Liverpool fans, brace yourselves – the era of Mohamed Salah at Anfield might be drawing to a close sooner than expected. The Egyptian superstar, now 33, has seen his form dip this season, leading to his omission from the last two starting line-ups under manager Arne Slot. With speculation rife about a potential move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the campaign, the reigning Premier League champions are already eyeing potential successors. Reports indicate that Liverpool have compiled a shortlist of four high-profile replacements for the talismanic forward, set to make a splash in the 2026 transfer window. However, one name can be scratched off immediately: Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, as sources confirm the German giants have no intention of letting him go.
Salah’s situation has become a pressing dilemma for Slot. The forward, who has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes, was left out of the squads for recent matches, raising questions about his recall for the crucial clash against Leeds at Elland Road this Saturday evening. Despite signing a lucrative new contract earlier this year alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Salah is reportedly “not happy” with his current role on the pitch. A source close to the matter has emphasized that if his limited involvement persists, a departure could be on the cards. This has sparked debates among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning whether Fenway Sports Group (FSG) made a mistake in extending such hefty deals to aging stars.
Amid these uncertainties, Liverpool’s recruitment team is proactive. According to BILD journalist Tobias Altschaffl, the Reds have identified four prime candidates to fill the void left by Salah. “Michael Olise is on this backup list,” Altschaffl revealed, “along with three other names: Kenan Yildiz from Juventus Turin, Rodrygo from Real Madrid, and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.” While the list is intriguing, the pursuit of Olise appears doomed from the start.
Bayern’s Ironclad Stance on Olise: No Sale at Any Price
Michael Olise, the 23-year-old France international, has been a revelation since joining Bayern Munich. In just 21 appearances this season, he’s racked up an impressive 20 goal contributions, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. Liverpool had reportedly been prepared to break their transfer record to bring him back to the Premier League, where he previously shone for Crystal Palace. However, sources in Germany have poured cold water on any such dreams.
Reporter Dean Jones has learned from insiders that Bayern are “doubling down” on their position: Olise is not for sale, period. “They insist he is one of the most difficult players to prise away from Bayern,” the sources stressed. “Bayern are very confident that Olise will not leave. Why would they let him go?” This firm stance comes despite interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, who are also eyeing a potential return for the winger next season. For Liverpool, any move would require Olise himself to push for an exit – a scenario deemed “highly unlikely” at this stage. With Olise off the table, the Reds must turn their attention to the remaining trio on their wishlist.
The Viable Alternatives: Yildiz, Rodrygo, and Ndiaye
While Olise’s unavailability is a blow, Liverpool’s other targets offer plenty of promise, each bringing unique attributes to potentially replicate Salah’s goal-scoring prowess and flair.
- Kenan Yildiz (Juventus): The 20-year-old Turkish sensation has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool. Sources indicate that contract negotiations between Yildiz and Juventus have stalled, creating an opening for a summer move. Known for his versatility across the forward line, Yildiz could provide the youthful energy Liverpool need to refresh their attack. His blend of technical skill and pace makes him a natural fit for Slot’s high-pressing system.
- Rodrygo (Real Madrid): The Brazilian forward, 24, has been a key part of Real Madrid’s success but could be on the move next summer. While January rumors have been dismissed, Rodrygo’s future at the Bernabeu remains uncertain amid competition from stars like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior. Liverpool see him as a direct replacement for Salah, offering similar dribbling ability and clinical finishing. A deal wouldn’t come cheap, but his proven track record in big games could justify the investment.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): Perhaps the most controversial name on the list, the 25-year-old Senegal international has been Everton’s standout performer this season under David Moyes. With five goal contributions (four goals, one assist) in 14 Premier League appearances, Ndiaye has helped propel the Toffees to 10th in the table. First linked with Liverpool in late November, a cross-city transfer would ignite Merseyside rivalries. However, sources at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium (formerly Goodison Park) have firmly rebuffed any speculation, giving short shrift to talks of a move to Anfield. Despite the hurdles, Ndiaye’s Premier League experience and adaptability make him an intriguing, if risky, option.
Looking Ahead: A Post-Salah Liverpool?
As Liverpool navigate this transitional phase, the focus remains on maintaining their title challenge. Slot’s decision on Salah for the Leeds game could be telling, but the long-term planning is clear: the club is preparing for life without their Egyptian king. Whether it’s Yildiz’s emerging talent, Rodrygo’s star power, or Ndiaye’s proven grit, the Reds have options – albeit without the elusive Olise.
Critics have already weighed in on FSG’s contract decisions, with some arguing that tying down Salah and Van Dijk to big-money deals was shortsighted given their ages. Only time will tell if these moves pay off or if Liverpool’s succession planning steals the show. For now, the message is clear: Liverpool are moving on, and the search for Salah’s heir is well underway.