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Egyptian King leaving
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Mohamed Salah’s legendary time at Liverpool will come to an end this summer. It was announced on Tuesday evening that the Egyptian will leave at the end of the season after nine years at the Merseyside club. Only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt have scored more goals for Liverpool than Salah, who has set numerous records during his time at Anfield. The Egyptian King has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League to cement his legacy as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
Confirming his exit, Salah said: “Unfortunately, the day has come. I could never have imagined how much this club, this city and these people would become a part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club.” The 33-year-old’s performances have unquestionably been on the decline this season and Richard Hughes will now be tasked with finding his replacement. It’s understood that Liverpool could be in the market for two wingers this summer as they aim to address both flanks and we’ve analysed eight potential options.
Liverpool’s winger Wishlist
It’s near impossible to envisage Michael Olise leaving Bayern Munich this summer, but he would be Liverpool’s dream replacement for Salah. Alongside Lamine Yamal, Olise is currently the best right-winger in the world and it would require a small fortune - close to €200m - to prize him from the Bundesliga giants. It’s understood that Olise has aspirations of playing for Liverpool in the future and a return to England, but that’s incredibly unlikely to arrive this summer.
Yan Diomande is one of the most coveted players in Europe after an incredible maiden season at RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old has 11 goals and eight assists in 29 appearances with his mesmerising skillset catching the eye. Unlike Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig’s business model revolves around flipping young talents for profits and Diomande will be obtainable. But whether Liverpool are willing to pay €100m for a youngster with one season of experience in a top five league is questionable and they will be conscious of overpaying for another Bundesliga talent after learning their lesson on Florian Wirtz.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are massive admirers of Newcastle United's Antony Gordon and they could firm up their interest this summer. The England international can play on the right but he’s predominantly a left-winger, which would require Liverpool to bring in another signing to replace Mohamed Salah - or play Jeremie Frimpong higher up.
Rodrygo’s stock has fallen considerably across the last 18 months and it would be no surprise if Real Madrid cashed in this summer to fund their rebuild. The Brazilian’s market value has dropped by €60m across the last two years but he remains an elite winger with incredible pedigree. Rodrygo, however, will miss the World Cup with an ACL injury, which could prevent his departure this summer.
Liverpool have scouted Maghnes Akliouche extensively this season, including his phenomenal display against PSG. The Monaco star prefers to play from the right-wing and he would be a fascinating option. Akliouche is supremely gifted as evidenced by earning a place in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, which is littered with world-class attackers and he would be relatively affordable.
Matías Soulé is on Liverpool’s radar and there’s been strong links across the last year. Juventus’ decision to allow the Argentine to join rivals Roma has backfired as he’s enjoyed a productive campaign with 14 goal involvements in 34 games. Whether Soulé is ready to fill the boots of Salah is highly debatable and he plays centrally often, but Liverpool had great joy in signing a talented attacker from Roma previously.
Jarrod Bowen won’t feature high on Liverpool’s preferred options but they could capitalise on an excellent market opportunity this summer. West Ham are engulfed in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the Premier League table and Bowen could leave, if they are relegated. The England international has been incredibly loyal to the Hammers but he won’t want to play in the Championship. At 29, Bowen doesn’t represent the future but his attacking output in the English top-flight is undeniable.
There’s been reputable reports that Liverpool have made enquiries over Moussa Diaby, but he still represents a left-field option. The 26-year-old is currently playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad but he has Premier League experience with Aston Villa and would be a cheap option.
