Fenway Sports Group have reportedly pinpointed what they see as the perfect long-term successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool — but a major obstacle could derail the move.
Liverpool’s hierarchy have reportedly settled on their preferred long-term replacement for Mo Salah at Anfield, although luring him to Merseyside may prove far from straightforward.
Salah remains under contract with the Reds until June 2027, but with the iconic winger turning 35 that same month, Fenway Sports Group must carefully consider who could eventually emulate his immense influence at the club.
One name consistently linked in recent transfer reports is Michael Olise, with journalist Lewis Steele previously highlighting him as “one to watch” for a potential move to Anfield this year.
Liverpool see Olise as the perfect Salah successor
As reported by Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk, Liverpool’s decision-makers are said to be united in their view that the Bayern Munich attacker is the closest match to an ideal heir to Salah. The 24-year-old has impressed the club with his mix of creativity, productivity and tactical awareness.
Although other wide options such as Yan Diomande, Nico Williams, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have been mentioned as attractive alternatives, Olise is believed to be their leading target on the right flank. However, prising him away from Bayern could be extremely challenging.
Sources close to the French international suggest he is not actively seeking a return to the Premier League, while Bayern’s hierarchy are keen to open discussions over a new deal despite him already being contracted at the Allianz Arena until 2029.
A top-tier candidate to follow Salah
Olise’s output this season underlines why Liverpool admire him as a potential successor. The winger has delivered 13 goals and 25 assists in 34 appearances for Bayern, showcasing both his scoring and creative qualities.
His underlying Bundesliga metrics for 2025/26 further demonstrate his attacking threat. He ranks among the division’s elite for assists, big chances created, shots on target, chances fashioned, touches in the opposition box and expected goals, placing him in the top percentiles among positional peers.
Given that level of performance, it is unsurprising that Vincent Kompany’s side would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £120 million to even contemplate a sale. Whether Liverpool could stretch to such a figure in the summer window remains uncertain.
Securing Champions League qualification would significantly strengthen the Reds’ position — both financially and in terms of appealing to Olise should he be persuaded to leave Munich.
At present, a blockbuster move appears difficult to envisage, yet FSG would be justified in aiming high when identifying a long-term replacement for Salah. The decisive moment could arrive this summer if Liverpool receive a compelling offer for the Egyptian as he approaches the final year of his deal. For now, though, supporters will hope to savour every remaining moment of Salah’s brilliance on Merseyside.
