Liverpool's Next Superstar: Five Dynamic Players Who Could Fill Mohamed Salah's Boots
Mohamed Salah will be nearly impossible to substitute, yet Liverpool must prepare for this challenge in the upcoming years.
The iconic Egyptian forward secured a contract extension in April, keeping him at Anfield through 2027, and Salah marked the occasion magnificently by hoisting the Premier League trophy following an extraordinary personal and team performance.
The 2024–25 Premier League Player of the Season displays no indication of declining anytime soon, though Liverpool's scouting department is already evaluating potential successors. The club's capacity to replace their contemporary legends has been crucial to their sustained excellence throughout the last decade.
Taking over Salah's position will represent a daunting and challenging task for whoever inherits his right-wing role, yet numerous world-class candidates exist for Liverpool to consider when the time arrives.
Here are five potential successors to Salah's illustrious legacy.
Michael Olise
Elite right-sided attackers are extremely rare in today's football landscape, and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise ranks among the most precious globally. Versatile enough to feature as an attacking midfielder or wide player, the French talent has reached remarkable new levels since departing Crystal Palace for German football.
Olise experienced a spectacular inaugural campaign with Bayern, recording 20 goals and an equal number of assists while securing his first major trophy as the Bavarians captured the Meisterschale. He earned Rookie of the Season honors for 2024–25 in the Bundesliga, delivering consistently brilliant displays from the right flank.
The 23-year-old's natural elegance, perfect ball control, and scoring instinct make him an irresistible force when in form, with a Premier League return remaining feasible. Recent speculation suggests the Reds consider Olise as Salah's ideal successor, and the opportunity to join Liverpool's current squad would be incredibly appealing.
Olise possesses Premier League knowledge, exceptional ability, and room for further growth. He would represent a superb acquisition for the Reds.
Rodrygo
Rodrygo faced persistent departure rumors from Real Madrid during the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City emerging as possible destinations. The Brazilian has found it difficult to impress new coach Xabi Alonso and might consider opportunities elsewhere from the Santiago Bernabéu—though he appears determined to win Alonso's confidence in 2024–25.
Liverpool have been mentioned as potential purchasers in earlier transfer periods, and the reasoning is clear. Rodrygo possesses the adaptability needed to function on both flanks but feels particularly at home on the right despite being naturally right-footed. The Reds would probably favor a left-footed player capable of replicating Salah's tendency to drift inward and shoot, but such players are scarce at elite level.
Nevertheless, Rodrygo demonstrates impressive ambidexterity and has consistently shone on Madrid's right wing, accumulating 34 goals and 31 assists across 146 appearances in that position. His combination of pace and technical ability would certainly suit the Premier League, where he could emerge from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior's shadows.
Antoine Semenyo
Liverpool have witnessed Antoine Semenyo's quality firsthand. The Ghana representative found the net first in Bournemouth's 3–1 loss to Liverpool during 2023–24, beating Alisson in front of the Kop, and again troubled their defense on this season's opening matchday.
After reportedly facing racist abuse during the first period of Bournemouth's 4–2 loss at Anfield, Semenyo responded by netting twice to erase Liverpool's advantage. He charged into the penalty box to score initially, lifting a quick finish beyond Alisson, while his second goal showcased his attributes as he powered from his own territory into Liverpool's half before delivering a precise shot into the corner.
Such regularly outstanding displays have elevated Semenyo's profile on the south coast, attracting considerable attention from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before he committed to a new deal during the summer. He contributed 13 goals and six assists for the Cherries last term, proving a persistent problem for opposing left-backs.
Semenyo may not carry a marquee reputation, but neither did Salah upon his Anfield arrival. He brings established Premier League credentials, development potential, and the physicality and pace many connect with Liverpool's Egyptian star.
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon has attracted genuine interest from Liverpool previously. The Reds, who released the winger aged 11, showed strong desire to sign the former Everton and current Newcastle United player last summer, but ultimately chose not to meet the Magpies' expensive valuation.
Nevertheless, Gordon will stay prominently on Liverpool's watchlist. Having already acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle, might they return to Tyneside for the England international?
Gordon isn't a conventional right winger, favoring the left-hand side. This positioning allows him to cut inward and create danger with his preferred right foot, though Eddie Howe has deployed the 24-year-old on the right previously. When stationed on the right flank for the Magpies, he's recorded one goal and six assists in 11 outings.
Signing Gordon as a direct Salah replacement would involve risk given his left-wing preference, but few talents shine brighter than the Newcastle star. He represents homegrown quality with tremendous potential to become a world-class forward in coming years.
Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola also favors the left wing, but like any quality winger, he adapts well to the right side too. He's achieved five goals and 14 assists in 29 appearances from the right wing throughout his career—nine of these coming over the past two seasons with European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcola has flourished under Luis Enrique, producing exceptional statistics in 2024–25. He accumulated 21 goals and 18 assists for the French club and has earned 15 France caps, scoring twice since his senior debut in May 2024.
Various reports indicate Liverpool submitted multiple unsuccessful offers for Barcola to PSG during the summer, with L'Équipe also confirming the Reds' appreciation and pursuit of the 23-year-old talent.
Barcola has been partially eclipsed by teammates Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé recently, but he remains equally vital to PSG's remarkable evolution under Enrique. Liverpool would be unwise to overlook the Frenchman in future transfer windows.