Transfer Planning Accelerates Around Salah Future
Liverpool’s long-term planning has begun to move into sharper focus as uncertainty continues around Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield. With the Egyptian forward approaching the latter stages of his contract and persistent links to Saudi Arabia, recruitment staff are preparing for life after one of the club’s greatest ever players.
According to a report carried by GiveMeSport, citing Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool have identified Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as a leading candidate to succeed Salah on the right flank. The suggestion that Liverpool could consider a record-breaking bid in excess of £170 million reflects both the magnitude of Salah’s influence and the difficulty of replacing him.
Internally, Liverpool understand succession planning is rarely about direct replication. Salah’s consistency in front of goal and his decisive influence in big matches have shaped the club’s success under multiple managers, including current head coach Arne Slot. Yet the club’s recruitment model has historically prioritised profile fit over reputation alone, and Olise’s skillset has attracted interest for that reason.
Olise Profile Offers Tactical Fit for Slot’s Liverpool
Michael Olise’s rise since leaving Crystal Palace has been notable. The France international has developed into one of Europe’s most creative wide players, combining elite dribbling, vision and chance creation. His reputation in the Bundesliga has strengthened after consistent performances with Bayern Munich, where his assist output and technical quality have stood out.
For Liverpool, whose tactical structure under Slot has often relied on wide players drifting into half-spaces to create overloads, Olise offers a different but potentially complementary dynamic to Salah. He is more of a playmaker than a high-volume scorer, but his ability to unlock defensive blocks could benefit Liverpool’s evolving attacking patterns.
Sources close to the situation suggest Liverpool are aware Bayern Munich would be reluctant sellers. Any move would require not only a substantial fee but also convincing the player that replacing a club icon is an opportunity rather than a burden. Liverpool’s hierarchy have faced similar challenges before, whether transitioning from Philippe Coutinho’s departure or reshaping midfield options in recent seasons.
Financial Reality Tests Liverpool Strategy
A proposed £174 million fee would eclipse Liverpool’s transfer record and represent a significant statement of intent. It would also raise questions about financial balance, squad priorities and long-term sustainability.
Liverpool’s approach in recent windows has been shaped by measured investment rather than headline spending. Even when strengthening key areas, decisions have been data-driven and aligned with the club’s wage structure. Pursuing Olise at that valuation would signal exceptional circumstances, underlining how seriously Liverpool view Salah’s potential exit.
In the modern Premier League landscape, where clubs like Manchester City under Pep Guardiola or Chelsea under Enzo Maresca have reshaped squads aggressively, Liverpool have often preferred continuity. Yet losing Salah would be a defining moment, comparable to past transitions involving Luis Suárez or Sadio Mané.
Decision Timeline Linked to Contract Talks
Much may depend on Salah’s next move. If negotiations over an extension stall or interest from abroad intensifies, Liverpool could accelerate their pursuit of replacements. If Salah stays, the club may still look to refresh attacking options, but with less urgency.
For now, Olise represents a profile that fits Liverpool’s tactical evolution and recruitment philosophy, even if stylistically he differs from Salah’s relentless scoring threat. As reported by GiveMeSport and Fichajes, Liverpool are preparing contingency plans that underline the scale of change that could soon arrive at Anfield.
Liverpool supporters have seen eras defined by singular players before. Replacing Salah will not be about finding another Salah. It will be about building the next attacking identity under Slot, and Olise may be one of the names shaping that future.
