Liverpool Prepare for Major Attacking Overhaul Amid Salah Departure Rumours

Liverpool’s Plans for a Summer Attack Revamp

Liverpool are making early preparations to bolster their attack as questions loom over Mohamed Salah’s future. According to a report from CaughtOffside, the Reds have already drawn up a shortlist of world-class attacking targets who could step in to replace their talismanic winger. With Salah’s contract expiring at the end of the current season, Liverpool’s management are exploring various options to ensure the team remains competitive upfront.

The list of potential replacements includes some of Europe’s top attacking talents. Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are all being monitored as possible additions to Liverpool’s forward line.

The priority remains finding a like-for-like replacement for Salah, should he depart Anfield in 2025, with growing concerns around his contract situation.

Nico Williams & Leroy Sane Among the Top Targets

A key target that has been highlighted is Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. Sources told TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Liverpool had considered the Spanish international over the summer, but a deal was not pursued due to his high price tag. However, Williams remains a player to watch as Liverpool revisit their options in 2025.

Similarly, Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich has emerged as an exciting prospect. With his contract expiring next summer, Sane’s potential availability on a free transfer has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Newcastle. The former Manchester City winger would bring both experience and quality to the Reds’ forward line. But much like the pursuit of Williams, any move for Sane depends largely on Salah’s decision to stay or leave.

Nedum Onuoha, a BBC pundit, has commented on Salah’s situation, suggesting, “I think it will be Salah, to be honest. He seems way too chilled out… He’s probably making plans for something else.” These remarks have further fueled speculation about the potential of a big-money move for the Egyptian international, possibly to Saudi Arabia.

Striking Options to Reinforce Liverpool’s Frontline

While the spotlight is on finding Salah’s successor, manager Arne Slot is also looking to strengthen Liverpool’s options at striker. This has brought Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins into the discussion. According to CaughtOffside, both players are being considered as part of the club’s efforts to reinforce their attack.

Gyokeres, currently plying his trade at Sporting CP, has an £85 million release clause, making any potential transfer a significant investment. Liverpool will face competition from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea, all of whom have shown interest in the striker. Whether the Reds are willing to match the hefty fee for the Swedish striker remains to be seen.

On the other hand, Ollie Watkins has been a revelation at Aston Villa, gaining attention with his consistent goal-scoring form. While it’s not yet confirmed whether Liverpool have concrete plans to make a move for the England international, Watkins’ rise in the Premier League makes him a compelling option for the Anfield hierarchy.

Salah’s Departure and its Implications

The potential departure of Salah is no small matter for Liverpool. The Egyptian winger has been an integral part of the team’s attacking prowess, and any move would require the club to identify not just a replacement but a player capable of adapting quickly to the demands of the Premier League.

CaughtOffside notes that Liverpool’s pursuit of Williams or Sane will heavily depend on Salah’s decision regarding his future at Anfield. There’s also the broader context of Liverpool’s changing attacking lineup, with the departure of players such as Roberto Firmino and the arrivals of Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, marking the start of a new era under Arne Slot.

Defensive Strengthening Also on the Cards

While most eyes are on the potential attack revamp, Liverpool’s recruitment plans don’t end there. The Reds are also in the market for a central defender to succeed Virgil van Dijk. Reports have linked Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi with a possible big-money move to Anfield in 2025. Other defenders, including Gleison Bremer of Juventus, Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon, and Loic Bade of Sevilla, are also on Liverpool’s radar as they plan a long-term defensive overhaul.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The rumours swirling around potential transfers signal both an exciting and anxious time. If indeed this is Salah’s last season at Anfield, the club will have to tread carefully in replacing a player who has not only provided goals but has become a symbol of Liverpool’s attacking identity. Both Nico Williams and Leroy Sane offer intriguing prospects with their pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. However, neither can be expected to replicate Salah’s impact overnight.

The idea of bringing in a forward like Gyokeres or Watkins aligns well with the high-energy pressing style that has defined Liverpool’s game for years. While Watkins’ experience in the Premier League makes him a safe bet, Gyokeres’ performance in the Portuguese league signals a high ceiling. Nevertheless, either option would represent a significant shift in how the club’s attack functions and both players would need time to settle into a new system.

On the defensive front, Marc Guehi is an exciting prospect. His Premier League experience and age make him an ideal candidate to succeed Van Dijk. For Liverpool, it’s all about finding players with the right blend of experience, potential, and hunger—a task that’s easier said than done.

With the club looking to address multiple positions, the next summer window could be a defining one for Arne Slot’s project at Liverpool.