"There's going to be fire today if I speak.”
Mo Salah’s Liverpool future has been brought into the foreground following a touchline spat with Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with West Ham.
The Egyptian was about to be brought on as a substitute when Klopp said something to Salah.
The pair could be seen arguing next to the fourth official, with Klopp appearing to go over to Salah to embrace him but was shunned.
Fellow substitute Darwin Nunez had to separate the pair, pushing Salah away.
At the end of the match, Salah did not shake hands with Klopp either but showed respect to West Ham manager David Moyes.
Klopp attempted to play down talk of a rift, saying:
“We spoke about it in the dressing room, but it’s done for me. That’s it.”
However, Mo Salah was still feeling infuriated. When asked what happened, he told reporters:
“There’s going to be fire today if I speak.”
The moment has left many wondering whether Salah will stay or go.
Jurgen Klopp is already leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, with Feyenoord manager Arne Slot replacing him.
Slot will deal with Salah’s current situation, who will have one year remaining on his contract in the summer.
Given that Liverpool rejected Al Ittihad’s £150 million offer for Salah last summer, another Saudi side may present an offer that is too tempting to turn down.
The apparent rift with Klopp may also open the door for Salah’s exit.
Having been Liverpool’s star player for years, a replacement would have a massive task on their hands. Here are five potential signings to replace Mo Salah should he leave Liverpool.
Johan Bakayoko – PSV
One player incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot should be very familiar with is PSV star Johan Bakayoko.
At just 20 years old, the winger fits the ideal age profile that Chief Executive Michael Edwards seeks in new Liverpool recruits.
Despite turning down a move to Brentford during the summer transfer window, he remains linked with several Premier League clubs.
Bakayoko has excelled since stepping in for Noni Madueke, who signed for Chelsea in January 2023.
Bakayoko has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists across all competitions this season.
PSV’s sporting director, Ernie Stewart, has stated that he expects that the Belgian international will depart at the end of the season.
Filling Mo Salah’s boots is a massive task for anyone but a talent like Bakayoko would be relishing the challenge.
Crysencio Summerville – Leeds
Liverpool have a history of signing players who have excelled in the Championship.
Andy Robertson was signed from Hull City in 2017 and has gone on to become one of Klopp’s standout players and one of the Premier League’s great defenders.
While Fabio Carvalho didn’t quite reach those heights, Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Leeds talent Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch forward has been instrumental in Leeds’ promotion push, boasting 19 goals and nine assists in 42 league matches this season.
A potential move could become more realistic if Leeds fail to secure Premier League promotion.
But reports suggest there is no release clause in Summerville’s current contract.
Furthermore, Slot is believed to have tried to sign Summerville for Feyenoord which indicates he’s a big fan of the winger.
Jarrod Bowen – West Ham United
A player who would not come cheap is West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, especially considering his outstanding form this season.
Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the English winger and why wouldn’t he as Bowen recently scored his 16th Premier League goal against Liverpool, all but ending their title challenge.
Bowen has a similar playing style to Salah. Both are effective in cutting in from the right onto their favoured left foot.
He has also proven effective as a central striker at times this season, highlighting his versatility.
Bowen has proved himself in the Premier League and this factor makes him an enticing prospect for Slot.
But at 27 years old, Bowen may exceed the age range typically targeted by Liverpool for signings.
West Ham are also under no pressure to sell him for cheap.
After West Ham’s substantial sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £100 million last summer, they are in a strong position to demand a similar fee for their key forward.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Napoli
If Mo Salah were to leave Liverpool and the Reds secured a substantial sum as a result, using the money to sign Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would be a wise choice.
This is despite him potentially coming with a hefty price tag.
With a value of around £85 million, the Georgian winger played a pivotal role in Napoli’s title triumph in the 2022-23 season, earning the nickname ‘Kvaradona’ for his adoration among fans.
Despite a slow start this season, the 23-year-old has regained his top form, claiming the man of the match accolade in five of his last nine appearances.
Kvaratskhelia has 10 goals and six assists in 31 Serie A games.
Prying Kvaratskhelia away from Napoli won’t be easy or cheap, as he is one of the club’s top players.
Liverpool would also likely face stiff competition from across Europe for his signature.
But he would be guaranteed a starting spot in the team if he were to be Salah’s replacement.
Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich
Leroy Sane is another player who may not fit Liverpool’s preferred age bracket but would nonetheless be a smart choice as Mo Salah’s successor.
The German winger is a proven winner, having won two Premier League titles with Manchester City.
After rejecting a contract extension, Sane joined Bayern Munich in 2020 and has gone on to win three league titles.
This could be the experience Liverpool needs to get over the line and avoid falling short of the league title.
The 28-year-old has frequently been linked with a Premier League return during Klopp’s time and is reportedly on the club’s radar for the upcoming summer.
Sane could be appealing to Edwards since, similar to Salah, his contract is set to end in the summer of 2025.
Bayern Munich will likely seek to extend his contract or consider selling him to prevent losing him on a free transfer.
These five players are all possibilities for Liverpool should Mo Salah leave the club.
Whether they fit the transfer profile or have proven Premier League experience, these players all have the potential to become Liverpool’s next star player.
The question remains whether Salah will follow Klopp out of the door come the end of the season.
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