Liverpool is reportedly planning for life after Mohamed Salah, although the Reds may have already been presented with a major hurdle for their primary transfer target
James Findlater Content Editor
17:19, 18 Feb 2026
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 18, 2026 in Kirkby, England
Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool may have identified its primary target to replace Mohamed Salah, although it does face quite a large hurdle in order to get a deal done.
Rumors persist over Salah’s future amid what has been a poor season by the Egyptian’s usually high standards. What’s more, his outburst against the club and Arne Slot in December, in which he accused Liverpool of throwing him “under the bus”, added fuel to the fire.
Although he has since repaired some bridges and made a return to the starting line-up following the Africa Cup of Nations, questions remain over his form as speculation over a move to Saudi Arabia grows.
READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold closer to Liverpool return after Champions League tie suspendedREAD MORE: Darwin Nunez frozen out as he counts cost of Liverpool blocking transfer
That, in turn, has seen a growing number of rumors over potential replacements, with TEAMtalk claiming that Michael Olise has been identified as the perfect option.
It’s suggested that Liverpool’s recruitment team is “unanimous in their belief that Olise represents the closest thing to an ideal Salah heir”.
This isn’t the first time Olise has been linked with Liverpool, with reports last summer touting him for a move to Anfield, although the Reds won’t find it easy to get him signed if they are to target him.
Michael Olise in training with Bayern Munich
Michael Olise has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: 2026 FC Bayern)
The report goes on to say that sources close to the player have indicated that Olise is in no rush to secure a move back to the Premier League. Not only that, but Bayern Munich is said to be preparing to open talks over a new contract.
Olise is already tied down until 2029, but Bayern is reportedly determined to protect their asset, and ward off any potential interest from elsewhere.
Furthermore, Olise is said to harbor dreams of playing in Spain at some point in his career, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona said to be aware. Not only that, but Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be admirers, potentially making Liverpool’s job even harder.
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Olise is not the only player apparently on the Reds’ radar though, with TEAMtalk also linking them with Yan Diomande, Nico Williams, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola as potential alternatives.
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Liverpool.com says: It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Bayern is willing to sell Olise to Liverpool. Or perhaps more to the point, a scenario in which Olise wouldn’t cost an eye-watering amount of money.
There is surely no way he would be allowed to leave on the cheap, especially after Bayern deliberately didn’t include a release clause into his contract. As great an option Olise would be, it’s almost impossible to see this one happening.