Liverpool want to sign attacker who Pep Guardiola once likened to Lionel Messi as Mo Salah’s successor

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Mohamed Salah has dominated the headlines on and off the pitch for Liverpool this season.

He’s playing arguably the best football of his career and has taken to Arne Slot’s football like a fish to water, having already scored 16 times across competitions.

Amid speculation surrounding his future, Liverpool have offered him Salah a contract, although he is no closer to putting pen to paper on an extension.

The Reds are doing their part but in the unlikely case of his departure, a familiar enemy has emerged on their radar.

Liverpool keen on signing Leroy Sane as Mo Salah’s successor

Much like Salah, Leroy Sane’s contract at Bayern Munich expires in the summer of 2025.

Thus far, the two parties have been unable to agree on an extension, raising the possibility of a potential departure.

Christian Falk believes Liverpool want an experienced player to replace Salah if he leaves, with the German international certainly falling in that category.

Speaking about Salah’s future, Falk said via BILD: “Superstar and living in Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is currently not leaving a TV camera untouched to complain that FC Liverpool haven’t made an offer for a new contract yet.

“His contract expires in the summer and Liverpool are actually already looking for a follow-up.

The journalist also confirmed Omar Marmoush as a target for Liverpool as he went on to speak about what the Reds are planning to do with Sane if they are unable to agree a deal with Salah.

He added: “Omar Marmoush has already been a hot topic at Liverpool as an Egyptian for an Egyptian as a follow-up, but now it’s clear that Leroy Sané is a serious issue at Liverpool.

“I’ve heard that Liverpool are looking for a player with experience, so a talent who could immediately follow in the footsteps of Salah, and Leroy Sané has already been introduced.

“You think he could do it, but nothing has happened at Bayern at the moment. No deal, no offer from Bayern. Leroy Sané would expect a €3-5m discount on money in Bavaria, but first, they want to wait until the new year.

“They’re waiting, nothing will happen before Christmas, that’s why Liverpool are in a tight spot.”

What does Pep Guardiola think about Sane?

Sane and Guardiola worked together at Manchester City between 2016 and 2020 as they won six major trophies together, including two Premier League titles.

When the German was at Schalke, both Man City and Liverpool wanted to sign him as he eventually preferred a move to the Etihad Stadium.

When asked about what Guardiola did to convince him, Sane said the Spanish tactician wanted him to play like Lionel Messi as he gave him the freedom to do whatever he wanted in the final third.

Sane said via Mirror: “I needed a little time to settle, to know the Premier League, the people here, how they are and to know the players.

“I had to find my confidence. Pep told me to play with freedom like [Lionel] Messi, not like Messi – it’s impossible.

“Be free like Messi, have fun, do things like he wants from a striker like the end of the space [near goal] – take the option to shoot or give an assist.”