Replacing Mo Salah is not easy, who will get to Anfield quickly?

Gilabola.com – Mohamed Salah’s comments after the match at Elland Road not only left question marks, but also increased the tension in Liverpool’s season which has gone far from smoothly. The future of the Egyptian star is once again a big topic, with the possibility of leaving in January now completely open.

For Liverpool’s management, the problem is not just losing a club icon, but how to find a replacement who approaches his impact on the pitch. Replacing Salah’s contribution in the middle of the season is almost like an impossible mission.

Wrong, Inherit a Record That’s Hard to Touch

In eight years in a Liverpool uniform, Mohamed Salah has recorded 250 goals and 116 assists in 420 matches. Production like this cannot be covered by ordinary recruits in the transfer market.

Names such as AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo or Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon may be in long-term squad building plans, but their numbers and influence are clearly not comparable to what Salah would leave behind if he did leave.

Liverpool has proven to be brave enough to spend big. Last summer, the club disbursed more than IDR 7 trillion for seven players, including the purchases of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. However, neither of them is a replica of Salah’s role on the right side of the attack.

Looking for something that is “closer”, not completely replacing it

One thing needs to be emphasized: there is no truly comparable replacement for Salah. The ideal target is a wing striker with a high impact, capable of scoring goals, creating chances and determining the outcome from the first minute. Below are several names that are considered worthy of being included in Liverpool’s internal list, from realistic to speculative.

Mohamed Salah’s replacement choice

Vinícius Junior (25) – Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior is the most ambitious option. The transfer price is estimated to exceed IDR 2.5 trillion, but the situation at Real Madrid is not completely calm amid negotiations for a new contract that ends in 2027.

This season, Vinícius recorded five goals and five assists in LaLiga. The numbers are still solid, even though the 11-match goal drought is a highlight. The volume of shots is relatively stable, but the number of individual actions is decreasing, an indication that Xabi Alonso’s game structure is slightly limiting his freedom.

Stylistically, Vinícius is similar in speed of execution, ball control when running, and one-on-one dueling ability. Tactical adjustments may be needed, but there are few players in the world who are worthy of making Liverpool rethink their attacking structure.

Transfer chances: January is almost impossible, but next summer the door is not completely closed. Liverpool is one of the few clubs that can enter the competition if Real Madrid opens up the sale option.

Michael Olise (23) – Bayern Munich

Olise is the type of player Liverpool would be very interested in if the opportunity arose. This left-footed right winger plays in the same area as Salah and is comfortable controlling the space between the lines.

Since moving from Crystal Palace in 2024, Olise has performed exceptionally with Bayern with 29 goals and 39 assists from 77 matches. His contract is still long until 2029, making his value rise sharply.

Different from Salah who relies on short bursts in the penalty box, Olise is more playmaking oriented. However, similarities are seen in the speed of control, selection of shooting zones and volume of offensive contributions.

Transfer opportunities: Bayern will almost certainly demand a minimum of IDR 2.5 trillion. Even so, the factor of wanting to return to the Premier League could be a gap in the future.

Raphinha (28) – Barcelona

Raphinha is among the most technically realistic options. He is able to play on the right, is skilled at getting into central areas, and has been proven at the highest level with Barcelona since 2022.

Last season, Raphinha recorded 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches and won the LaLiga Player of the Year award. His shot volume is almost identical to Salah’s, as is his contribution to creating chances.

Outside of ball control, Raphinha has also proven effective in teams with intense pressing. This aspect is an important note, considering that Liverpool this season has lost defensive contributions from the wings.

Transfer opportunities: Barcelona’s financial problems make an offer of around IDR 1.7 trillion difficult to ignore, although being in his late 20s could be a consideration for Liverpool.

Rafael Leão (26) – AC Milan

Leão offers a different approach. Tall with incredible speed, he is more effective on the left side and relies on quick transitions.

This season he is scoring 0.65 goals per 90 minutes with 52% shots on target. Even though his action in one-on-one duels has decreased, his ability to bring the ball into the penalty box remains his main strength.

Transfer opportunities: The contract is valid until 2028 with a release clause of around IDR 3 trillion. His potential could change the balance of attacks and open up space for Liverpool’s center forward.

Mason Greenwood (24) – Marseille

In pure football terms, Greenwood has the clearest similarity to Salah. Finishing, the ability to open the body for curling shots, and effectiveness from static positions are his main strengths.

Since joining Marseille, Greenwood has shown significant improvement in chance creation and shot efficiency. Nearly 70% of its trials now come from high-value areas.

Transfer opportunities: Manchester United’s controversial past and favorable clauses mean this option is almost certainly closed to Liverpool.

Bradley Barcola (23) – Paris Saint-Germain

Barcola is a wild option with huge potential. Even though he is not yet an absolute starter, his productivity is impressive with a consistent combination of goals and assists.

He is comfortable playing on both sides, sharp on the ball, and effective without the ball through pressing and quick transition reactions. His shooting accuracy was even higher than Salah’s in the same period.

Transfer opportunities: PSG is likely to ask for at least IDR 1.5 trillion. Rotating playing minutes could open up opportunities, considering that his contract ends in 2028.

Our View

If Mohamed Salah does leave, Liverpool will not only lose a goalscorer, but the foundation of the game. There is no instant solution that completely replaces its role.

Options like Raphinha or Olise seem the closest in terms of tactics and consistency, while names like Vinícius or Leão demand a structural overhaul.

Liverpool’s decision will reflect whether the club chooses continuity or dares to enter a major transition phase.