Liverpool may need to make changes to their attacking ranks at some point in 2026.
Though he did return to the squad last month, Mohamed Salah’s future at Anfield remains unclear beyond 2026.
The Egyptian is under contract until 2027, though a potential move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS this year has been mooted.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Who are you picking as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner next season?
Marc Guehi pictured smiling during Crystal Palace training (Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little). Ibrahima Konate lines up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus). Giovanni Leoni trains during a session with Liverpool (Credit: Getty Images/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC). Nico Schlotterbeck gestures to the crowd during Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park (Credit: Getty Images/Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Image/Warren Little/Visionhaus/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Max Ellerbrake- Firo sportphoto
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
If Salah does leave, it would mean Federico Chiesa, who Arne Slot benched this week to play a defender on the wing, would be the only natural right-wing cover at the club.
However, the Reds already have some potential attacking targets they were looking at during the back end of 2025.
Liverpool target Rodrygo ready to leave Real Madrid
It emerged in December that Liverpool have a four-man attacking shortlist.
Journalist Tobias Altschaffl said: “Michael Olise is on this backup list. Along with three other names: Kenan Yildiz from Juventus Turin, Rodrygo from Real Madrid and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.”
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Rodrygo was linked with a potential summer move as well, but he ended up remaining at Real Madrid.
He has been in and out of the starting eleven under Xabi Alonso this season, and Sport have now reported that the Brazilian has decided he wants to leave Los Blancos.
In a bid to secure a transfer, the South American is understood to be in talks with two agencies, with a decision to be made over who he will choose in the coming weeks.
It’s added that if Rodrygo got his way, he would secure a move in the current transfer window.
However, a Real Madrid exit is unlikely to happen this month, in part due to Kylian Mbappe’s injury.
How happy would you be if Liverpool sign Joel Ordonez?
A move is reportedly on the verge of being sealed!
Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge pictured during the UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon de Portugal at Jose Alvalade Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Can Rodrygo replace Mohamed Salah
The short answer is no, but in reality, no player Liverpool could feasibly sign would.
However, the Reds seem to be aware of this and have started to shift their focus away from the Egyptian.
They spent a record sum on Alexander Isak and now appear to be trying to make a number nine their talisman, rather than attempting to replace the goal contributions of Salah.
Rodrygo, who was called ‘special’ by Carlo Ancelotti when they worked together, would still be a decent signing, though.
He’s scored 70 goals and provided 55 assists during his time at Real Madrid, and is also capable of operating off the left.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox