As Mohamed Salah, now 33, enters the final 18 months of his contract at Anfield—having signed a two-year extension in 2025 that ties him to the club until summer 2027—Liverpool’s recruitment team is accelerating plans for life after their Egyptian icon. Salah’s legendary status at the club is unquestionable: since joining from Roma in 2017, he has shattered records, delivered multiple Premier League Golden Boots, and played a pivotal role in the club’s recent successes, including last season’s title triumph under Arne Slot. Yet, with persistent speculation linking him to lucrative moves in the Saudi Pro League and uncertainty over whether he will see out his deal or depart earlier, the Reds are proactively scouting elite alternatives to maintain their attacking potency.
According to reports from TEAMtalk and CaughtOffside, Liverpool’s internal assessments have unanimously pinpointed Olise as the closest stylistic match to Salah. The 24-year-old, who moved to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in a high-profile switch, brings a similar blend of explosive dribbling, clinical finishing, creativity in tight spaces, and tactical intelligence on the right flank. Olise’s ability to cut inside onto his left foot, deliver precise crosses, and contribute both goals and assists mirrors the qualities that have made Salah one of the most feared forwards in world football.
“Olise represents the closest thing to an ideal Salah heir,” sources close to Liverpool’s recruitment department have indicated. His technical profile—combining flair, end product, and positional versatility—has made him the standout candidate on the club’s long list. Bayern, however, view Olise as a cornerstone of their project following his seamless integration into the Bundesliga champions’ setup, where he has quickly established himself as a key starter. His current contract runs until 2029, and there are even suggestions of extension talks, meaning any potential transfer would command a fee well in excess of €100 million (£85m+), factoring in his age, potential, and Bayern’s reluctance to sell.
The challenge for Liverpool is significant: Bayern have no intention of letting Olise leave easily, and the player himself appears settled in Germany, showing little eagerness to return to the Premier League despite his prior success at Palace. This has prompted the Reds to draw up contingency plans, with a shortlist of high-caliber alternatives already in focus. Among them are RB Leipzig’s teenage sensation Yan Diomande, a €100m-rated Ivory Coast international who has exploded onto the scene with his dribbling prowess and goal contributions; Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, known for his blistering pace and directness; and PSG duo Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola, both young French talents offering versatility and upside.
Diomande, in particular, has emerged as a strong secondary option, with reports of ‘intensive scouting and discussions’ involving Liverpool alongside elite clubs like Arsenal, PSG, and Real Madrid. The 19-year-old’s rapid adaptation to the Bundesliga after a bargain €20m move has seen him linked with a potential €100m exit clause, though his personal ties—his father is reportedly a Liverpool supporter—could give the Reds an edge in negotiations. Jurgen Klopp, now in a Red Bull advisory role overseeing Leipzig, has even exchanged positive messages with Diomande, adding intrigue to the pursuit.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and manager Arne Slot are understood to be prioritizing a right-sided or versatile winger to ensure continuity in their possession-based, high-intensity system. The current campaign has highlighted vulnerabilities in the attacking third amid inconsistent form, and while Salah remains a talismanic figure when fit, the club recognizes the need for forward planning. A failure to secure Olise could see Liverpool pivot aggressively toward Diomande or others, potentially funding the move through Salah’s departure if a substantial offer arrives.
Fans on social media have reacted with a mix of excitement and caution. Many hail Olise as a “dream signing” capable of filling the void left by Salah’s eventual exit, while others question whether any single player can truly replicate the Egyptian’s goal-scoring consistency and big-game mentality. Bayern’s firm stance adds another layer of drama, with some pundits suggesting the fee could climb toward €130m if competition intensifies from clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Barcelona.
As the summer window approaches, Liverpool’s pursuit of a ‘perfect’ Salah successor will be one of the transfer market’s biggest storylines. Whether it’s Olise, Diomande, or another name from their radar, the Reds are determined to avoid a post-Salah dip and continue challenging at the top of English and European football. With Slot’s tactical vision now embedded and the club’s resources bolstered by recent successes, this could prove a defining move in shaping the next era at Anfield.
