The 6 most realistic Mohamed Salah replacements for Liverpool - ranked

Liverpool fans are enjoying the relentless brilliance of Mohamed Salah, perhaps for the last time this season.

The Egyptian's numbers have catapulted Liverpool to the top of the Premier League, where they look set to remain for the rest of the campaign. Arne Slot's extraordinary debut season would not have been possible without the legendary winger, who puts in breathtaking displays every week.

The Reds have had little time to think about the future in recent months as they aim for three major trophies, but their failure to tie Salah down to a new contract has set alarm bells ringing.

The 32-year-old's current contract expires this summer and he is almost certain to be irreplaceable. However, if he leaves Anfield at the end of the season, the Reds will be forced to enter the transfer market in search of someone capable of filling the most powerful of voids.

Here are six players who could realistically replace Salah at Liverpool - as much as any individual can, of course.

Nico Williams

If Liverpool are to land Nico Williams, they will have to make some tactical changes. The Athletic Club winger was the centre of attention at Euro 2024, when Spain conquered the continent, and it is no surprise that the 22-year-old has been linked with a number of global giants over the summer. The Reds were one of the teams most interested in him, although it was Barcelona who came closest to securing a deal.

However, while there is no doubting Williams' immense potential and ability, he would not be a perfect replacement for Salah. He is predominantly found on the left flank, not the right, and is also right-footed.

The two forwards share similar attributes – skill, speed and an eye for goal – but Williams is more of a traditional winger. His speed and agility are his best attributes, with the uncanny ability to flay opposing full-backs by cutting inside or getting to the byline.

Williams would be an expensive acquisition and would force Slot to reshuffle his squad. He could become a generational talent, but is likely to offer more questions than answers in Liverpool's current setup.

Bryan Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. If you are looking for a cheap replacement for Salah, the Cameroon international may be the most effective player you can find.

Mbeumo and Salah share some key attributes, mainly the mixture of speed with remarkable upper-body strength despite a relatively diminutive frame. Mbeumo possesses an exceptional left foot, capable of any type of shot.

The 25-year-old is not yet producing Salah's numbers, but his performances are scalable. He is having the most prolific campaign of his top-flight career, filling the gap left by Ivan Toney.

The winger, who has also occasionally featured as a striker, would not come cheap, but could actually prove a cost-effective addition in the grand scheme of the market.

Takefusa Kubo

There’s a reason Takefusa Kubo was plucked from Japanese football by Barcelona and then Real Madrid at a young age. While he failed to progress with either of the Spanish La Liga giants, Spain has proven to be an immensely successful home for the current Real Sociedad superstar .

Kubo has established himself in San Sebastian and has been linked with Liverpool in previous seasons, including last summer. Two impressive full seasons with Real Sociedad have caught the eye, with the striker known for his wit and flair.

He’s yet to put together a truly spectacular season in terms of goals and assists – he’s yet to hit double figures in either category during a single campaign – but the 23-year-old could thrive in a more attack-minded team with better individuals around him.

Johan Bakayoko

Slot knows all about Johan Bakayoko. The crafty Belgian was one of the reasons the Liverpool boss failed to win the Eredivisie title in his final season at Feyenoord. His 21 league goals helped PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch crown and a record points haul.

Bakayoko’s success in Holland has not gone unnoticed by Premier League suitors, with Brentford close to signing the 21-year-old in 2023. Liverpool have also reportedly been interested in the right winger, even if his numbers haven’t been as impressive this season.

The Reds got a first-hand look at his potential in their last Champions League group stage encounter, where Bakayoko scored an excellent goal in his side’s 3-2 win over the Premier League leaders. He has become synonymous with those moments of individual brilliance and is another left-footer who relishes cutting inside and taking aim at goalkeepers.

Jamie Gittens

Borussia Dortmund have long been a safe haven for British talent abroad and Jamie Gittens is another who has sought refuge in the Ruhr region. The Englishman has taken a while to settle, following his time at Manchester City, but the 2024/25 campaign has seen him break out.

By mid-January he was in double figures in the scoring charts, prompting the 20-year-old, who is blessed with blistering speed and a knack for finishing, to be noticed by Europe's elite. In a difficult season for Dortmund, Gittens has shone through.

However, like Williams, the England Under-21 international is predominantly used on the left wing, meaning he would not necessarily be a direct replacement for Salah unless he was redeployed. Still, a player of such talent and potential must be taken into account.

Jarrod Bowen

Slot has yet to see the same Jarrod Bowen that his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, raved about. The West Ham United talisman has tormented Liverpool of late (he scored three goals and provided an assist in three games last term), with his electric pace, incredible work ethic and powerful left foot that is difficult to stop.

Bowen has often gone unnoticed at West Ham, but has racked up 79 goals and assists in the last three campaigns with the Irons. Even in an often cautious David Moyes side, the England international was able to conjure up magic.

The prohibitive factor in a Bowen move is not just his high price tag, but also his age. He turned 28 last December and while that offers Liverpool a consistent and experienced figure, there is an expectation that his form will begin to deteriorate in the coming seasons.