Liverpool face a defining decision this summer, and choosing Mohamed Salah’s replacement will shape the club’s future for years to come.
With Salah’s departure now confirmed, Liverpool are expected to prioritise the signing of at least one new winger when the transfer window opens.
Fabrizio Romano indicated shortly after news of Salah’s exit broke that Liverpool are already planning to strengthen in wide areas. According to his update, the Reds could sign one or even two wingers, depending on market opportunities and their financial position heading into the summer.
Liverpool will allow Salah to leave the club for free, despite his £400,000 per week contract only expiring on 30 June 2026. As a nod to his great service to the Reds, he will be allowed to seek a move this summer without need for a transfer fee negotiation, which will streamline taking whichever path he chooses next.
Romano explained that Liverpool are actively monitoring several attacking options and are expected to be among the more active clubs in the market.
Speaking on YouTube, the Italian journalist said: “Liverpool will go for wingers in the summer, could be one, could be two, depends on the opportunities, but they will go for wingers. Liverpool will be smart, of course, Champions League football or not will be important for the investment, so we have to understand.
“But for sure Liverpool are targeting wingers. Expect them to be active. There are several players they are monitoring, in terms of names I will tell you more soon. I think today it’s correct we dedicate this update and this video to Mohamed Salah, this moment to Mohamed Salah, because he’s a legend of the game.
“But the impact of this is going in two directions: Liverpool will buy one or two wingers in the transfer window and they will be really active, and Mohamed Salah now ready to assess proposals and try something different.”
Jarrod Bowen mentioned among the wingers Liverpool are tracking
Among the players reportedly under consideration is West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen, who has emerged as one of several potential candidates to replace Salah. Recent reports suggest Liverpool have already begun exploring possible options, with journalist Dean Jones naming Bowen as one of the attackers being discussed internally.
However, he is far from the only name on the club’s radar.
Reporting via Flashscore, Jones reports that Liverpool’s shortlist for wide players features seven names, although one of them is very unlikely.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is said to be under serious consideration, while Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Nico Williams have also been monitored. Bayern Munich star Michael Olise has been mentioned as well, although he is widely viewed as an unrealistic target due to the expected transfer fee.
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has also been linked, rounding out a shortlist that continues to evolve as Liverpool assess the market.
?? Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness claims Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Anthony Gordon this summer ??:
“I think Arsenal may be a very good option for him, but I don’t see him fitting in quite that well into the Arsenal squad as I think he might do in… pic.twitter.com/o2NUpLV8Nh
— Goaldata – Liverpool Zone (@LiverpoolZNE) March 8, 2026
Of the names mentioned, Bowen is the anomaly. While the Englishman is a fine player, Liverpool should be aiming for a higher calibre player. Salah is one of the best players to ever grace the Premier League, and his replacement should be a high-tier one.
Despite West Ham enduring a difficult 2025-26 season, the England international has still delivered consistent numbers, registering 10 goals and 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. Yet, he is not a title-winning player.
Despite it being his worst season in many years, Salah has 10 goals and nine assists this term. Same number of goals as Bowen and two more assists. Granted there is a four year gap.
That leads me to the next point. Liverpool sold Luis Diaz last summer because he 28 and didn’t promise much long-term value in their eyes. Bowen is 29 and does not suit the FSG transfer model.
Replacing Salah is an impossible task but Liverpool must not waste this opportunity to restore the lost goals and assists from the Egyptian’s decline. They must also make sure not to waste the 33-year-old’s hard work which say Liverpool reach this point.
Liverpool must avoid undoing Salah’s legacy
In nine years, Mo Salah has 255 goals and 122 assists. He has countless trophies and personal accolades after a spell of recent unparalleled individual success in English football.
Mohamed Salah has now scored more goals for Liverpool FC than Wayne Rooney scored for Man United ???
Rooney is Man United's all-time top scorer, while Salah is still just third on Liverpool FC's list ?
A truly exceptional talent ??? pic.twitter.com/JX6Z6vfpOK
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) March 7, 2026
However, Liverpool’s decision to release Salah this summer carries a significant risk.
For nearly a decade, Salah has set the standard for productivity, professionalism and consistency at Anfield.
He has helped drive the club to major honours while maintaining elite-level output year after year.
If Liverpool move for the wrong profile, particularly a player unable to shoulder responsibility in league title races or lead from the front, they risk wasting much of the foundation Salah helped build under Jurgen Klopp.
And if that decision goes wrong, the consequences could be felt for years to come.
