After joining Liverpool in the summer of 2017, Egyptian international Mohamed Salah became part of the front three, scoring goals at a menacing pace. Until last season, he has scored a total of 186 goals in 305 games and has “79” assists.
Although he is not as fast or dribble-driven as he used to be in his heyday, he is still able to get close to the goal with his precise positioning and his play style that takes advantage of his teammates. The question of who will succeed the ace Egyptian King remains an inevitable one for Liverpool.
Liverpool has a strong forward lineup, including Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez, but none of them can match Salah in terms of scoring and aura.
Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak are emerging as teenagers, but the former is used more in midfield and the latter is right-handed and not expected to cut in.
According to the Fichajes, Liverpool is interested in 22-year-old winger Luiz Henrique of Real Betis. The former Brazilian U-20 winger joined the club in the transfer market last summer and scored one goal and three assists in 33 La Liga games last season.
With his long limbs and deep dribbling ability, the winger is able to stay calm when he is surrounded and use his delicate touch to get past his opponents. Aston Villa, also in the Premier League, has also shown interest, which could lead to a battle between English sides.
However, the odds of Liverpool making a move at this point are slim. Defensive midfielders and left-handed center backs are the priority targets, and the club is taking a break from strengthening its front line, which is full of talented players.
In addition, the Egyptian striker’s replacement is so undecisive that it is somewhat doubtful that his name will even be on the shortlist. He has scored only three goals in all competitions, including the Europa League, and while he may develop rapidly, there is no reason for Liverpool to acquire him at this point.
The winger’s most immediate task is to develop further after his second season with Real Betis, but can he make the step up to the Premier League in the future?