles are also remarkably similar, as both players generate around one key pass per 90 minutes. Furthermore, their on-pitch roles are comparably suited: Raphinha regularly receives the ball wide, cuts inside, and either delivers an early cross or darts into space to occupy defenders.
Defensively, Raphinha effectively participates in high-intensity pressing schemes and typically tracks back to assist his full-back. Over time, Salah has been less involved defensively, a factor Liverpool has noticeably missed since the departure of Luis Díaz.
How likely is a transfer? Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges—including registration issues, debt, and cost pressures—mean that a €100 million offer for Raphinha would be tough for them to ignore, especially for an aging player. While his age might deter Liverpool, his technical skills and tactical fit should keep him firmly in consideration at Anfield.
Leão presents a different kind of prospect; however, there is a rationale for considering him with some structural adjustments. While he is right-footed and predominantly excels on the left flank, his underlying statistics remain strong (despite recent performance dips) with a current rate of 0.65 goals per 90 minutes and 52% of his shots hitting the target this season.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Leão typically advances through long strides, impressive speed, and strong acceleration. His take-on abilities have declined from about five to three per 90 minutes in recent seasons, but his capacity to penetrate the box remains a significant asset.
How similar is he to Salah? Leão offers similar attributes to Salah—although primarily on the opposite wing—relying more on transitional play and utilizing space than the nimble Salah, who adeptly creates opportunities in confined quarters.
How likely is a transfer? With a contract running until 2028 and a release clause estimated at €175 million, Leão could be a viable candidate. Moreover, having a high-volume scorer on the right may strategically draw defenders and create openings for players like Isak and Ekitike elsewhere on the pitch.
Greenwood has made a name for himself in recent seasons with Marseille, following a tumultuous exit from Manchester United in August 2023, which was preceded by a six-month investigation concerning his conduct. Although the investigation surrounding criminal charges was dropped, he joined Marseille for €31.6 million and signed a contract until 2029.
Since his move, his game has evolved in Ligue 1, showing enhanced skills in chance creation, shot accuracy, and dribbling. Remarkably, almost 70% of his shots now originate from inside the central-right zones, while his non-penalty expected goals per shot have improved due to his focus on higher-value attempts. He exhibits solid receiving and passing capabilities under pressure, as well as direct ball progression. His two-footedness also complicates defensive strategies as opponents are uncertain about how to defend against him.
How similar is he to Salah? Greenwood’s play style aligns reasonably closely with Salah’s, particularly evident in his finishing technique—his skillful ability to curl first-time shots towards the far post is reflective of his balance, backlift minimalism, and accuracy.
Much like Salah, Greenwood can generate power from almost a standstill while also executing controlled, shaped strikes.
How likely is a transfer? Given the circumstances surrounding Greenwood’s departure from Manchester United, as well as the fact that a sizable portion of any transfer fee would go back to United, this option may be less feasible.
Lastly, Barcola is a wildcard candidate, not yet a guaranteed starter at PSG, yet boasting impressive output for his age. Last season, he recorded 21 goals and 21 assists, and he has continued strong performances into the current campaign, with five goals and three assists.
Though primarily right-footed and inclined to play on the left, he often adapts to the opposite flank with little drop in effectiveness. He efficiently carries the ball into high-value areas and executes dribbling, combination play, and finishing with speed. His physicality makes him difficult to outmuscle, and his proficiency on his weaker foot helps him avoid predictability. Defensively, he presses well, respond adeptly to transitions, and displays the mobility necessary for playing in a high defensive line.
How similar is he to Salah? With a shot volume slightly below Salah’s at 2.5 per 90 (compared to Salah’s 2.7), Barcola excels in shot accuracy, with a 51% hit rate, well over Salah’s 39%.
How likely is a transfer? PSG is unlikely to consider interest in Barcola unless they can at least double their €45 million investment. However, his regular rotation and substitution patterns around the 60- or 70-minute marks could present an opportunity. His age, potential, and versatility enhance his candidacy for Liverpool.