Liverpool in talks for “special” £88m ace who could be the dream Salah heir

After his explosive interview earlier this month, the future of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is still very much up in the air.

The Egyptian attacker has since apologised to his teammates and spoken to the manager after he claimed that it “seems like the club has thrown me under the bus.”

He was dropped for their trip to Inter in the Champions League, but the winger has since been involved in a matchday squad.

Currently playing at AFCON with Egypt, it will be fascinating to see what the next few weeks and months hold for Salah when he returns.

It might be the case that Liverpool soon dip into the transfer market to sign a player who could be his long-term replacement.

Liverpool in the market for Salah replacement

It is clear that Liverpool are in the market for a new winger in the near future. They were linked with Antoine Semenyo but have seemingly lost out in the race to sign the Bournemouth winger. Real Madrid star Rodrygo is another player who is of interest.

However, reports are hotting up again that the Reds are interested in signing Juventus star Kenan Yildiz. According to a report from TuttoSport, via Sport Witness, Liverpool have made contact with the Old Lady over a move to sign the Turkish star, having held phone calls regarding a possible move.

However, they are not the only Premier League giants who have asked for the conditions of a deal. Arsenal are also in the race, as they look to strengthen out wide.

It would not be a cheap transfer, by any means. Juve could ask for as much as £88m to get a deal over the line.

Why Yildiz could be Salah’s heir

It has been a sensational season for Yildiz once again at Juventus. The 20-year-old has been the key man for Luciano Spalletti’s side, a shining light in what has been a slightly disappointing season so far for the Turin giants.

Indeed, in 22 games across all competitions for Juve, the versatile forward has been on the scoresheet on six occasions and has set up a further six goals. In total, he’s averaging a goal involvement every 149 minutes.

One of the real benefit’s about Yildiz’s game is the fact that he can play in a few different positions. He is a left winger by trade, but is also able to operate on the right flank, as a number 10 and even as a centre-forward.

Described as a “special” talent by football analyst Antonio Mango, Yildiz could be the perfect heir to Salah’s throne at Anfield. Liverpool’s number 11 is not going to be an easy person to replace, whenever that time comes.

He has 250 goals for the club and has led them to multiple major trophies.

Yet, this season has been far below his usual standard.

In 20 appearances across all competitions this term, Salah has only managed five goals and four assists, less than Yildiz’s tally for Juve, albeit in two fewer games.

Their underlying stats from the 2025/26 season show that the Juve star certainly has the quality to match the Reds winger.

For example, Yildiz averages 1.6 completed take-ons and 2.4 chances created per 90 minutes compared to Salah’s one completed take-on and 2.6 chances created each game.

Salah does predominantly play off the right for Liverpool, whereas Yildiz excels on the opposite flank. However, the Turkish star is adaptable and could certainly operate on that side, or Arne Slot may choose to play him on his favoured side.

But, being Salah’s heir means more than just the position he plays on the pitch. Once the Egyptian star does leave, they need a new talisman in attack. The 20-year-old could be just that, and really fill his shoes, even if that does not end up being in the exact same role.

£88m is a huge investment, but for a talent this good, it would be an excellent way to replace one of their all-time greats.

Related

Liverpool could sign a bigger talent than Semenyo in “world-class” £70m ace

Liverpool are weighing up a move for a belated Luis Diaz successor in 2026.