As Mohamed Salah’s time at Liverpool appears to be coming to an end, the club must now turn its attention to finding a replacement for their star forward. Salah, who has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success, has reportedly fallen out with head coach Arne Slot, with tensions rising after his public outburst. With Saudi Pro League clubs keen on signing the Egyptian forward, Liverpool may be forced to sell him in the near future. Whether this happens in January or the summer remains to be seen, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Liverpool needs a succession plan.
This article examines the top transfer options available to Liverpool, ranging from established forwards to emerging talents who could step into Salah’s shoes. Let’s take a closer look at who could potentially replace the Egyptian King at Anfield.
1. Antoine Semenyo: The Premier League-Proven Forward
Antoine Semenyo, the Ghanaian forward from Bournemouth, has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Semenyo’s combination of pace, strength, and technical ability makes him a strong candidate for Liverpool. His performances this season have shown that he can be a consistent scorer in the Premier League, and his style of play aligns with Liverpool’s fast, attacking football.
However, Liverpool would face stiff competition for Semenyo’s signature, with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham also interested in the forward. His recent dip in form, with fewer goals in recent weeks, may also impact Liverpool’s decision to pursue him. Nonetheless, Semenyo has the potential to make an immediate impact at Anfield and could be an affordable option compared to some of the more high-profile names on the market.
2. Johan Bakayoko: The Young Belgian Talent
Johan Bakayoko has been a player linked with Liverpool for some time. After impressing at PSV Eindhoven, Bakayoko made the move to RB Leipzig in the summer. While his progress has been solid, the Belgian winger has struggled to maintain a starting position in the Leipzig lineup. This could present an opportunity for Liverpool to swoop in and sign the talented 20-year-old.
Bakayoko’s dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to play both wings make him a versatile option for Liverpool. Though Leipzig may not be eager to sell, the club’s willingness to offload the winger could depend on his future performances. If Liverpool were to secure Bakayoko’s services, they would be investing in a player with massive potential, making him an exciting long-term solution for Salah’s departure.
3. Bradley Barcola: PSG’s Forgotten Star
Bradley Barcola, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, has found himself relegated to a backup role in the French capital this season. Once considered the third-choice winger behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, Barcola has now had a chance to prove his worth in the starting lineup due to injuries to his teammates.
With PSG’s attacking depth, Barcola is still not guaranteed a place in the starting XI. This could open the door for Liverpool to bring him in, particularly as Salah’s departure looms. Barcola’s skill set—his pace, flair, and ability to play as a traditional winger—aligns with Liverpool’s attacking system. However, the price tag for Barcola could be steep, especially with other clubs in Europe also keeping an eye on him. A potential summer move for Barcola could see him cost upwards of €100 million, but Liverpool’s previous interest in him shows they may still be willing to pursue the deal.
4. Yan Diomande: The Rising Star from RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old winger at RB Leipzig, has been one of the standout players in the Bundesliga this season. After an impressive transfer from Leganes, Diomande has made an immediate impact with his dazzling dribbling, pace, and goal-scoring contributions. In just a short time, he has already racked up nine goal involvements in his last seven games.
Diomande’s versatility, having been deployed on both wings, makes him an exciting candidate to replace Salah. While Leipzig will not be in a hurry to sell their young star, the club could be tempted by an offer in the summer. Given Diomande’s incredible potential, Liverpool could view him as a long-term solution to their forward issues. His ability to create and score goals, along with his age, makes him a prime candidate for the Reds to build their attack around for years to come.
5. Dango Ouattara: The Versatile Forward from Brentford
Dango Ouattara has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season. The versatile forward, who joined Brentford from Bournemouth, has made an immediate impact, contributing both goals and assists. Ouattara has been a key part of Brentford’s attacking success and has shown his ability to play across the front line.
At just 23 years old, Ouattara still has plenty of room to grow and improve, making him an intriguing option for Liverpool. While he may not be a direct replacement for Salah, his versatility and potential could make him a valuable addition to Liverpool’s squad. With a reported £42.5 million ($57 million) transfer fee, Ouattara could represent a more affordable alternative to some of the more high-profile targets.
6. Christian Pulisic: A Familiar Name with Something to Prove
Christian Pulisic, the American winger currently at AC Milan, has long been linked with Liverpool, dating back to his days at Borussia Dortmund. Despite struggling with injuries during his time at Chelsea, Pulisic has found a new lease of life at Milan, where he has been one of the standout performers this season.
Pulisic has been in excellent form in Serie A, scoring goals and providing assists, and his performances have earned him recognition as one of the league’s top talents. With just two years remaining on his Milan contract, Liverpool could find the opportunity to sign him at an affordable price, particularly if the ongoing saga with Salah forces their hand. Pulisic’s ability to play on both wings and his creative flair could make him an excellent fit for Liverpool’s system.
7. Rodrygo: The Glamour Option from Real Madrid
Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward at Real Madrid, is one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe. Although he has not been a regular starter under new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo’s skill set—his dribbling, pace, and eye for goal—makes him a natural fit for Liverpool’s style of play.
While the price tag for Rodrygo would be significant, likely in excess of €100 million, Liverpool could consider a move for the 23-year-old if Salah’s departure creates the need for a big-name signing. Real Madrid’s uncertain future under Alonso could also play a role in Rodrygo’s decision to leave the club. If Liverpool can convince him to make the move, he could become a major star at Anfield.
8. Nico Williams: A Potential Long-Term Solution
Nico Williams, the Spanish winger at Athletic Club, has been one of La Liga’s most consistent performers in recent years. Known for his pace, technical ability, and flair, Williams has emerged as one of the top attacking prospects in Spain. Although he signed a contract extension with Athletic Club in the summer, his future remains uncertain, with Liverpool reportedly eyeing him as a potential target.
With a release clause of €90 million (£79m/$106m), Williams could represent a significant investment for Liverpool, but his potential to become one of Europe’s top forwards makes him a worthwhile pursuit. While Barcelona has been his reported preference in the past, Liverpool could position themselves to make a move for the 23-year-old if Salah leaves. His versatility across the forward line and ability to score goals would make him a natural fit for Liverpool’s attack.
9. The Internal Option: Rio Ngumoha
As Liverpool searches for an external replacement for Salah, they may also have an internal solution in mind. Rio Ngumoha, a 17-year-old forward from Liverpool’s academy, has been touted as one of the brightest prospects in the club’s youth system. While Ngumoha is still developing, his potential is immense, and with Salah’s exit clearing a path for youth development, Liverpool may consider fast-tracking Ngumoha into the first team.
While it would be a huge gamble to rely on a 17-year-old to fill Salah’s shoes, Ngumoha’s natural ability and generational potential could make him an exciting option. Liverpool’s current squad depth, combined with their future plans to invest heavily in other areas of the squad, means they could give Ngumoha the time and space to develop into a star in his own right.
Liverpool’s Next Big Step
With Mohamed Salah’s exit on the horizon, Liverpool has a major task on their hands—replacing one of the best forwards in the world. From experienced internationals like Christian Pulisic and Rodrygo to exciting young talents like Yan Diomande and Nico Williams, Liverpool has several options to consider. However, the Reds must strike a balance between investing in immediate solutions and planning for the long-term future of the club.
Whether they choose to go for a proven Premier League performer like Antoine Semenyo or take a chance on a rising star like Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool’s next step will be crucial in determining the direction of their attack for the years to come. The stakes are high, but with the resources and scouting network at their disposal, Liverpool has the tools to make the right choice and move forward after Salah.
