Liverpool accelerate search for Salah successor

Liverpool's summer transfer window has taken on added urgency as the club intensifies its search for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. According to reports, the process has entered a crucial stage, with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola reportedly playing a key role in identifying targets.

The Egyptian forward, 33, remains a pivotal figure at Anfield, but with his contract entering its final year and no extension agreed, the club's hierarchy is preparing for life after their star attacker. This development comes amid broader structural changes at Liverpool, including a new sporting director and a reshaped recruitment team.

Background and tactical context

Iraola's reported involvement is intriguing given his reputation for high-pressing, attacking football during his time at Rayo Vallecano and now at Bournemouth. The Basque coach has built a side that leads the league in presses per game, a style that aligns with Liverpool's longstanding identity under Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.

Liverpool's attack has relied heavily on Salah's output: he has scored 20 or more league goals in four of his seven seasons at the club. Without a direct replacement, the team's expected goals (xG) could drop significantly. Last season, Salah contributed 0.67 goals per 90 minutes, well above the squad average of 0.32.

The Reds have reportedly been monitoring several wide forwards across Europe, with a focus on players who can replicate Salah's ability to cut inside from the right flank and finish with precision. Iraola's knowledge of the Spanish market could be invaluable, especially given Liverpool's historical success with La Liga signings like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

Impact on Liverpool's summer plans

This search is likely to dominate Liverpool's transfer agenda, potentially consuming a significant portion of their reported summer budget. With other key positions also needing reinforcement—such as defensive midfield and centre-back—the club must balance priorities.

  • Salah's eventual departure would save around £350,000 per week in wages, freeing funds for multiple signings.
  • Any incoming forward will be under immense pressure to match Salah's output; Liverpool have only won the league once since his arrival in 2017.
  • The timing of the replacement is critical: a January move could be disruptive, while a summer signing would have a full pre-season to adapt.

Fantasy Premier League managers should note that Liverpool's fixtures remain favourable through early 2025, but uncertainty over Salah's future could affect his form. His ownership is currently above 40%, making him a high-risk hold if a transfer is imminent.

What's next for Liverpool and Salah

The next few weeks are likely to be decisive. Iraola's reported involvement suggests Liverpool may target a player from the Spanish market, potentially a young winger with high pressing stats. Meanwhile, Salah's agent has been quiet in recent months, fuelling speculation that a move to the Saudi Pro League remains possible.

For Liverpool, the risk of losing their best player without a ready-made successor is clear. The club's recruitment team must avoid a repeat of the disjointed attack that followed Philippe Coutinho's exit in 2018. If they can secure a replacement early in the window, Slot's first full season could still be a success. If not, the transition period may be painful.

The race to find the next Mohamed Salah is truly on.

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