Confirmed: Which forward is coming to take over from Mo Salah | OneFootball

Last week it emerged that Liverpool’s transfer priority in 2026 would be seeking successors to both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The all-star duo have renewed their contracts until 2027 - but Liverpool do not want to leave it until the last minute to find replacements.

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The countdown was very much on ahead of their previous contract expiry dates of summer 2025 - and it came as a relief when Richard Highes - the sporting director - got renewals over the line.

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But neither will go on forever. Van Dijk has already turned 34 - and there are a number of emerging candidates to come to the club in the seasons ahead.

Fofana will "take over" from Salah

Salah will be in the summer of his 35th birthday by the time his current contract runs out and we have seen the likes of Michael Olise mentioned as a potential successor.

But now a familiar name is back on the radar - with claims from Spain that the Reds have chosen Malick Fofana as the man to replace the Egyptian King.

The 20-year-old Lyon winger joined from Genk back in 2024 and has gone from strength to strength since his move to Ligue 1. He was a legitimate target for the 2025 summer window - but ultimately stayed put in the face of Premier League interest.

However, Fichajes now claims that Fofana will “take over” from Salah with the 33-year-old now eyeing new opportunities.

Fofana is the ideal candidate

“Liverpool is actively seeking a new talent to take over the role of Mohamed Salah, who, after a successful spell at Anfield, could be considering new horizons,” the report reads.

“In this context, the club has identified Malick Fofana, a 20-year-old Belgian winger, as an ideal candidate to fill that role."

Lyon have been struggling with their finances in recent times and it has been suggested that Fofana as their most bankable asset could well be sold off.

The report claims that Liverpool are ready to restart talks with Lyon over the winger - who is capable of playing either side of the attack.

© IMAGO - Malick Fofana Liverpol

Malick Fofana is an attractive option

“His name remains an attractive option for Liverpool,” the report continues.

“With Salah's possible departure, the English club could resume negotiations to sign the young winger in the near future.

“His profile fits Liverpool's style of play, characterized by speed and high pressing, and his ability to play both wide and centrally gives him versatility in attack.”

Arne Slot has got a good array of attackers at his disposal following the summer transfer window - including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.

But with Salah only likely to slow down over the coming two seasons, it would be prudent to consider adding one more.