The "Reds" are reportedly prepared in case the departure of their biggest star is confirmed.
Liverpool is reportedly setting the stage for a significant shift in their attacking lineup, as the club braces for the possibility of Mohamed Salah's departure at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Salah, who has been the cornerstone of Liverpool's attacking prowess since joining the club in 2017, is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest players in recent history. His departure would mark the end of an era for the Reds, but the club is already preparing for life after Salah, ensuring that they continue to compete at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe.
Salah's contract with Liverpool expires in the summer of 2025, and while there have been no concrete signs of him leaving before then, speculation about his future has intensified. The Egyptian international, who has been a pivotal figure in Liverpool's Premier League and Champions League triumphs, has been linked with big-money moves to Saudi Arabia, where several European stars have relocated in recent years. With the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League growing, it would not be surprising if Salah were to consider a lucrative offer, especially towards the twilight of his career.
In light of this potential scenario, Liverpool is reportedly planning ahead by targeting a replacement for Salah, someone who can step into the massive shoes left by one of the club’s all-time greats. According to reports from the German newspaper Bild, the player Liverpool has set its sights on is Karim Adeyemi, a 22-year-old forward currently playing for Borussia Dortmund. Adeyemi has been making waves in the Bundesliga, showcasing the kind of pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability that could make him a natural successor to Salah.
The young German international, who joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in European football. In the current season, under the guidance of coach Nuri Sahin, Adeyemi has continued to impress, scoring five goals and providing three assists in just eight games. His ability to contribute both in terms of goals and assists mirrors the versatility that Salah has brought to Liverpool's attack over the years. While Salah's goal-scoring exploits are well-known, his role as a playmaker and creator for his teammates has been equally valuable to the team’s success.
Adeyemi’s versatility is another key factor in why Liverpool views him as a potential replacement for Salah. Adeyemi is capable of playing across the front three, whether as a central striker or on the wings, which would suit Liverpool’s fluid attacking system. Jürgen Klopp, known for his ability to develop young talent, could help Adeyemi reach new heights, much like he did with Salah when he first arrived at Anfield. The German forward’s ability to press, run in behind defenses, and his clinical finishing would make him a perfect fit in Liverpool’s high-octane style of play.
Adeyemi's performances have drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s top forwards, and his development at Borussia Dortmund has not gone unnoticed by some of the continent’s biggest clubs. However, Liverpool appears to be leading the race to secure his services, reportedly willing to offer more than 50 million euros to bring him to Anfield. This kind of investment indicates just how highly Liverpool rates Adeyemi and how serious the club is about planning for the post-Salah era.
The potential move for Adeyemi is consistent with Liverpool’s transfer strategy in recent years, where they have focused on bringing in young, high-potential players who can develop under Klopp’s guidance. The club has been successful in this approach, with players like Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino all evolving into world-class talents during their time at Liverpool. While the departure of any of these players has been or will be difficult for the fans, the club has always ensured that there is a succession plan in place to maintain their competitiveness.
If Liverpool does secure Adeyemi, it would mark one of the first major steps in the transition away from the Salah-Mané-Firmino era, which brought so much success to the club. With Mané already departed to Bayern Munich in 2022 and Firmino having left in 2023, Salah remains the last of that iconic front three. Adeyemi’s potential arrival could signal the dawn of a new attacking trio, possibly alongside the likes of Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz, both of whom have already begun to carve out their own legacies at Anfield.
However, it remains to be seen how Liverpool will approach the final years of Salah’s contract. While the club may be preparing for his eventual departure, there is still the possibility that Salah could extend his stay at Anfield. The Egyptian star has shown no signs of slowing down, continuing to perform at an elite level, and his love for the club and its fans is well documented. Liverpool will likely weigh their options carefully, as letting go of a player of Salah's caliber is never an easy decision.
For now, though, it appears that Liverpool is being proactive, ensuring that they are not left scrambling if Salah does indeed leave in 2025. Adeyemi, with his youthful exuberance, raw talent, and hunger to succeed, could be the perfect addition to a Liverpool squad that is always looking to the future. While replacing Salah is no small task, securing one of Europe’s top young forwards could ease the transition and help the club maintain its status as one of the elite teams in world football.
As the 2024/25 season approaches, all eyes will be on both Salah and Adeyemi, with fans eagerly watching to see how this potential transfer saga unfolds. Whether or not Adeyemi becomes the next star at Anfield, Liverpool's forward-thinking approach ensures that they remain well-positioned to compete for trophies long after Salah’s incredible tenure comes to an end.
