Liverpool appear primed for Premier League domination over the next few seasons but still face the daunting task of finding an appropriate successor for Mohamed Salah.
Arne Slot lays out new signing expectations at Liverpool
Despite the excitement that surrounds Alexander Isak’s £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, the Sweden international has missed out on a proper pre-season and was used sparingly over the international break by Sweden due to his fitness.
With Hugo Ekitike leading the line to great effect under Arne Slot, the Dutchman has made it clear that his newest signing won’t be expected to play 90 minutes straight away across the next few matches as he gets himself in elite shape for challenges that lie ahead.
He stated before his side’s trip to Turf Moor: “Don’t expect him to be every single game 90 minutes on the pitch. We will treat Alex the same as Sweden. So do not expect him to play every game in the upcoming weeks.
“He missed pre-season, he missed 3-4 months of team sessions, and now we have to build him up gradually.”
Work on the transfer front doesn’t stop there for FSG after reports emerged that Liverpool are battling Manchester United and others to sign Ajax talent Jorthy Mokio, who is also wanted by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Intriguingly, the Reds are also monitoring Santos winger Robinho Jr, son of the former Real Madrid and Brazil star, presenting another potential recruit who could gain nationwide headlines for obvious reasons.
Keeping one eye on the future, Liverpool have now identified who they want to succeed Salah long-term as they look to build a dynasty in English football.
Liverpool want Michael Olise to replace Mohamed Salah
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool see Bayern Munich star Michael Olise as Salah’s long-term replacement, and they are deemed to ‘lead’ the race for his signature, albeit the Bundesliga holders are keen to offer him a new contract. In the case of Salah, he may once again soon be at the centre of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, forcing the Reds into forming a contingency plan if the Anfield icon were to depart in the near future.
With an alleged release clause of around £87m, which could even be lowered if the player pushes for an English move, Olise is said to earn around £224,000 per week at the Allianz Arena and has started the campaign with four goals in four matches across all competitions.
Overall, the London-born star, dubbed “different class” by reporter Graeme Bailey, has registered 24 goals and 23 assists in 59 matches for Bayern Munich, making him a prolific figure within Vincent Kompany’s frontline that is viewed as a similar profile of player to Salah by Liverpool chiefs.
With his release clause believed to kick in next year – hence Bayern’s keenness to offer him a new deal – there may be scope for the Reds to pull off another savvy piece of business if the ex-Crystal Palace man signals his intent to return to the Premier League.