Liverpool’s Transfer Plans Unpacked: Life After Salah and the Next Big Winger Signings

Liverpool’s strategy in the transfer market has always been a subject of fascination for the club’s supporters and football enthusiasts alike. Recent developments, highlighted by Pete O’Rourke in Caught Offside, suggest that the Reds are gearing up for a future without their talisman, Mohamed Salah. With reports of Federico Chiesa potentially arriving at Anfield and Takefusa Kubo being identified as a top target, Liverpool seems to be laying the groundwork for a significant overhaul.

Chiesa’s Arrival: Opportunity Too Good to Miss?

Federico Chiesa, the Juventus winger, has long been linked with a move to Liverpool. However, recent reports indicate that this transfer may finally be materialising. Chiesa, a versatile winger capable of playing on both flanks, has been given a price tag of just €15 million (£12.6 million) by Juventus, a figure that seems almost too good to be true in today’s inflated market.

The Italian international’s potential arrival at Anfield could provide much-needed depth to Liverpool’s attacking options, especially as Salah’s future at the club appears uncertain. Chiesa’s ability to play on either wing makes him a valuable asset, but as O’Rourke points out, Liverpool chiefs do not see him as a direct replacement for Salah. Instead, Chiesa could bring a different dynamic to the team, offering versatility and creativity that could complement Liverpool’s existing attacking options.

The Kubo Factor: A Long-Term Solution?

While Chiesa’s arrival could be imminent, Liverpool’s long-term plans seem to revolve around another winger—Takefusa Kubo. The Real Sociedad star has been identified as Liverpool’s ‘top target’ for the summer of 2025. Kubo, a 23-year-old Japanese international, has been making waves in La Liga, and his potential move to Anfield could signal a new era for the Reds.

Kubo’s style of play has drawn comparisons to Salah, with both players being left-footed and favouring cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities. However, as O’Rourke points out, Kubo still has some developing to do if he is to replicate Salah’s impact at Liverpool. His current record of 17 goals and 14 assists in 87 appearances for Sociedad is impressive but falls short of Salah’s prolific numbers.

That being said, Kubo has shown glimpses of brilliance, such as his match-winning goal against Espanyol earlier this season. With Wataru Endo, another Liverpool midfielder and fellow Japan international, endorsing Kubo as a potential successor to Salah, the buzz around this transfer is only set to grow.

Preparing for Life After Salah

The elephant in the room, of course, is Mohamed Salah’s future. As O’Rourke reports, Liverpool have come to terms with the fact that Salah is likely to leave when his contract expires next summer. The Saudis are reportedly keen on striking a pre-contract agreement with the Egyptian star in January, with a free transfer next summer being the expected outcome.

This looming departure has accelerated Liverpool’s search for a suitable replacement, and it’s clear that the club is looking beyond just one player to fill the void. While Chiesa and Kubo are both exciting prospects, neither can fully replicate what Salah brings to the team. However, Liverpool’s strategy seems to be one of diversification—bringing in multiple players who can contribute in different ways, rather than relying on a single replacement.

The Bigger Picture: A Squad in Transition

Liverpool’s transfer dealings this summer have been a clear indication of a club in transition. The potential signings of Chiesa and Kubo, along with the imminent arrival of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, suggest that the Reds are planning for the future. The focus is not just on immediate success but on building a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

As Liverpool fans await the conclusion of these transfer sagas, one thing is clear: the club is not resting on its laurels. The departure of a player like Salah would be a significant blow to any team, but Liverpool are showing that they are prepared to move forward and continue evolving.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This latest report raises some interesting questions. While it’s encouraging to see the club being proactive in the transfer market, the potential arrivals of Chiesa and Kubo don’t fully address the concern of replacing a player of Salah’s calibre. Salah isn’t just any winger—he’s a proven match-winner with an incredible goal-scoring record. The idea that Liverpool could find a like-for-like replacement seems optimistic at best.

Chiesa, while talented, has struggled with injuries in recent years. His relatively low price tag might be reflective of his current form rather than his true potential. Liverpool fans might wonder whether he can handle the physical demands of the Premier League and whether his signing would truly be a game-changer.

As for Kubo, while he’s shown promise, he’s still relatively unproven at the top level. The comparison to Salah feels premature, and there’s a risk that he might not adapt to the Premier League’s intensity. Liverpool’s history of nurturing talent gives some hope, but the scepticism remains—are these signings enough to keep the club competing for top honours?

In conclusion, while the club’s transfer strategy appears sound on paper, the sceptical fan might argue that Liverpool are taking a gamble by pinning their hopes on players who are yet to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Only time will tell if these decisions will pay off.