Steven Gerrard has told Liverpool the only way they can replace Mohamed Salah is by signing someone who is 'box office'. Salah is by buying one of the best wingers in the world. Salah signalled the end of an era at Liverpool when he announced on Tuesday night that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The forward will depart on a free transfer following talks with Anfield chiefs, ending his trophy-laden nine-year stay on Merseyside. Talk has already commenced over who should replace the Egypt international, but Gerrard believes that unless his old club signs one of the best wingers in the world, they won’t be able to replace Salah.
“You have to buy someone who is box office, or you are not replacing him,” he told TNT Sport.
“They have to be top-end, top three (or) four wingers in the world to replace Mo Salah because that’s what Mo has been.”
Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has already been linked with a move to Anfield, and Owen Hargreaves believes he would be the sort of box office player the Reds require.
“If you are Liverpool, you have got to go ready,” he said. “Tried and tested. For me that would be Olise. Somebody of that calibre.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And I wouldn’t want to see him leave Bayern because that front three is amazing. But if you are talking (about) Olise on that right-hand side for Liverpool, that is box office.”
Confirming his departure, Salah said in a video on his social channels: "Hello everyone, unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
"I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life.
Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and Fanatics has cut the price of this season's kits with 'M. Salah 11' printing.
"Liverpool is not just a football club, it's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit. I can't explain in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present.
"And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.
"Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home to me and to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."
