Liverpool are a step closer to replacing Mo Salah as a player has struck an agreement that could start a domino effect.
It’s difficult to imagine the Reds without their Egyptian star, but the reality is that his remarkable reign at Anfield is approaching its natural conclusion.
For years, Salah has been the focal point of Liverpool’s attack - delivering goals, assists, and decisive moments that have defined an era of success. However, football is cyclical, and even the greatest players eventually face decline.
This season, there have been visible signs that Salah is no longer operating at his previous elite level. While still capable of moments of quality, his overall influence has dipped, with fewer decisive contributions and less consistency in one-on-one situations. His explosiveness, a once a defining trait, has shown signs of fading, making it harder for him to dominate defenders in the same way.
From a strategic perspective, Liverpool must now think ahead. Allowing a player of Salah’s stature to run down his value or decline further would be a risk, both competitively and financially.
Selling him at the right moment would allow the club to reinvest in the next generation of attacking talent, aligning with their long-term planning model.
Replacing a player of his quality is never easy, but timing is everything in football. For Liverpool, making a proactive decision now could be the difference between a smooth transition and a difficult rebuild.
So, who do Liverpool have their eyes on as a potential replacement for Salah?
Anfield Watch understands one of the club's primary targets is Yankuba Minteh, who is playing at Brighton.
Minteh's underlying numbers are brilliant and they have caught Liverpool's attention. He's second in the Premier League for carries into the box (61) and fifth for successful dribbles (2.80 per 90)
Meanwhile, he is 10th among wingers for big chances created (7).
On top of that, Minteh is a really hard-worker and an intense pressing machine who has won possession 3.83 times per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season - more than any Liverpool attacker.
With his speed and intensity he is exactly the player Liverpool need right now and the deal could be getting closer because it seems like Brighton have made huge progress in bringing in his replacement.
According to a report in Sports Bild, Brighton have agreed with Sail El Mala and his brother for them to join the club. They've struck an agreement on personal terms, which puts the deal closer to completion- although they will still have to come to an agreement with Koln over a transfer fee.
El Mala is a wide attacker, so in theory he seems very much like a Minteh replacement and it absolutely paves the way for The Gambian to leave the Seaguls and join Liverpool this summer.
Which means Liverpool are now definitely a step closer to replacing Salah.
Many will see this as a downgrade, and Minteh is definitely worlds away from Salah's output. But stylistically he might just be a better fit for this Liverpool side at the moment.
His directness and ability to generate a lot of crosses and cut-backs could be the perfect way to facilitate the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the box.
