Liverpool have made some important changes to their squad recently and could now look to step up their efforts to find a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The Reds have been in poor form this season, with several of their heavy hitters below their usual standards during a frustrating period for Arne Slott, and appear to be suffering from severe second-season syndrome after winning the Premier League title last season.
Notably, Salah has struggled to adapt to changes around him, including the arrival of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak at the club. Now, that’s not to say he hasn’t contributed, but changing dynamics and the need to accommodate new stars have left the Egyptian hero caught up in an awkward movie.
His performance of 5 goals and 3 assists in 17 games in all competitions is not a bad result. However, his overall influence on the team is less pronounced, which may also be borne out by Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich.
Salah and Codi Gakpo lost the ball a combined 53 times against Nottingham Forest, making it difficult to string together any consistent attacking play in the cold light of day.
No one would have disputed Liverpool’s call-up in the summer, but football is never dry and Liverpool’s collapse in recent weeks has undoubtedly redefined their priorities for the remainder of the campaign.
In the end, unless there is a dramatic change in circumstances, the Premier League title may be a bridge too far, but there is still plenty of glory to be had if the Reds manage to get their act together in the coming months.
He will ultimately be Salah’s successor, but in recent developments Liverpool may have identified a star player who could replace Salah at Anfield.
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Liverpool ready to pay big money to replace Mohamed Salah
Liverpool intend to bid close to £200m for Bayern Munich star Michael Oliseh, who is seen as the ideal replacement for the Egyptian international, according to reports in Spain.
Salah is Liverpool’s highest-paid player at £400,000-a-week, but his future at Anfield is said to be uncertain, with the Reds’ bosses unwilling to let their most influential star leave without having equally talented potential players ready and waiting.
Michael Olise of Bayern Munich | |
Appearance | 73 |
the goal | 29 |
assist | 33 |
Oliseh is seen as someone who could become a decisive operator in the final third if he can be persuaded to return to England following his impressive spell at Crystal Palace, and his versatility would be of great value to Liverpool insiders.
The London-born winger is having another strong season, having already scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 19 appearances in all competitions, with Photomob showing he has created 24 chances in the Bundesliga.
Signing a successor to Salah will obviously not be easy and Liverpool will have to pay a record amount to sign a player like Oliseh, but he is a player worth taking a chance on given his track record over the last few years.
