Life after Egyptian King: Three candidates to replace Mo Salah at Liverpool | OneFootball

The day Liverpool fans have dreaded is finally on the horizon. With Mohamed Salah officially announcing his departure on a free transfer at the end of the current season, a monumental era at Anfield is drawing to a close. Replacing the “Egyptian King” is arguably the most daunting task in world football, you cannot simply buy another Salah.

Instead, Liverpool’s recruitment team must find a player capable of shouldering the creative and goal-scoring burden while fitting into the high-intensity tactical framework required on Merseyside.

Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola have all been linked with a move to Anfield in recent times.

We take a closer look at the possibility of them joining Liverpool.

Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

If Liverpool is looking for the closest stylistic profile to Salah, Michael Olise is the standout candidate.

As a left-footed right winger, Olise possesses an elite ability to cut inside, thread needle-like passes, and unleash devastating shots.

Since his move to Bayern Munich, he has proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, combining Premier League-forged physicality with top-tier continental experience.

Prying him away from Bayern Munich would require a gargantuan transfer fee, testing the upper limits of Liverpool’s financial structure.

He would be the ideal replacement but among the three players we are focusing on, he would be the most difficult to get.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

Anthony Gordon in action for Newcastle (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

While traditionally operating on the left flank, Anthony Gordon has transformed into one of the Premier League’s most relentless and productive wide attackers.

Gordon’s work rate is off the charts. He is a pressing monster, which makes him an absolute dream for Liverpool’s tactical setup.

He is fully adapted to the pace and brutality of the English top flight, meaning there would be zero transitional downtime. His directness, blistering pace, and homegrown status add immense value.

He is right-footed, meaning his arrival might require a tactical reshuffle, perhaps moving another attacker to the right or altering how Liverpool’s full-backs overlap.

Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)

Bradley Barcola in action for PSG (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

For a club looking to invest in a generational ceiling, PSG’s Bradley Barcola represents a massive, statement-making target.

Barcola is a 1v1 specialist with terrifying acceleration. He has firmly established himself as a focal point in PSG’s post-Mbappé era, showcasing a fearless mentality in the Champions League.

At just 23 years old, his potential for growth under top-level coaching is frightening.

Dealing with PSG is notoriously difficult. The French champions are under no financial pressure to sell their brightest young domestic star, meaning a transfer would require a near-world-record fee and the player heavily pushing for the move.

The Verdict: Who is the Most Realistic Signing?

When weighing tactics, finances, and market availability, Anthony Gordon emerges as the most realistic signing for Liverpool.

While Olise is the perfect stylistic fit, Bayern Munich rarely sell elite players in their prime unless forced. Similarly, PSG holds all the leverage with Barcola.

Newcastle United, however, remain under the constant, looming pressure of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Despite the Magpies’ reluctance to lose a fan favorite, a massive, front-loaded offer from Liverpool could force Newcastle’s hand to balance their books.

Furthermore, Gordon’s documented boyhood affinity for Liverpool adds a personal pull that could smoothly facilitate personal terms.