Salah’s future is currently in some doubt due to Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia’s considerable interest. Al Ittihad can still seriously worry Liverpool about the future of their star player because the transfer market there is still open, unlike in Europe’s top five leagues.
While it’s fair to say Jones isn’t overly optimistic about how likely it would be for LFC to persuade players like Bukayo Saka to join, it’s also fair to say that others like Leroy Sane or Jarrod Bowen might not be ideal even if they are in the running. Jones discussed a long list of names who could be in the frame to replace Salah if he were to leave Merseyside in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside.
Federico Chiesa, a forward for Juventus, was also identified by the reporter as a player Liverpool have reportedly previously considered.
Liverpool will, of course, be aware of the need to prepare for life beyond Salah. Salah has less than two years left on his Reds deal, so it seems doubtful that he will sign another, Jones said. “Even if they are to repel this latest Saudi attack, you would feel like it would only be a matter of time before it rears its head again.
“If I look at the players Liverpool has previously shown interest in, none stand out as clear candidates to sign. Son Heung-min can’t go because of his age, while Bukayo Saka would be nearly impossible to get out of Arsenal.
While players like Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, and Federico Chiesa have all had ups and downs, Jarrod Bowen likely isn’t at the necessary level. Chiesa was undoubtedly a candidate Liverpool previously considered.
“If Salah were to depart, I think Liverpool might want a player with a somewhat different profile—someone who is still quick, capable of scoring and setting up goals, but perhaps not only someone who will try to replace Salah as the team’s leading scorer.
I particularly like Rafa Leao of Milan, and I think Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is destined for greatness. I also really like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli. However, anybody they did sign would have enormous shoes to fill.
