Liverpool’s preparations for life after Mohamed Salah appear to have intensified, with reports suggesting Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has emerged as a key target.
Salah, widely regarded as Africa’s greatest-ever Premier League player, may leave Anfield soon, leaving a void that Lookman could fill.
The 31-year-old’s brilliance this season has been undeniable, with the Egyptian scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 20 appearances.
However, his future at Liverpool remains uncertain. Salah’s contract is nearing its final months, and speculation about his next move is heating up after his recent candid “I’m more out than in” admission.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former CAF Player of the Year has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, while Saudi Pro League giants Al Ittihad reportedly tabled a €150 million bid last summer, which Liverpool turned down.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has downplayed the chances of signing Salah, but uncertainty looms, and Liverpool may be forced to act quickly to secure a suitable successor.
Why Lookman Is on Liverpool’s radar
Lookman has been in exceptional form for Atalanta this season. The 27-year-old Nigeria international has netted seven goals and provided four assists in 11 Serie A matches, while also registering two goals and one assist in four Champions League appearances.
His exploits last season earned him 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, a testament to his growing reputation in world football.
The Super Eagles forward’s career trajectory has mirrored Salah’s in some ways. Both endured underwhelming spells in the Premier League before flourishing in Serie A. Salah’s stint at Chelsea was forgettable, with the winger scoring just two goals in 19 league games before rejuvenating his career in Italy with Fiorentina and Roma.
Lookman, meanwhile, struggled at Everton, Leicester City, and Fulham, the latter stint remembered for a failed Panenka penalty that contributed to Fulham’s relegation in 2020.
However, since joining Atalanta in 2022, Lookman has transformed his fortunes. He has won the club’s Player of the Season award twice, led Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory with a hat-trick in the final, and established himself as one of Serie A’s most consistent performers.
Comparing their styles
Salah’s unmatched ability to combine relentless goal-scoring with creativity has made him indispensable to Liverpool. Lookman shares some of those traits, particularly his pace, dribbling ability, and versatility to operate across the front three.
However, the Nigerian still has some way to go before matching Salah’s prolific output or his consistency in key moments.
Salah’s record-breaking spell at Liverpool has seen him set the benchmark for forwards, with his all-time Premier League goals tally as an African player surpassing legends like Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Sadio Mane, Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Lookman’s numbers, though impressive, fall short of such elite standards. Nevertheless, his performances suggest he could thrive in a system that prioritizes fast transitions and high pressing, which Liverpool manager Arne Slot favors.
Can Lookman fill Salah’s shoes?
The task of replacing Mohamed Salah is monumental. Salah’s contributions to Liverpool’s success, be it winning the Premier League, Champions League, or multiple domestic cups go beyond numbers. His leadership and big-game mentality have cemented his legacy.
Lookman’s ability to shine in Serie A, Europe and his recent accolades show he has the talent to step up. At 27, he is entering his prime and already boasts experience in Europe’s top competitions. However, transitioning to the Premier League again would be the ultimate test of his credentials.
Liverpool’s interest is reportedly serious, with Gazzetta dello Sport revealing that Atalanta rejected a €60 million bid for Lookman from PSG last summer.
While he remains tied to the Italian club until 2027, Liverpool’s need to secure a replacement for Salah may prompt them to test Atalanta’s resolve with a fresh bid.
