Finding the Next Pharaoh: Five Long-Term Replacements for Liverpool Icon Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah. The name alone evokes images of dazzling runs, pinpoint finishes, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. Since his arrival at Anfield in 2017, the Egyptian King has not just played for Liverpool; he has etched his name into the club’s illustrious folklore, becoming an indispensable pillar of their modern success. While Salah, who signed a new contract extending his stay until 2027 and celebrated by lifting the Premier League title, shows no signs of slowing down, Liverpool’s astute recruitment team is already looking ahead. The club’s ability to seamlessly transition from one legend to the next has been a hallmark of their sustained dominance. Replacing a player of Salah’s calibre will be an unenviable task, but the Reds have a history of unearthing world-class talent. Here are five elite options who could potentially step into the golden boots of Liverpool’s legendary number 11.

1. Michael Olise: The Bundesliga Sensation

World-class right wingers are a rare commodity in today’s football landscape, and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise stands out as one of the planet’s most valuable. The versatile Frenchman, equally adept as an attacking midfielder, has reached new heights since his move from Crystal Palace to the Bundesliga. Olise enjoyed a breathtaking debut season with Bayern, contributing an astonishing 20 goals and 20 assists en route to clinching the Meisterschale. His devastating performances from the right wing earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award for 2024-25.

Olise’s effortless flair, impeccable first touch, and keen eye for goal make him an unstoppable force. Recent reports suggest Liverpool view him as the dream replacement for Salah. With Premier League experience, undeniable star quality, and an even loftier ceiling, Olise would be a phenomenal addition to the Reds’ ranks.

2. Rodrygo: Real Madrid’s Versatile Attacker

Rodrygo has frequently been linked with a departure from Real Madrid, with Arsenal and Manchester City previously mentioned as potential destinations. While the Brazilian has reportedly struggled to impress new manager Xabi Alonso, he remains determined to win him over. Liverpool, too, have been touted as prospective buyers in past transfer windows, and it’s easy to see why.

Rodrygo possesses the versatility to operate on either wing, but he is remarkably comfortable on the right flank despite being right-footed. While Liverpool might ideally seek a left-footer to replicate Salah’s signature move of cutting inside and unleashing shots, such talents are exceedingly rare at the elite level. However, Rodrygo’s impressive two-footedness has seen him consistently dazzle on the right for Madrid, contributing 34 goals and 31 assists in 146 appearances in that role. His blend of raw speed and exquisite skill would undoubtedly translate seamlessly to the Premier League, offering him a chance to step out of the shadows of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

3. Antoine Semenyo: The Premier League Tormentor

Liverpool has first-hand experience of Antoine Semenyo’s burgeoning talent. The Ghana international opened the scoring in Bournemouth’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in 2023-24, rattling a shot past Alisson in front of the Kop. He continued to torment their defence on the opening day of the current campaign, scoring a brace in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat at Anfield after allegedly being subjected to racist abuse in the first half. His first goal saw him race into the penalty area for a first-time finish, while his second epitomised his strengths, as he powerfully strode from his own half before unleashing a pinpoint strike into the bottom corner.

These consistently impressive performances have seen Semenyo rise to prominence on the south coast, attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before he signed a new contract over the summer. He managed 13 goals and six assists for the Cherries last season, proving a constant thorn in the side of opposing left-backs. Semenyo might not be a blockbuster name now, but neither was Salah when he first arrived at Anfield. He boasts proven Premier League experience, ample scope for improvement, and the potent mix of power and speed that many associate with Liverpool’s Egyptian King.

4. Anthony Gordon: The Homegrown Dynamo

Anthony Gordon has been a subject of serious interest from Liverpool in the past. The Reds, who released the winger at the age of 11, were keen on signing the former Everton and current Newcastle United star last summer but ultimately opted against matching the Magpies’ steep demands. However, Gordon will undoubtedly remain firmly on Liverpool’s radar. Having already secured Alexander Isak from Newcastle, could they return to Tyneside for the England international?

Gordon is not a traditional right winger, preferring to operate from the left flank to cut inside and wreak havoc on his stronger right foot. However, Eddie Howe has deployed the 24-year-old from the right in previous seasons, where he has managed a goal and six assists in 11 appearances. While signing Gordon as an out-and-out Salah replacement might be a gamble given his preferred position, there are few brighter English talents. He is a homegrown player with enormous potential to become a world-beating forward in the years to come.

5. Bradley Barcola: PSG’s Rising Star

Bradley Barcola, like Gordon, also has a preference for playing on the left flank, but, like any top-tier winger, he is equally comfortable on the right. He has amassed five goals and 14 assists in 29 matches from the right wing across his career, with nine of those contributions coming in the last two seasons with European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcola has truly exploded under Luis Enrique, with sensational numbers in 2024-25. He tallied an impressive 21 goals and 18 assists for the French giants and has already earned 15 caps for France since his senior debut in May 2024. Reports indicate that Liverpool saw multiple bids for Barcola rebuffed by PSG over the summer, with L’Équipe also highlighting the Reds’ admiration and interest in the 23-year-old dynamo. While he may have been somewhat overshadowed by clubmates Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola is just as crucial to PSG’s incredible transformation under Enrique. Liverpool would be remiss to ignore the talented Frenchman in future transfer windows.

The task of replacing Mohamed Salah is monumental, but Liverpool’s history suggests they are more than capable of finding the next generational talent to light up Anfield. Whether it’s a proven Bundesliga star, a Real Madrid prodigy, a Premier League tormentor, a homegrown talent, or a rising Parisian sensation, the future of Liverpool’s right wing looks bright.

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