Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has weighed in on the growing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s potential exit from Anfield, naming Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho as two players who could replace the Egyptian winger at Liverpool.
With Salah’s contract set to expire next summer and no talks reportedly taking place for an extension, Liverpool may be forced to look for alternatives in the transfer market.
Salah, who hinted that this could be his “last year” at Liverpool after their 3-0 victory over Manchester United in September, has been a cornerstone of the Reds’ attack since his arrival in 2017.
Hamann, speaking to Flashscore, said that Arsenal winger Saka would be an ideal successor to Salah on the right wing due to his consistency and impressive performances for club and country.
“No one can replicate Mohamed Salah’s numbers and his availability. But if I had to pick another player to replace him with, Liverpool would have to go for Bukayo Saka,” Hamann said.
Hamann also mentioned Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea from Manchester United, as another potential option. Sancho’s career has stalled since leaving Borussia Dortmund, but Hamann believes that if Sancho can rediscover his Dortmund form at Stamford Bridge, he could be a viable alternative.
“If Jadon Sancho can find the form he had at Borussia Dortmund, he could be an option to play on the right wing,” Hamann added.
Meanwhile, Hamann also shared his thoughts on Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract is also nearing its end. Hamann expressed concern that the England international could be lured to Real Madrid, where his former teammate Jude Bellingham now plays.
“I don’t see Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving in January, but if Real Madrid come calling, it will be hard for him to reject them,” said Hamann. “Jude Bellingham is potentially drawing him to the club, and the fact they got Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer shows they can do a similar move with Alexander-Arnold next summer.”
Alexander-Arnold has long been regarded as one of the most technically gifted right-backs in the world, with his passing and free-kick ability drawing comparisons to David Beckham.
Hamann’s comments underscore the challenges Liverpool could face next summer if they lose two of their key players in Salah and Alexander-Arnold. While replacements like Saka or Sancho are viable options for the attack, the potential departure of their “scouse Galactico” could leave a significant void in defense.