Liverpool are bracing for one of the most seismic shifts in their modern history. After nine unforgettable years on Merseyside, Mohamed Salah — the Egyptian King who etched his name into Anfield folklore with 255 goals and 122 assists in 435 appearances — is set to depart at the end of the 2025-26 season. Saudi Pro League clubs are already queuing up for the 33-year-old, but for FSG and the Anfield hierarchy, the immediate priority is finding a worthy successor capable of inheriting the right-wing throne.
And according to multiple sources, the Reds have zeroed in on their man: Michael Olise.
The 24-year-old French international has been nothing short of sensational at Bayern Munich this season, racking up an eye-watering 16 goals and 27 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. His numbers in the Bundesliga alone underline his elite pedigree: 11 goals and 17 assists in 25 outings, making him one of the most productive attackers on the continent.
Why Olise is the perfect Salah heir
Olise checks every box Liverpool could want in a Salah replacement. Naturally right-sided, he thrives cutting inside onto his lethal left foot or hugging the touchline and delivering whipped crosses. His Premier League experience with Crystal Palace means he already understands the intensity and physicality of English football — something that could prove vital compared to younger, unproven options like Borussia Dortmund’s Yan Diomande.
While Anthony Gordon has been monitored, the Newcastle winger is seen as more comfortable on the left or through the middle. Olise, by contrast, is built for the role Salah has dominated for nearly a decade. At just 24, he offers long-term upside that a 33-year-old departure simply cannot match.
FSG are reportedly ready to sanction a jaw-dropping €140 million (£121m / $162m) move — a fee that would smash Liverpool’s previous transfer record and underline their ambition to stay at the very top. TEAMtalk sources confirm the club have already made checks on Olise’s situation in Bavaria, viewing him as the standout candidate despite the obvious difficulties involved.
The challenge? Convincing Bayern Munich to sell. Olise is under contract until 2029 and has become an integral part of their prolific forward line. Bayern hold all the cards in negotiations, and reports suggest they have no intention of letting their star asset leave on the cheap. Real Madrid were also believed to be admirers, making this a potential battle for one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents.
Defensive revenge plot on Real Madrid
While the attack steals the headlines, Liverpool are simultaneously exploring a tit-for-tat raid in defence. With Ibrahima Konate linked with a potential free transfer to the Bernabeu, the Reds have turned their attention to Antonio Rudiger.
The 33-year-old German centre-back is also out of contract at Real Madrid this summer, and while talks continue behind the scenes, no new deal is in place. Italian reports claim current Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa wants him to stay, yet Rudiger is understood to be open to a Premier League return.
Intermediaries have sounded out several clubs, including Tottenham, Chelsea, West Ham and Crystal Palace. Now, sources indicate Liverpool and Manchester United have explored the possibility in recent weeks. With United seemingly shifting focus elsewhere, the door may be ajar for the Reds — delivering a sweet slice of revenge should Konate head to Spain.
Managerial crossroads: Alonso waiting in the wings
Off the pitch, the pressure on current manager Arne Slot continues to mount. A disappointing league campaign — including a 10th defeat at Brighton — has left the Dutchman under serious scrutiny. While Champions League progress offers some hope (PSG await in the next round), internal discussions about the club’s direction are already underway.
Leading the list of potential replacements is Xabi Alonso. Sources close to the Spaniard confirm he fully expects to return to management next season and remains the clear frontrunner to take over at Anfield should the hierarchy decide a change is needed. Alonso’s pedigree as a Liverpool legend, combined with his brief but high-profile spell at Real Madrid, makes him the dream candidate for many fans.
Other names such as Sebastian Hoeness and Andoni Iraola remain in the conversation, but Alonso is firmly in pole position.
The summer of transition
Losing Salah will hurt — there is no denying the void left by one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. Yet Liverpool’s proactive approach in targeting Olise signals a clear intent: this is not a club in decline, but one determined to evolve and remain competitive at the highest level.
A €140m investment in a player many viewed as Real Madrid-bound would send a powerful message. Pair that with potential defensive reinforcements and the tantalising prospect of Alonso in the dugout, and suddenly the post-Salah era looks far more exciting than daunting.
Liverpool fans, your next king may already be locked in.
The coming months will be critical — on the pitch, in the transfer market, and in the boardroom. One thing is certain: Anfield is preparing for a new chapter, and it promises to be every bit as thrilling as the last.