Opinion: £86m attacker should be ahead of Bournemouth’s Semenyo for Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Bundesliga Star as Long-Term Solution to Salah’s Successor

Liverpool’s Search for a New Right-Wing Star

Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Richard Hughes, are already mapping out plans for the next chapter of the club’s attack. According to Football Fancast, Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has emerged as the primary target to succeed Mohamed Salah, who has entered the twilight stage of his Liverpool career.

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With the Egyptian forward now 33 and his contract expiring in less than two years, Liverpool’s hierarchy understand that the process of renewal must begin sooner rather than later. Football Fancast reports that “talks were held in recent months for Lyon’s Malick Fofana and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, but it is Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise who must be signed.”

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Olise, valued at around £86 million, joined Bayern from Crystal Palace in 2024 for £50 million and has since developed into one of Europe’s most dynamic wide players. The Frenchman’s form has been described as “world class” by multiple analysts, with podcaster Henry Swain branding him “one of the best wingers in the world.”

Why Liverpool’s Interest Makes Sense

Olise’s progress has been meteoric. After flourishing at Crystal Palace, where he helped re-establish the club as a mid-table mainstay, his move to Bayern Munich elevated his game to an elite level. This season, he has produced five goals and six assists in just ten matches across all competitions, while averaging 1.8 chances created and winning 4.3 duels per game, according to Sofascore.

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Those numbers underline why Liverpool view him as a stylistic successor to Salah. Like the Egyptian, Olise combines precision with patience, and flair with intelligence. His technical control and ability to glide past defenders are reminiscent of Liverpool’s No.11 during his peak years.

Football Fancast notes that Liverpool maintain strong relations with Bayern Munich following recent negotiations between the clubs, which could facilitate talks if a formal offer is made. The player’s age, 23, and untapped potential make him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s vision of a younger, faster, more balanced side.

Comparing Olise and Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo’s name has also been floated as a possible addition. The Bournemouth forward has been electric in the Premier League this season, registering six goals and three assists. His physical style and work rate have made him one of the division’s breakout performers.

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Yet, when compared directly, Olise offers a higher ceiling. Semenyo’s power and pressing ability would complement Liverpool’s current setup, but Olise’s creativity and technical precision make him a more natural heir to Salah’s throne. Football Fancast’s report concludes that “Semenyo is likely a bit more physical and active, but Olise is simply a level higher.”

In essence, Semenyo embodies the relentless engine Liverpool have always valued, while Olise represents the finesse, unpredictability and efficiency that have defined their greatest attacking eras.

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Strategic Timing and Financial Feasibility

Liverpool’s summer spending spree, which saw the arrivals of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, has not stopped Hughes from exploring further offensive reinforcements. The Reds’ forward line remains potent, but their reliance on late goals and individual moments has exposed a need for greater structure and balance.

An £86 million deal for Olise would be costly but calculated. Bayern are unlikely to sell mid-season, yet Liverpool could revisit the opportunity next summer. With Salah’s departure looming as a matter of when rather than if, securing a long-term replacement in advance would mark smart, proactive planning rather than reactive rebuilding.

For a club priding itself on data-driven recruitment, Olise’s combination of youth, versatility and proven output makes him the kind of target Liverpool cannot afford to overlook.

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Liverpool fans understand that replacing Salah will never be a one-for-one swap, but Olise offers a similar blend of artistry, intelligence and end product that could ease the transition.

The French winger’s performances in the Bundesliga have shown maturity beyond his years. His balance between creativity and discipline would fit seamlessly into Arne Slot’s tactical framework, especially with the Dutchman prioritising flexible wide attackers who can both press and produce.

Liverpool fans might feel some scepticism about the £86 million valuation, but the club’s track record in player development often justifies such investment. If the Reds can negotiate effectively, Olise would be a long-term signing who not only replaces Salah but also evolves the role.

Semenyo’s energy and Premier League experience make him an intriguing option, but for Liverpool’s global ambitions, Olise is the statement signing. He carries the quality and confidence to thrive at Anfield, to take on the weight of the No.11 shirt, and to continue the legacy of attacking brilliance that defines this club’s modern history.