1 hour ago
23
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is still under contract until 2027, but the conversation around who could eventually come in to replace him has never been far away.
This season, there has at least been more reason than ever for it to be a genuine debate. Liverpool spent big on the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in the summer, Salah has not played particularly well on a consistent basis since, and his explosive interview at Leeds United showed a level of discontent.
Whatever happens in the immediate future, Liverpool will have one eye on what its long-term plan will be (not just with Salah, but across the pitch in general).
"Replacing Salah at Liverpool would be very difficult, but I do have a player in mind who could potentially develop in a certain way and be very successful at Anfield," former Reds ace Bolo Zenden told Casino Beats this week.
"Desire Doue from PSG. I think he’s a fantastic talent. PSG obviously has Bradley Barcola as well, but he’s been playing on the left wing — Liverpool would need someone on the right to replace Salah.
"Trying to find someone to fill Salah’s shoes is almost impossible. But I think Doue would be a great signing if they have to replace him."
Whether Doue would be prepared to leave PSG, though, is one question. How much the Ligue 1 side would demand to let him leave is another.
Under contract for another 18 months or so, Salah could still be a very important player for Liverpool in that period, starting when he comes back from AFCON in 2026.
Earlier in the week, Reds legend Jamie Carragher warned against a premature exit. He has since pointed out that the only place for him to go in January would be the Saudi Pro League.
"It was nicer than what we saw at Elland Road," Carragher said of the scenes after the final whistle against Brighton. "But does Mo Salah deserve more than that as a Liverpool player?
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"He deserves a guard of honor, he deserves a mosaic in the Kop, he deserves to be able to bring his family, his wife and his kids on the pitch and actually be celebrated for what he's done as a Liverpool player."
Liverpool.com says: Doue is a great player and Michael Olise has been mentioned too. Signing either of those players would be very hard (and expensive), however.
Salah has been the center of the team for so long in terms of goalscoring that the axis will tilt. Isak and Ekitike will form part of that plan, with the emphasis more down the middle than out wide.
English (US) ·