In a move that could reshape Liverpool’s attacking lineup, the Premier League champions are reportedly gearing up to pursue Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. With Salah’s form dipping this season and speculation mounting over his long-term future at Anfield, Gnabry emerges as an intriguing “Salah 2.0” – a player whose career trajectory mirrors the Egyptian star’s rise to superstardom. As the January 2026 transfer window approaches, Liverpool fans might soon witness a bold replacement strategy unfold.
Salah’s Uncertain Horizon at Anfield
Mohamed Salah, now 33, has been the heartbeat of Liverpool’s success since joining from AS Roma in 2017. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and unyielding work ethic have propelled the Reds to multiple trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. However, the 2025-26 season has seen a noticeable decline in his performances. Questions about his form have been amplified by pundits like Wayne Rooney, who has publicly scrutinized Salah’s output amid Liverpool’s inconsistent start to defending their title.
Adding fuel to the fire are persistent links to the Saudi Pro League. During the 2025 summer window, Salah was a prime target for clubs in the Middle East, but he opted to stay at Anfield. Yet, with his contract situation unresolved and whispers of a potential exit growing louder, Liverpool’s hierarchy is wisely exploring options to bolster their right flank. Enter Serge Gnabry – a player whose path to glory echoes Salah’s own, offering a seamless transition if the unthinkable happens.
Gnabry: The Mirror Image of Salah’s Journey
Serge Gnabry’s career reads like a blueprint of Salah’s early struggles and eventual triumph. The German international, now 30, burst onto the scene at Arsenal in 2011 as a highly touted youngster. However, like Salah at Chelsea, Gnabry found opportunities scarce in the Premier League. Limited to just a handful of appearances, he was loaned out before being sold to Werder Bremen in 2016 for a modest fee.
It was in Germany where Gnabry truly flourished. Snapped up by Bayern Munich in 2017, he transformed into a goal-scoring machine, netting over 80 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Bavarian giants. His versatility as a winger, combined with his speed and dribbling prowess, has made him a key figure in Bayern’s domestic and European dominance. Sound familiar? Salah’s own revival came after leaving Chelsea in 2015, excelling at Roma before returning to England with Liverpool in 2017, where he became one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
The parallels don’t end there. Both players overcame early setbacks in England to prove their worth abroad, only to eye a triumphant return. Gnabry, speaking to ESPN in 2017, expressed his desire to play in the Premier League again: “In any case, my wish is to play in England again at some stage. The atmosphere there is unique. If you have experienced that, you miss it. I want to experience that again.” With his Bayern contract expiring at the end of the 2025-26 season, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for Liverpool to strike.
The Offer: A Golden Opportunity for Liverpool
Recent reports from Rousing The Kop indicate that Gnabry has been offered to Liverpool by intermediaries, highlighting a potential free transfer in the summer of 2026. Journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed to sources: “Liverpool have been offered Serge Gnabry by intermediaries, making them aware of a possible free transfer opportunity. Likewise, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Juventus are amongst the other clubs that have also been spoken to.”
While a free transfer would typically point to a summer move, Liverpool could accelerate the process in January. Bayern’s ongoing contract talks with Gnabry have stalled, and his camp is actively exploring options. A January bid – potentially at a reduced fee – would allow Liverpool to integrate him mid-season, providing immediate competition or cover for Salah. This proactive approach aligns with the club’s history of shrewd transfers under their current management, ensuring continuity in their attacking threat.
Of course, signing a player unproven in the Premier League carries risks. Gnabry’s time at Arsenal yielded minimal impact, much like Salah’s Chelsea stint. Yet, Salah’s success story serves as the perfect precedent: sometimes, a second chance in England unlocks world-class potential. At 30, Gnabry is in his prime, with the experience to hit the ground running. His goal tally in the Bundesliga – including a memorable four-goal haul against Tottenham in the Champions League – suggests he could thrive under Liverpool’s high-pressing system.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Future
If Liverpool pull off this coup, it would signal a clear succession plan for the Salah era. The Egyptian’s dip in form – exacerbated by injuries and the weight of expectations – has exposed vulnerabilities on the right wing. Gnabry’s arrival could inject fresh energy, allowing Salah to rotate or even mentor his stylistic successor. For fans, it’s a tantalizing prospect: a “Salah 2.0” who combines German efficiency with Premier League hunger.
Competition from Arsenal (Gnabry’s former club), Chelsea, Tottenham, and Juventus adds urgency. Liverpool must act decisively in January to secure an edge. As the Reds chase glory on multiple fronts, reinforcing their squad with a proven winner like Gnabry could be the masterstroke that sustains their dominance.
In the ever-evolving world of football transfers, Liverpool’s readiness to embrace this opportunity underscores their ambition. Will Gnabry follow in Salah’s footsteps and become Anfield’s next icon? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a stunning replacement saga.