Mohamed Salah’s Successor: Five Potential Heirs to Liverpool’s Right-Wing Throne
Since arriving at Anfield in 2017, Mohamed Salah has carved his name into Liverpool history. The Egyptian superstar remains the heartbeat of the Reds’ attack — irreplaceable in many ways, yet inevitably, the club will one day have to face life after him.
Salah signed a new contract in April, extending his stay until 2027, and capped the campaign by lifting the Premier League title after another phenomenal season both individually and collectively. The 2024–25 Premier League Player of the Season continues to perform at an elite level, but Liverpool’s recruitment department will already be planning for the future. The club’s sustained success over the past decade has often depended on their ability to refresh key positions when legends move on.
Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest challenges Liverpool have faced. Yet, a number of elite forwards could emerge as worthy successors to his right-wing role. Here are five players who might one day fill the void.
1. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Finding world-class right wingers is like discovering gold dust — and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise is among the brightest of them. Capable of operating both as a wide attacker and a creative midfielder, the Frenchman has reached new heights since swapping Crystal Palace for the Bundesliga.
Olise enjoyed a spectacular first season in Germany, tallying 20 goals and 20 assists as Bayern reclaimed the Meisterschale. His efforts earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award after a series of dazzling displays from the right flank.
The 23-year-old’s combination of flair, technical brilliance, and finishing instinct makes him one of the most feared wide players in Europe. A return to the Premier League remains possible — and reports suggest Liverpool view him as their ideal long-term successor to Salah. With Premier League experience, immense talent, and further room for growth, Olise would be a stellar addition at Anfield.
2. Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid has been under scrutiny, with speculation linking him to several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. The Brazilian has found it difficult to impress new boss Xabi Alonso, but remains determined to fight for his place.
Liverpool’s past interest makes sense. Rodrygo offers flexibility — he can play on either flank but thrives on the right. Although right-footed, his two-footed ability allows him to cut inside or go wide with equal confidence. While the Reds might prefer a left-footed winger like Salah, Rodrygo’s technical balance and speed make him a serious option.
In his Madrid career, he’s recorded 34 goals and 31 assists in 146 appearances from the right-hand side. His pace, directness, and creativity could flourish in the Premier League — especially if he’s seeking a more central role away from the shadows of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
3. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Liverpool know Antoine Semenyo all too well. The Ghanaian forward has caused them problems time and again, scoring at Anfield in Bournemouth’s 3–1 defeat during the 2023–24 season and netting twice on the opening day of the current campaign.
In that match, after enduring alleged racist abuse during the first half, Semenyo responded with two outstanding goals — one a clinical finish, the other a powerful solo run and strike that underlined his explosive athleticism. Such performances have made him a standout performer on the south coast.
Semenyo’s form — 13 goals and six assists last season — attracted attention from Tottenham and Manchester United before he committed his future to Bournemouth with a new deal. His mix of power, pace, and direct running mirrors many of Salah’s early qualities. He might not yet be a global superstar, but then neither was Salah upon his arrival in 2017. Proven in the Premier League and improving every season, Semenyo could be a shrewd and inspiring successor.
4. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
A former member of Liverpool’s academy, Anthony Gordon has blossomed into one of England’s most exciting forwards at Newcastle United. The Reds seriously considered re-signing him last summer but ultimately backed away due to the Magpies’ steep valuation.
Liverpool’s interest hasn’t faded, however. After already recruiting Alexander Isak from Newcastle, a future move for Gordon cannot be ruled out. While he prefers to play on the left — cutting in on his stronger right foot — manager Eddie Howe has deployed him effectively on the right flank as well, where he’s produced one goal and six assists in 11 appearances.
Signing Gordon as a direct Salah replacement would carry risk, but his work ethic, pace, and end product continue to improve. As a homegrown player with limitless potential, Gordon represents both a long-term project and a nod to Liverpool’s local identity.
5. Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Bradley Barcola is another left-sided attacker capable of playing on the right — and doing it exceptionally well. Across his career, he has registered five goals and 14 assists from the right wing, including nine in the past two seasons for PSG.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout year under Luis Enrique, contributing 21 goals and 18 assists in all competitions during 2024–25. His explosive rise has earned him 15 caps for France, scoring twice since his senior debut in May 2024.
Reports in France suggest Liverpool saw multiple bids for Barcola turned down by PSG over the summer, with L’Équipe confirming the club’s strong admiration for the Frenchman. Although he has occasionally been overshadowed by teammates like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola remains central to PSG’s success and one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers. Liverpool would be wise to keep him firmly on their radar.
The Verdict
Replacing a legend like Mohamed Salah will never be straightforward. His goals, consistency, and aura have defined Liverpool’s modern era. But the club’s forward planning has always been one of its greatest strengths. Whether it’s the brilliance of Olise, the versatility of Rodrygo, the determination of Semenyo, the promise of Gordon, or the dynamism of Barcola, Liverpool have no shortage of world-class options when the time eventually comes.
Salah’s shadow looms large — but as history has shown, Liverpool always find a way.
