By: Michael Sixsmith
For the last seven years, Anfield has been bombarded with cheerful chants of “ Mo Salahhhhhh, The Egyptian King”. It’s hard to fathom, a kid from Nagriq, Egypt has become a God in Northern England. Murals and titles have rattled Mo Salah’s career in red. He has over 300 appearances and 139 goals, 5th all time in a red uniform. In his tenure, he propelled one of the best attacking trios of all time. Yet, at 31 years old, Salah is the only one still playing Soccer in the top 5 leagues. Sadio Mane plays on Al Nassar and Roberto Firmino Plays on Al Ahli. Yet, Salah has shown no regression on the pitch. With Liverpool underwhelming last season and sneaking their way into the Europa League, questions arrived if Salah would be a red in 1 to 2 years. No offers came until, Al Attihad swooped in with a 150 million dollar offer which could very well turn in to 190 million overall. As we look back to 2017, Liverpool sold Phillips Coutinho for 142 million and bought 2 of the greatest players in premier league history in Virgil Van Djik and Allison. Can Liverpool do it again? If so, here are 6 wingers who can replace the Egyptian King.
1. Vinicius Junior: Left Wing, Real Madrid.
The young Brazilian has taken the soccer world by storm and has been on Klopp’s radar for sometime. One of the best youngsters on the pitch, he had 27 Goal + Assist in 2021-2022. His flair and pace make him a matchup nightmare of a right back, as he has dominated in the clutches moments in his young Real Madrid days. 7 champions league goals, 3.6 successful dribbles per 90. He can easily be the next Neymar for a country that he been blessed with some of the greatest wingers ever. A left winger but also plays central due to his pace, Liverpool could move Diaz to the right and make the best dribbling duo in the world. Valued at 158 million, it’s going to take at least 150 million to move the Madridista to Liverpool this year. At a time when attacking the defender and carrying the ball isn’t as prominent, Vinicius Junior is all attack, attack, attack.
2. Leroy Sane: Right Wing, Bayern Munchen
The Time is 2017 and 21 year old Leroy Sane is dominating the Premier League. 25 Goal + Assists in 32 games made him one of the most sought after wingers in the world. A combination of pace and athleticism made him get a 55 million dollar to move to Bayern. Yet, it hasn’t been all sunshine’s and rainbows since, he has been poor for the German giant. 14 goals + Assists in 21/22 and 15 in 22/23, he hasn’t been up to form. One of the fastest players on the planet fits the Klopp mold. Intense, fast and his work rate defensively makes him a perfect fit. His 1,2 play with Alexander Arnold and Szoboszlai make through balls even more effective. A great start to this year, he’s got 5 goals for club and country. If he can continue top form, the 27 year old is in for a huge pay day.
3. Johan Bakayoko: Right Wing, PSV Eindhoven
Bakayako has been sizzling in the transfer market, Burnley, Brentford have offered 30 million plus for the Belgian international. Only 21 years old, If Liverpool want to play the long road, this is the man to do it with. 5’11 and quick, the left footed Bakayoko is primed for a huge year in the Netherlands. Elite Acceleration, he had 26 chances in 23 games last season. He has elite pace and strikes a powerful ball. The question is, will he be ready to contribute right away? Or does he need a grace period. His market value is only 10 million but if Liverpool want to get a deal done, 40 or more is needed the youngster.
4. Nico Williams: The Athletic Club, Right or Left Wing
Another Williams that Klopp is interested in, his brother Inaki was loved by Klopp. He triggered his 88 million dollar release clause in 2019. Yet, Nico is nothing like his brother, wanted by Barcelona, his work rate and shear strength is why Xavi loves him. Williams reminds me of a younger Kingsley Coman. Supremely quick and his acceleration is off the charts yet super smooth and his passing is where he really excels. Just like any young player in La Liga, Williams can be way to casual and not focused. The 6’1 Spaniard, had 10 goal + assists while creating 46 chances, which was 3rd on his team. Already 10 caps for Spain, with 1 goal and 3 assists in his last two games, Will it be the Spain giant, Barcelona or the English giant, Liverpool.
5. Jarrod Bowen: Right Wing, West Ham United
After an outstanding 2021-2022, Bowen had a subpar 2022-2023. Leading West Ham in a relegation battle to stay up in the Premier League. The Smooth Lefty dominates the right side of the pitch, offensively and defensively, which Klopp loves to do. After have a rough season and losing confidence, Bowen has started off hot for the 2023 campaign. Beating Brighton and Chelsea, he has 3 goals and 1 assist. With Southgate on the fence of being fired, if Bowen continues this brilliant form, he should be a lock for the Euro’s. As every great winger for Liverpool under Klopp, work rate and consistency are the most important aspect. The 26 year old will need to continue that and maybe he will get a January transfer to Liverpool.
6. Bryan Mbeumo: Right Wing, Centerfield, Brentford
The last person on this list is the most underrated baller in the Premier League, The Cameroon native had 17 goal and assists last season, a constant terror for each side when Mbeumo has the ball at his feet. He has been on fire. Without Ivan Toney, he has been dominating and they are succeeding with his left foot. He has 4 goals and Brentford is Eight in the table. As he thrives in a more central role, he works at his own pace and is in need of a move. One of the most underrated players in England, can he finally get a move at 24 years old to the reds.