Former Liverpool and Scotland right-back Steve Nicol has put forward Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a viable replacement for the aging Mo Salah at Anfield, amid uncertainties surrounding Salah’s future with the club.
Despite Salah’s consistent performances this season, netting 23 goals and providing 13 assists in 37 appearances, concerns loom over his potential departure from Liverpool. With Salah’s contract set to expire in 2025 and uncertainties surrounding manager Jurgen Klopp’s future, the Reds may face challenges in retaining the Egyptian forward.
Nicol highlighted the allure of lucrative deals from Saudi Arabia as a potential complicating factor, citing recent departures of key players like Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino. In light of these uncertainties, Nicol emphasized the need for Liverpool’s management to plan for Salah’s potential departure.
In Nicol’s view, Victor Osimhen emerges as a prime candidate to fill Salah’s shoes at Anfield. Despite Osimhen’s recent injury setbacks impacting his performance, Nicol believes the Nigerian striker possesses the qualities necessary to thrive in Liverpool’s system.
Nicol underscored Osimhen’s work ethic and ability to complement Liverpool’s attacking trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Salah. With Liverpool’s recent signings in midfield, including Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Nicol sees Osimhen as the ideal forward to provide support and contribute to the team’s dynamic attacking play.
“The fact that Salah is leaving, whether this year or next year, Osimhen? I think he would be fantastic for Liverpool. In the middle of the park, we’ve just signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Endo’s turned out to be incredible, you need someone who will run all day and give it to Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Salah,” Nicol stated on ESPN FC.
As Liverpool navigates through a crucial period in their Champions League campaign and contemplates the future of key players, Nicol’s endorsement of Victor Osimhen as a potential replacement for Mo Salah provides valuable insight into Liverpool’s transfer strategy and long-term planning.