Usually at this point of the season, transfer rumours start flying around for Liverpool.
However, this year is ever so slightly different. In contrast to the past eight summers, the Reds aren’t yet sure which manager any new signings will be playing for.
As all of that continues to get ironed out though, the transfer stories are slowly starting to appear.
One of the storylines for Liverpool this summer is set to be the future of Mohamed Salah. With the Egyptian still being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, the Reds might yet have to replace him this year.
Just like with Jurgen Klopp, there is no easy way to follow a legend like Salah. However, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, Liverpool have some ideas over how they might start.
Liverpool looking at Mohamed Salah replacements
Although there’s a chance that Liverpool could replace Salah from within their own squad, they don’t really have a like-for-like swap. It would most likely have to come from outside.
Of course, we’re still hopeful that Mo will ultimately turn down the riches on offer in Saudi and commit his future to Liverpool. That could still happen, too.
But, with things still unclear, the Reds have to start to put a succession plan in place. And according to a post from Galetti on X, Liverpool have added two names to their post-Salah shortlist.
“Liverpool, Leroy Sane – whose contract with Bayern expires in 2025 – and Estevao, also followed by CFC and Barca for a long time – are among the possible replacements of Salah,” the journalist reports.
“As told, in the coming weeks the Saudi Arabian clubs will increase the pressure on the Egyptian player.”
Read More: Why Johan Bakoyoko could be the man to replace Mohamed Salah
Who is Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian is not the first Brazilian wonderkid to be named as a possible replacement for Salah. The 16-year-old’s Palmeiras teammate – Luis Guilherme – has previously been mentioned, too.
Of the two, we’d expect that Guilherme would feature more prominently in Liverpool’s thinking. At 16, Estevao is surely unlikely to be able to come straight into the first-team. Guilherme himself is only 18, but has first-team experience under his belt already.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Estevao is a huge talent. The winger has been dubbed ‘Messinho’ in Brazil, with no translation needed on that one.
As Galetti mentions, he’s also being tracked by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with it being no surprise to see Chelsea in there. Obviously, Estevao is one to watch, but we don’t think he’ll be the man Liverpool look to replace Salah with.