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Liverpool’s 4 best transfer window targets to replace Mohamed Salah
Image credit: ClutchPoints

With uncertainty looming over Mohamed Salah‘s future at Anfield amid persistent transfer speculation, Liverpool finds itself contemplating potential replacements for the prolific Egyptian forward. As clubs in the Saudi Pro League, notably Al-Ittihad, continue to express interest in Salah, Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes faces the daunting task of identifying suitable successors to fill the void left by the star winger. Let’s see the potential transfer targets this summer to replace the Egyptian king:

Raphinha (FC Barcelona)

Brazil midfielder Raphinha (11) stands on the field against Cameroon in the second half during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

In the search for a viable replacement for Salah, Liverpool may consider Raphinha, the versatile Brazilian winger currently playing at FC Barcelona. Despite being somewhat of a wildcard choice, Raphinha brings valuable Premier League experience from his time with Leeds United, where he flourished under the demanding tactical philosophy of Marcelo Bielsa.

At 27 years old, Raphinha is entering the prime of his career, making him an attractive prospect for Liverpool as they seek to improve their attacking options. With an impressive track record of 133 goals and assists in 317 appearances across various clubs and leagues, Raphinha possesses the offensive skills to make a significant impact in the Premier League.

While Raphinha’s statistics may not match Salah’s output directly, particularly during the 2022/23 season, where he played fewer games, his ability to contribute in key areas such as key passes and dribbles per game demonstrates his potential to thrive in Liverpool’s attacking setup. Moreover, recent reports suggest that Barcelona has declined offers from Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, indicating the level of interest in the Brazilian winger.

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Another intriguing option for Liverpool is Michael Olise, the talented forward currently honing his craft at Crystal Palace in the Premier League. At just 22 years old, Olise represents a promising prospect for Liverpool, boasting the experience of top-flight football and the potential for further development.

Olise’s versatility and creative flair have caught the eye of several top clubs, including Manchester City and Chelsea, underscoring his value as a sought-after talent in English football. Despite concerns about his injury record, Olise has demonstrated resilience, missing only 16 games due to injury throughout his career.

During his tenure at Crystal Palace, Olise has showcased his playmaking abilities, registering impressive statistics in key passes and dribbles per game. While his goal-scoring numbers may not match Salah’s prolific output, his knack for creating opportunities and contributing to attacking sequences makes him a compelling option for Liverpool as they prepare for life without Mohamed Salah.

Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

Leroy Sane, the dynamic German international currently plying his trade at Bayern Munich, presents an intriguing option for Liverpool in their quest to replace Salah. At 28 years old, Sane brings a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a successful career that includes two Premier League titles with Manchester City.

With 242 goal contributions in 439 appearances, Sane’s attacking prowess is evident, making him a valuable asset for any top club. Despite concerns about his injury record, including a significant cruciate ligament injury in 2019, Sane’s explosive attributes and proven track record make him an attractive proposition for Liverpool.

During the 2022/23 season, Sane showcased his ability to impact games despite playing fewer matches than Salah. His impressive goal contributions and dribbling statistics highlight his importance to Bayern Munich, underscoring his potential to thrive in Liverpool’s attacking setup.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently representing Napoli in Serie A, emerges as another promising candidate to replace Salah at Liverpool. With Salah’s departure expected to leave a significant void in Liverpool’s attacking lineup, Osimhen’s exceptional goal-scoring record and dynamic playing style make him an appealing option for the Reds.

Having enjoyed a stellar season with Napoli, where he surpassed the 30-goal mark, Osimhen has garnered interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea. At just 25 years old, Osimhen offers both youth and experience, providing Liverpool with a long-term solution to their attacking needs.

Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has endorsed Osimhen as a suitable replacement for Salah, citing his ability to complement Liverpool’s midfield and provide a consistent goal-scoring threat. Osimhen’s versatility and clinical finishing make him an ideal candidate to lead Liverpool’s frontline in the post-Salah era. However, Osimhen is targeted by every club under the sun nowadays, and it seems that if Liverpool wants to get the talented striker they will need to dig deep into their pockets.

What’s next for Liverpool

Liverpool’s pursuit of potential replacements for Mohamed Salah reflects their commitment to maintaining competitiveness in the Premier League and European competitions. As Richard Hughes assumes his role as sporting director, his task of identifying suitable transfer targets will be crucial in shaping Liverpool’s squad for the future.

With Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain, Liverpool must act decisively in securing suitable reinforcements to fill the void of their star forward. As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool’s transfer strategy will come under criticism as they seek to strengthen their squad and sustain their pursuit of silverware in the seasons ahead.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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