Liverpool reportedly eyes Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement, while former defender Glen Johnson suggests Tottenham's Kulusevski as an alternative target
Harry Brent Senior Sports Writer
10:02, 11 Mar 2026
Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool this summer
Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
It's been a turbulent few weeks for Liverpool — and, truthfully, a turbulent season.
Spells of impressive form have been interrupted by disappointing dips, with the Reds already enduring nine Premier League defeats this campaign. Last week's 2-1 defeat to bottom side Wolves dented Liverpool's hopes of fighting its way back into the top four, though the Reds gained some retribution by eliminating the West Midlands outfit from the FA Cup days later.
With a successful defense of their Premier League crown now virtually beyond reach, attention is starting to turn toward the summer and how the Reds might bolster their squad ahead of next season. However, after splashing out around $600 million on new signings last summer, another mammoth spending spree appears unlikely.
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Nevertheless, with several key players underperforming and others nearing the end of their contracts, significant — and potentially costly — changes could still lie ahead. Here, Liverpool.com summarises the latest news from Anfield
'Ready' for $116M transfer
Liverpool is willing to break the bank in order to secure Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, according to reports.
The 23-year-old is among the most coveted forwards in Europe, with the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Chelsea also monitoring a potential move.
Nico Williams
Nico Williams could leave Athletic Club in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Williams inked a colossal 10-year deal in Bilbao last year, seemingly putting an end to any hopes of potential suitors luring him away. However, the contract includes a release clause that is reportedly set to increase to €100 million ($116.1 million) this summer, which would be a record-breaking fee for his current club.
Reports from Spain suggest that Liverpool are prepared to meet that valuation to bring Williams to Anfield. While the Spaniard wouldn't be a direct replacement for Salah, who plays on the right while Williams favors the left, his arrival could help fill the void in terms of goals and star quality.
Salah's Liverpool contract isn't due to expire until 2027, but given his recent dip in form and a mid-season disagreement with manager Arne Slot, a departure at the end of the season seems increasingly likely, especially with Saudi Pro League clubs showing interest.
Alternative named
Ex-Liverpool defender Glen Johnson reckons Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski could be the perfect replacement for Salah.
The 25-year-old hasn't played this season due to a severe knee injury last May, but he notched up 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for Spurs during the 2024-25 campaign.
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Johnson likened Kulusevski's ability to "glide" past defenders to Salah's and suggested Liverpool could potentially snap him up at a discounted price this summer, with Tottenham currently teetering near the relegation zone.
"Dejan Kulusevski a replacement for Mohamed Salah? Potentially. You know, you've seen him sort of glide past them like they're not moving," he told BOYLE Sports. "He definitely has that ability that can create something out of nothing.
"That skill, you can't teach that. So he's definitely got ability. If they were to go down, and he was available on the cheap, then yeah, you could understand why someone would take a risk and why not Liverpool."