It could be all change in Liverpool’s forward line this summer, particularly in the wide areas, with finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah presenting the biggest challenge as the Anfield legend prepares to depart.
While Liverpool figure out how to replace the irreplaceable, one club appears to hold a significant advantage in the race to sign the Egyptian superstar.
Salah signing boxes ticked off
Fenerbahce are reported to have ticked three major boxes when it comes to delivering everything Salah wants from his next major move. The Turkish Super Lig runners-up, who lost out to Galatasaray in the title race, are firmly in the mix to sign the impending Liverpool free agent — though they must first meet his demands.
First among those is Salah’s desire to continue playing at the top level in Europe. Fenerbahce will participate in the Champions League qualifiers at the start of next season, satisfying that criterion.
According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Fenerbahce are ready to offer the 33-year-old €10 million per year — a figure similar to his current salary at Anfield. Adding the stability of a three-year deal completes a compelling package, leaving Salah potentially laughing all the way to the bank.
The report also notes that while Fenerbahce have held talks with Salah’s agent, Galatasaray have been in contact with his Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk. Milliyet claims that Gala are willing to make Liverpool a ‘decent offer’ for the player, who is in the final year of his contract. The 34-year-old reportedly responded positively to the interest, which first surfaced last summer. However, the likelihood of Liverpool parting ways with Van Dijk remains slim, even with Jeremy Jacquet set to arrive in the summer.
Six Prem forwards on Liverpool radar
With a major revamp of their forward line underway, Liverpool have a host of Premier League forwards on their transfer radar. Having offloaded Luis Diaz, Ben Doak and Darwin Nunez last summer, and suffered the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, the Reds brought in Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, while also giving increased game time to a promising youngster.
Further significant changes are expected. Mohamed Salah is departing on a free transfer, Federico Chiesa is likely to leave, and sources indicate that Cody Gakpo could be sold if a suitable bid arrives for the Dutch winger.
While RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande remains the top target to replace Salah — a move that would make him Liverpool’s third most expensive signing ever — The Athletic has highlighted six players already in the Premier League who could provide valuable top-flight experience.
The six are: Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton), Rayan (Bournemouth), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville (both West Ham).
Any moves for Summerville, Bowen and Kudus will likely depend on whether their current clubs retain Premier League status. West Ham’s potential relegation would make Bowen and Summerville available, while a Spurs drop to the Championship would put Kudus on the market.
Liverpool’s interest in Gordon appears to have cooled recently, with sources suggesting a blockbuster move to Bayern Munich is taking shape for the former Everton star.
Regarding Minteh, The Athletic notes that manager Arne Slot already has experience working with him from a loan spell at Feyenoord. He is viewed as the cheapest option, though that reflects his relatively modest output — three goals and four assists in 32 Premier League appearances this season. A significant leap would be required.
On Rayan, the report highlights his versatility: “The Brazilian is capable of playing on both flanks, but the left-footer is another who is most comfortable playing from the right. He uses his pace and power to carry the ball forward into central areas and has the physical frame and aerial ability required to succeed in the Premier League, even at such a young age.”
Liverpool are also monitoring several non-Premier League options, including Diomande and Antonio Nusa (both RB Leipzig), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Bradley Barcola (PSG) and Kenan Yildiz (Juventus).
Romano delivers definitive Slot future update
Despite fan frustration and boos at Anfield — including after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea — Fabrizio Romano has delivered a clear update on Arne Slot’s future. Speculation has linked Xabi Alonso with the Liverpool job, especially after Alonso recently opened the door to managing in the Premier League.
However, Romano stated emphatically on his YouTube channel: “Some Liverpool fans hope for a change [of manager], but Liverpool, so far, have not made any contact with Xabi Alonso. And Liverpool are trusting Arne Slot. They’re supporting Arne Slot.”
The club still plans an end-of-season review, but there are currently zero indications that Slot will be removed. No talks have taken place between Alonso’s camp and Liverpool. Alonso is now increasingly linked with a potential move to Chelsea instead.
More Liverpool news
Arne Slot will be delighted as Liverpool have a second chance at signing Dutch defender Lutsharel Geertruida following the latest developments. Elsewhere, the Reds are planning a colossal double coup that could win back fans and validate their decision to stick with Slot.
Finally, Liverpool look set for disappointment in their pursuit of a top Monaco midfield target, with Newcastle poised to win the race for his signature.
The summer transfer window promises to be one of the most transformative in recent Liverpool history. How the club navigates the departure of Mohamed Salah while reshaping the attack will define the next chapter at Anfield.