Liverpool already has a player in mind to replace Salah

Liverpool is slowly preparing for what seems like an inevitable departure of Mohamed Salah. That's not due to performance-the Egyptian star is still delivering at a high level, something he did in fine fashion last Wednesday in the Champions League, scoring one and creating one. The problem is his contract. Having been lured in with a mega-offer deal from Saudi Arabia two years ago, Salah is still contracted to the club until 2025, but his stay at Anfield is looking increasingly unlikely.

Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).

It goes without saying that Liverpool is running out of time. The club's management has only a few months to decide upon the right player who can fill in for Salah's shoes and thus always keep the team competitive. According to Bild, the top candidate right now is Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund, but he is an ideal fit for Liverpool's leading goal scorer over the past few years. How about Karim Adeyemi?

You wouldn't be particularly surprised to find Adeyemi at the top of that list to replace Salah. Of course, at 22 years old, the young German simply hasn't shown the consistency expected from him that would lighten the load off a living legend like Salah. Needless to say, his talent is undeniable, and performances of late have made big European clubs take notice and place the necessary emphasis on Liverpool moving with speed.

Thus far this season, he has 5 goals and 5 assists in 8 games, with outstanding numbers to start the year. His standout performance against Celtic in the Champions League further placed him in the spotlight for such big moments. But the big question, really, that surrounds Liverpool is: can Adeyemi keep up this level of performance across a full season?

The challenge of replacing an icon

If Salah leaves, then it's not going to be about filling a gap in the attack. For a few years now, he has been the leading scorer at Liverpool and an essential attacking leader. Salah gives Liverpool his speed, technical ability, great vision, and capacity to make important decisions during important moments, making the team one of the most feared in Europe.

It's impossible to replace someone like him. It's not just about securing a young, talented player; it means that he must handle the responsibility of being the major figure of the team, one which competes for titles in England and even Europe. Adeyemi, with all his potential, could be that player. Maybe. But let's be frank, he has yet to show consistently that he is able to take that mantle at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Another reason could be adaptation. Salah had come into Liverpool with exposure to the top European leagues like the Premier League and Serie A. Adeyemi is still in the learning curve of his career, learning ways to handle pressure and demands at the elite level of soccer. The Premier League is a very physical and competitive league, and not all players can quickly adapt to its style of play.

Market value and competition

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to pay up to €50 million to sign Adeyemi, a fair price considering the potential of the player. With the great start of the season, however, the services of Adeyemi might have already been noted by other major European clubs, and hence his market value could appreciate. Therefore, the competition for his signature could be very fierce, and Liverpool might need to move fast and cleverly.

Performances by Adeyemi may saw Dortmund trying to keep him for longer, adding to the price of probably a transfer. And with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich sniffing around, too, Liverpool would know they don't face an easy task if they want Adeyemi as their Salah successor.