Transfer Talk: Potential Salah replacements if Mo goes

Mohamed Salah could swap Merseyside for Saudi Arabia next summer — and Liverpool need to be prepared for his departure.

The Egyptian star was strongly linked with a switch to Al-Ittihad in the last transfer window, with the Reds reportedly rejecting a £150million offer.

But with a new bid likely coming at the end of this season, Jurgen Klopp's side may look to pre-empt Salah's departure by recruiting a new forward in January.

Ahead of Liverpool's derby clash with Everton today, we consider who might be heading to Anfield in the new year.

Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane has enjoyed an excellent start to the season with Bayern Munich, scoring six goals in seven Bundesliga games prior to this weekend.

Liverpool fans will be familiar with the Germany international, who spent four successful years with Manchester City and has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

His best goal return came in 2018-19, when he netted 16 times in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side.

But that total could be bettered this term if he maintains his impressive form, with Harry Kane's arrival in Bavaria proving beneficial for Sane, 27.

The 58-cap ace ranked first in the division for completed take-ons (36) going into Matchday 8 — and his ability to cut in from the right flank to devastating effect will certainly appeal to Liverpool if Salah opts to leave.

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo would tick a lot of Liverpool's boxes.

The 24-year-old has proven himself at Premier League level since the Bees' promotion in 2021, scoring nine top-flight goals last season and netting a further four this campaign.

Like Salah, Mbeumo operates on the right flank and has a classy left foot, with Brentford often looking to him for inspiration.

Pedro Neto

Another up-and-coming Premier League talent, Pedro Neto has made an impressive start to the season with Wolves.

The Portugal international is into his fifth campaign in the English top flight at the age of 23 and is currently leading the way for assists (five) — level with James Maddison and Kieran Trippier.

Capable of playing on both the left and right flanks, Neto still has plenty of room for development.

Earlier this season, Wolves boss Gary O'Neil said: "He will be hugely important for us, he's a fantastic player, hugely talented and he's working extremely hard without the ball as well as bringing big quality with it, so I'm really pleased with Pedro."

Donyell Malen

Away from the Premier League, Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen has been linked with a move to Anfield.

The Dutchman has scored three goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season, with Klopp reportedly an admirer of his talents.

An accomplished dribbler with a powerful shot, Malen has impressed since joining BVB from PSV in 2021.

The 24-year-old may not have quite hit the goalscoring heights of his time in Eindhoven since moving to Germany — but his potential is clear for all to see.