Two names have been touted as potential Mohamed Salah replacements, as speculation over the Liverpool superstar’s future continues.
Saudi Arabian reports continue to claim that Salah is in talks with Pro League clubs about a move, despite the player’s own agent, Ramy Abbas, directly denying that possibility as recently as this month.
However, with Salah over 30 and with just two years left on his contract, there are legitimate questions to be raised about his long-term Liverpool future.
READ MORE: What happens next for Mohamed Salah?
There is likely some succession planning going on at Liverpool, however preliminary, and Calciomercato claim it involves Federico Chiesa and Leroy Sane.
The report that Liverpool have highlighted Chiesa, 25, for next season, with a view to replacing Salah.
Chiesa’s Juventus contract also expires in 2025 and he has long been touted for a Premier League move, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United all previous linked with the Euro 2020 winner.
Calciomercato claim it’s a ‘ballot’ as to whether Chiesa or Sane (27, Bayern Munich) inherits Salah’s mantle at Anfield, with a move for one of the pair most likely happening in January or next summer.
There are reasons to doubt Calciomercato’s confident prediction of Liverpool’s pre-selected transfer targets.
READ MORE: Who could replace Mohamed Salah when he leaves Liverpool?
While undoubtably one of Europe’s best wide men, Sane – whose Bayern deal also runs until 2025 – will be 28 next year and is perhaps too old and expensive for Liverpool’s recruitment strategy.
Chiesa, though younger, has struggled with injuries and form recently and scored just twice in Serie A in 2022/23.
Frankly, neither winger can hold a candle to Salah’s goals and assists, but then again, very few can, and replacing his attacking output will be a conundrum for Liverpool to face when the Egyptian does eventually leave.
Already on their books, the Reds currently have exciting Scottish teenager Ben Doak waiting in the wings and there is a chance he could yet develop into a top talent. Meanwhile Fabio Carvalho – loaned out to RB Leipzig for the season – is still a Liverpool player.
