From Diomande to Gordon: Liverpool options as Slot eyes Salah successor to complement Isak
TL;DR
Liverpool is exploring options to replace Mohamed Salah, who will leave at the end of the season. Manager Arne Slot suggests targeting a winger to complement Alexander Isak's playing style.
Key points
- Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season
- Liverpool is looking for a winger to replace Salah
- Arne Slot suggests a player to complement Alexander Isak
- Isak's connection with Jacob Murphy is a consideration
Mentioned in this story
From Diomande to Gordon: Liverpool options as Slot eyes Salah successor to complement Isak
Arne Slot has suggested that Liverpool will look to sign a winger who complements Alexander Isak in their search for Mohamed Salah's successor.
Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, leaving a huge void to fill. The Egyptian is Liverpool's third-highest goalscorer of all time and the Reds' recruitment team have a tough task to replace that output.
Discussing the challenge, Slot has said Liverpool could target a different profile of player, one who complements record signing Isak. The Dutchman has suggested a right-footed right-winger could be sought, given Isak's impressive connection with Jacob Murphy at Newcastle.
“[Getting the most from Isak] is definitely part of thinking about the [Salah] replacement,”Slot said.
“Because since I have been here – and it is the same at a lot of clubs – it is mainly a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left.
“I have seen Alex scoring also a lot from crosses which were played from the right, right-footed, Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses, if you want to call them like that. So that is definitely part of how we are looking at things, but we try to sign the best possible available player who we can afford.
“Something else which also happens at certain clubs is: ‘OK, that is the best player in the world in that position, let’s try and get him.' That is not how we work, we try and sign the best possible player who is available for us.”
So with a potentially right-footed winger on the agenda, who could the Reds target in the summer window?
Yan Diomande
Diomande is a name that has been regularly linked with Liverpool in recent weeks. The Ivorian has been one of the breakout stars across Europe's top-five leagues this season, becoming a household name since signing for Leipzig from Leganes last summer.
The 19-year-old has played the bulk of his football from the right and has 12 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga. He won't come cheap, with Leipzig valuing the teen at around €80m.
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle United will reluctantly sell at least one prized asset this summer, as the Magpies face a season without Champions League football. Gordon looks a strong candidate to move on and is keen to explore his options, amid interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
The 25-year-old is a boyhood Liverpool fan and would help solve current homegrown issues. Though comfortable across the frontline, Eddie Howe has previously stated that Gordon 'doesn't really want to play in that position' when discussing the right wing.
Nico Williams
Nico Williams has seen his stock fall since shining for Spain at Euro 2024, with long-term suitors eyeing an opportunity this summer. Athletic Bilbao are set to miss out on Europe and a significant offer could tempt the Basque outfit into a sale.
Williams has scored four goals in La Liga during an injury-impacted campaign, but possesses traits ideally suited to thePremier League. Excellent one-vs-one and comfortable taking on defenders on the inside or out, he has the tools to thrive in England.
Giuliano Simeone
One of the few players who fits the rare brief, operating from the right-hand side in a traditional mould. Simeone has become a crucial figure under the management of father, Diego, at Atletico Madrid, operating down the right in a predominantly 4-4-2 system.
The Argentina has bundles of energy and goal threat, scoring seven times and creating eight more this season. At 23, he has room to grow and his high-intensity defensive work would add something to a Liverpool team that has lacked running power.
Mika Godts
Premier League scouts have been in regular attendance at Ajax this season to watch Mika Godts. The 20-year-old has taken the Eredivisie by storm, with 16 league goals and 11 assists for the Amsterdam outfit.
Godts goes past defenders with ease, though has featured almost exclusively from the left this season, cutting inside to create opportunities.
Q&A
Who are the potential replacements for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?
Liverpool is considering players like Diomande and Gordon as potential successors to Mohamed Salah.
Why is Liverpool looking for a new winger?
Liverpool needs a new winger to fill the void left by Salah's departure and to complement Alexander Isak's playing style.
What role does Alexander Isak play in Liverpool's recruitment strategy?
Alexander Isak's playing style will influence Liverpool's search for a winger who can effectively complement his abilities on the field.
When is Mohamed Salah expected to leave Liverpool?
Mohamed Salah is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.
