Sports
If Liverpool replace Salah they have to go big and sign one of these guys
The fallout from Mohamed Salah‘s postmatch comments at Elland Road has added another layer of drama around Liverpool‘s troubled season. A January exit is now genuinely a possibility for the Egypt international, but the club’s hierarchy will be under no illusions about how hard it would be to replace him midseason.
The 33-year-old forward has 250 goals and 116 assists from 420 games over the last eight years for Liverpool, and numbers like that can’t be matched by routine additions in the transfer market. Long-standing targets such as AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo or Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon may fit broader squad-building plans in the long term, but neither has the level of output Liverpool would be forfeiting if Salah walks.
Replacing him would require signing someone with a proven track record; a player who can both score and create at a ridiculously high rate. Liverpool are not shy to spend, as we saw over the summer with over €450 million splashed on seven players including an initial €145 million on Alexander Isak, €117 million on Florian Wirtz and €80 million on Hugo Ekitike.
But none of these are suitable of filling the void left by Salah. So with that in mind, here’s a look at a range of potential successors — some realistic; others more on the speculative side — who should be on the club’s internal shortlist.
To be clear: a like-for-like replacement doesn’t exist. The profiles of the options vary, but the brief is to find an attacking forward who is stylistically compatible to Salah, has a high-volume impact, and the ability to decide games from the start.
An ambitious candidate to go after, given his €150 million-plus price tag, but Vinícius Júnior’s unease at Real Madrid is out in the open amid contract renewal talks (his deal expires in 2027). This season’s return of five goals and five assists in LaLiga is decent, yet his scoreless run of 11 games is already a talking point and fueling speculation over an exit.
This campaign his shot volume remains on par with last season, though his on-target rate has dipped by 4%. But more crucial is the drop in individual actions: his take-ons have fallen from a usual 10+ per 90 minutes to 8.5, while his offensive duels have dropped to 14.4 per 90 after multiple seasons in the 16-17 range, which suggests Xabi Alonso’s structure may be limiting some of his natural freedom.
How similar to Salah? Right-footed, Vinícius plays on the other side and generates most of his shots cutting in from the left, though his finishing profile is shaped more by finding available space than anything, which is why former boss Carlo Ancelotti frequently used him in a withdrawn central role across 50-plus matches.
There are similarities in execution speed, close control when travelling at pace, effective one-vs.-one actions, and the ability to combine sharp passes around a center forward. Some tactical tweaks would be required to get the best out the Brazil international at Anfield, but he belongs to a select few players in the world who would justify such a fundamental rethink.
How likely is a transfer? A January move does feel unrealistic, but the medium-term picture next summer is less settled than Real Madrid would like. There are only a handful of clubs worldwide that could be in the running for Vinicius’ signature if he leaves Madrid, and Liverpool are one.
A player that Liverpool would seriously pursue if the opportunity arises, Olisé is a left-footed right winger who thrives in the same spaces from which Salah has proved so successful, both in terms of picking up the ball and exploiting to set off a finish. However, the ex-Crystal Palace winger is more of a playmaker than a finisher.
His €60 million transfer from Crystal Palace in 2024 now looks a serious bargain and he has a contract until 2029.
How similar to Salah? While Salah’s game is built around short bursts, immense spatial awareness and penalty-box repetition, Olise has a somewhat broader take on the same role. He tends to receive the ball between the defensive lines on his left foot, often shapes his body as if to cross early before sliding disguised passes onto runners or cutbacks from deeper in the box, rather than going for the early finish.
That said, there are similarities as to how they control the ball so fast, which makes them able to evade pressure before carrying the ball into high xG finishing positions, as well as shot-volume and zone selection.
How likely is a transfer? The France international has been so exceptionally productive at Bayern — 29 goals, 39 assists in 77 matches — that a move seems unlikely unless a fee of €150 million is put on the table as a starting point. Though the London-born winger may fancy a switch back to the Premier League.
Heatmap of all actions from Aug. 1, 2023
Raphinha is one of the few established wide forwards who can realistically assume Salah’s role at Liverpool without feeling like a step down or forcing major structural changes in attack.
A left-footer who can play on the right, but is also comfortable drifting into tighter central zones (as shown by the heatmap above), he has performed at a world-class level since leaving Leeds United to join Barcelona for €58 million in 2022. His production last season was nothing short of extraordinary as he played a central role in a domestic treble with 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 matches, and landed the LaLiga Player of the Season award.
How similar to Salah? Though often appearing on the left side to accommodate Lamine Yamal on the right, Raphinha’s shot volume sits almost exactly in Salah territory at 2.6 per 90, and their chance-creation profiles are very similar too, with both hovering around one key pass per 90. Their on-pitch interpretation of their role is an equally apt fit as Raphinha often receives the ball wide, shifts inside and either releases an early whipped cross or darts deep into space.
Out of possession, Raphinha has shown he can function in high-intensity pressing teams, and generally tracks his full back all the way. Now Salah is getting older, he does less on the defensive side, but Liverpool have certainly missed that this season after the exit of Luis Díaz.
How likely is a transfer? Barcelona’s persistent financial issues — registration problems, leveraged debt and well-publicized cost pressures — means a €100 million offer to sign Raphinha would be difficult for them to ignore, especially for a player approaching his late 20s. That age profile may be a turn off for Liverpool, but considering the technical and tactical suitability, he should be firmly in the conversation at Anfield.
Leão would be a different kind of replacement, but a case can be justified with some structural rethinking. While he’s right footed and exclusively thrives on the left, his underlying numbers are promising (despite having struggled to recreate his form from three years ago) with 0.65 goals per 90 and 52% of his shots reaching the target this season.
At 6-foot-2, Leão mostly moves forward through long strides, exhilarating top speed and strong accelerations. His take-on proficiency has dropped in recent seasons from five to around the three mark (per 90), but his carries into the box are still a vital part of his game.
How similar to Salah? Leão offers most of what Salah does — only on the opposite side — but he’s more reliant on transitions and a stretched game than the nimble Salah, who can craft space from the tightest of spots.
How likely is a transfer? Leão has a contract until 2028 and a reported release clause of €175 million, which makes him a viable option. One point to consider is that having a high-volume scorer on the right would draw defenders to open space for the likes of Isak and Ekitike elsewhere.
Greenwood has shone over the last few seasons at Marseille, having left Manchester United under a cloud in August 2023 after a six-month investigation into his conduct. United had launched a probe into the circumstances around Greenwood’s arrest on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022, but criminal charges against him were dropped in February 2023, and he eventually joined Marseille for €31.6 million around 18 months later, signing a contract until 2029.
Since then, his game has developed in Ligue 1, with improvements in chance-creation, shot creation and take-ons. Indeed, almost 70% of his shots now come from central or inside-right zones, and his non-penalty xG per shot (0.5 per 90) has also improved as he’s stopped trying low-value efforts. He receives the ball well under pressure, plays short combinations without slowing the rhythm and carries the ball directly. Furthermore, his two-footedness represents a major advantage as defenders struggle to choose whether to lead him to the outside or inside.
How similar to Salah? Greenwood’s style is a reasonably close match to Salah’s. His finishing technique is the obvious factor — an effortless ability to open his body and curl first-time efforts towards the far post, which comes from a technique that relies on balance, minimal backlift and extreme precision.
Much like Salah, Greenwood can generate power from an almost static position, just as he can resort to controlled, shaped strikes.
How likely is a transfer? His controversial past in a Manchester United shirt, as well as the fact that roughly half of any transfer fee would be routed back to Old Trafford, probably makes this a non-starter.
A bit of a wildcard option, Barcola is not an undisputed starter for PSG but his end product is exceptional for his age. Last season he registered 21 goals and 21 assists, followed by another strong opening to 2025-26, with five goals and three assists.
Although he is right footed and naturally gravitates toward the left, he has been used frequently on the opposite flank without any massive drop in effectiveness. He carries the ball into high-value zones with efficiency and executes take-ons, combination play and finishing actions at high speed. He is difficult to outmuscle and is comfortable enough on his weaker foot to avoid predictable patterns. Off the ball, he presses well, reacts quickly to transitions and shows the mobility required in a high line.
How similar to Salah? His shot volume sits just below Salah’s at 2.5 per 90 (compared to 2.7), but his accuracy is top notch. Indeed, Barcola hits the target with 51% of his shots, well above Salah’s 39%.
How likely is a transfer? PSG would hardly welcome interest unless they can at least double their €45 million investment, but the fact he is regularly rotated and often substituted around the 60-70-minute mark may create an opportunity. His age, potential and versatility strengthens his candidacy, while his contract expires in 2028.
Hassan says move from Europe could impact the Liverpool striker’s global standing
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah shoots at goal. Photo: REUTERS
LONDON:
Egypt’s national team director Ibrahim Hassan has cautioned Mohamed Salah against moving to Major League Soccer after he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season as it would see the forward fade into obscurity.
Salah, 33, has yet to decide his next move after he ends a hugely successful nine‑year spell at Liverpool, where he won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has said he would love to see Salah in the league, though it is unclear whether any MLS teams will attempt to sign him.
“Personally, I would prefer him to stay in Europe,” Hassan told On Sports. “I have heard about offers from Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and clubs in the Italian league.
“A move to the Major League? He would be far too out of the spotlight. You won’t remember Salah any more than I remember (Lionel) Messi now, I don’t even try to watch him.”
After trophy‑laden stints with Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain, Argentina captain Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, months after lifting the World Cup, and became the club’s all‑time top scorer.
Hassan said the Saudi Pro League would be a suitable option if Salah chose not to stay in Europe.
“If he does not receive offers from Europe, then a move to the Saudi league would be a good option, especially with big names such as Cristiano (Ronaldo)”, Hassan, twin brother of Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, added.
Salah is currently sidelined by injury and will miss Egypt’s ongoing training camp as they prepare for the World Cup in North America.
Egypt face Spain in a friendly in Barcelona on Tuesday after a 4‑0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.
The seven-times African champions are in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran at the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Covers college basketball
- Joined ESPN.com in 2011
- Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato
Multiple Authors
The 2026 men’s Final Four is set!
UConn will open the national semifinal action against Illinois after mounting a successful comeback against Duke in the Elite Eight, followed by a battle of No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan in Indianapolis on Saturday. Who do ESPN’s college basketball experts see advancing to the national championship on April 6?
Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf break down how each team reached the final weekend of the NCAA tournament — and their keys to advancing to the title game. Find their predictions below.
FINAL FOUR PREVIEW
8:49 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about Arizona
No. 1 factor that helped Arizona reach the Final Four: The Wildcats’ relentlessness in the paint has been unparalleled, and it carried them when it mattered in the NCAA tournament.
For the season, Arizona ranked fifth in the country in paint points, averaging more than 42. It also led the nation in free throw attempts with nearly 20 points per game at the line. Against another dominant paint team in Arkansas in the Sweet 16, Arizona had perhaps the most efficient interior performance ever seen in March: The Wildcats had 60 paint points and 30 points from the free throw line, the most combined points in an NCAA tournament game in the past 20 years. Then, after Purdue matched them down low in the first half of their Elite Eight showdown, the Wildcats played with an increased urgency and imposed their will in the second half. The Wildcats finished with 40 paint points and 20 points from the free throw line, outscoring the Boilermakers by a combined 28 points in those areas.
It’s not just the post scoring from Koa Peat or Motiejus Krivas, or the offensive rebounding from Tobe Awaka — it’s also the relentless attacking from Jaden Bradley, Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov. Coach Tommy Lloyd preaches paint points, and it’s reflected in every part of his team’s offense. — Borzello
0:20
Brayden Burries’ hustle play punctuates Arizona’s Elite Eight win
Brayden Burries dives on the floor and gets the ball to Ivan Kharchenkov for a layup to help send the Wildcats to the Final Four.
Arizona’s keys against Michigan: This will be the ultimate strength on strength battle in the paint, but Arizona is more reliant — and better — at dominating the glass and finishing at the rim. That’s the key here. The Wildcats are top five nationally in paint points per game and offensive rebound percentage, and lead the nation in free throw attempts per game. Michigan, meanwhile, is top five in 2-point defense, block rate and average 2-point attempt distance defensively. The Wolverines also limit their fouling. Can Arizona continue to control the paint against a team that can match them from a size and physicality perspective?
It’s the same situation at the other end of the court. Michigan shoots better than 61% inside the arc and ranks in the top 20 in paint points and second-chance points per game. Arizona will have to win the interior battle on both ends. — Borzello
What to know about Michigan
No. 1 factor that helped Michigan reach the Final Four: The Wolverines can quickly shift gears and reach a level few teams are able to match. Their Elite Eight win over Tennessee was arguably the most complete game we’ve seen by any team in the NCAA tournament. They outscored the Vols 48-26 in the first half and held them to just 85 points per 100 possessions — nearly 23 fewer points than the scoring clip of the Brooklyn Nets, the worst offensive team in America. With 10:52 to play in the first half, Tennessee had a 16-15 lead over Michigan, then the Wolverines launched a 33-10 rally to end the half. Rick Barnes had his head in his hands; what can anyone do when Michigan plays like that?
The Wolverines are big, have stars, play great defense, and when it’s time to stand its ground and battle, no team is better. That’s why they’re going to Indianapolis. — Medcalf
0:25
Yaxel Lendeborg gets sweet and-1 to fall for Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg drives and gets a smooth reverse and-1 layup to fall for Michigan vs. Tennessee.
Michigan’s keys against Arizona: The Wolverines will have to force the Wildcats to take shots outside the paint and neutralize all paths to the rim. Arizona is a really difficult team to compete against when it can get downhill, penetrate and attack teams in the lane. The Wildcats are top-10 nationally in drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line — that’s been their bread-and-butter, and they’re better at that tactic than any team in Indianapolis.
On offense, Michigan has to extend Arizona’s defense by shooting well from the 3-point line. The Wildcats’ four NCAA tournament opponents struggled from beyond the arc but the Wolverines have made 40% of their 3-point shots since March 1. If Arizona is forced to focus on what Michigan is doing on the perimeter, it will just create more room for Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. to operate in the lane.
Still, against this strong of an Arizona team, Michigan may need Lendeborg to be a hero with a monster performance comparable to the 27-point effort he had against Tennessee in the Elite Eight. — Medcalf
Arizona vs. Michigan Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: Arizona, 82-80
Medcalf’s prediction: Michigan, 78-76
6:09 p.m. ET, Saturday
What to know about UConn
No. 1 factor that helped UConn reach the Final Four: Tarris Reed Jr. and the experience to maintain the type of patience the Huskies needed to deal with a Duke team that had a 19-point lead in the first half has gotten them here. Three players in the starting rotation have been in Dan Hurley’s system for at least two years, a rarity in the current landscape. Illinois will be the only team in Indianapolis that can match that.
Hurley is as great at recruiting as he is at retention. Freshman Braylon Mullins has had an up-and-down season, seemingly never hitting his stride consistently, but he was a five-star recruit for a reason. When Hurley turned to Mullins, he hit the biggest 3-pointer of his life with 0.4 seconds left on the clock to send UConn back to the Final Four.
The Huskies also held Duke to a 100 points per 100 possessions clip in the second half after the Blue Devils had scored at a 147 points per 100 possessions clip in the first half. The difference in their Elite Eight win was that UConn kept fighting and won. — Medcalf
UConn’s keys against Illinois: Illinois has been the best offensive team in the country, but it also played elite defense against Houston in the Sweet 16 and Iowa in the Elite Eight. UConn will have to solve that. The Huskies have size that allows them to play a restrictive zone that has stifled their opponents. Houston and Iowa both made less than 40% of their shots inside the arc against Illinois, so UConn’s gameplan has to begin with Tarris Reed Jr., who has scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games. The Huskies big man was dominant against Duke and will have to be great against Illinois in the post so the Illini can’t get comfortable in that zone. The Huskies will also have to exploit the pockets in that Illinois defense; Reed’s production will be the key to achieving that.
On defense, it all starts with guarding Keaton Wagler. The Huskies have multiple guards they can throw at the 6-foot-5 projected NBA draft lottery pick. They can’t allow him to put up big numbers against them.
Protecting the rim against one of the biggest teams in Indianapolis will matter, too. — Medcalf
0:19
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes a 3 for Illinois
Keaton Wagler loses the defender then splashes an open 3-pointer for Illinois.
What to know about Illinois
No. 1 factor that helped Illinois reach the Final Four: The Illini’s offense is one of the most efficient in KenPom history, but it was their defense that sparked this run to Indianapolis. They held VCU to 55 points and 0.83 points per possession in the round of 32, Houston to 55 points and 0.94 points per possession in the Sweet 16 and then Iowa to 59 points and 1.08 points per possession in the Elite Eight. They have protected the rim and the paint at an incredibly high level, limiting all three of the aforementioned opponents to below 48% inside the arc. Iowa had just seven 2-pointers Saturday.
It’s a dramatic improvement from their defensive performance late in the regular season, when the Illini allowed six of their last nine opponents to score at least 1.17 points per possession, suffering five of their eight losses over that stretch. Their offense hasn’t missed a beat, but their defense suddenly looking like a top-10 unit has been a season-changing development for Brad Underwood’s team. — Borzello
Illinois’ keys against UConn: The biggest key will be to limit Tarris Reed Jr. — or get him into foul trouble. Reed has been one of the most dominant big men of this NCAA tournament, and his ability to score at the rim in single coverage has bailed out the Huskies’ inconsistent perimeter shooting. But with Eric Reibe not nearly as effective as he was earlier in the season, UConn takes a massive hit at both ends of the floor when Reed isn’t on it.
The other key will be the 3-point battle. The Huskies have made double-digit 3s once since Feb. 18, but they haven’t allowed double-digit made 3s over that same span. Illinois attempts 3s at a higher rate than almost any team in the country, while UConn’s shotmakers — Alex Karaban, Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins — have been inconsistent. The Illini could outshoot the Huskies. — Borzello
UConn vs. Illinois Predictions
Borzello’s prediction: UConn, 74-72
Medcalf’s prediction: UConn, 77-73
Sports
UConn’s Braylon Mullins hits game-winning 3-pointer to shock Duke, advance to men’s Final Four
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The UConn Huskies needed to dig themselves out of a hole in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils, and behind Braylon Mullins’ clutch 3-pointer and Tarris Reed Jr.’s high-percentage scoring, they were able to pull off an incredible comeback victory to advance to the Final Four.
The Huskies were able to effectively pressure the Blue Devils into a turnover with less than seven seconds left. Caden Boozer had his pass deflected and the ball got into Mullins’ hands.
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UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) celebrates after a basket against Duke during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
UConn guard Braylon Mullins, right, celebrates his game winning basket with guard Malachi Smith (0) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Duke, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The freshman was well beyond the 3-point line when he chucked up the ball. His prayer was answered as the ball went through the back of the net. UConn’s 19-point comeback was complete as the Huskies’ bench jumped in jubilation.
UConn was able to get the ball into Reed many times over the course of the game and for nearly half of the second half, the Huskies were in the bonus. Reed finished with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field with nine rebounds. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.
MICHIGAN ROUTS TENNESSEE TO WIN REGIONAL FINAL, ENTER NCAA MEN’S FINAL FOUR
Duke guard Dame Sarr celebrates a basket against UConn during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Duke was up three points with 28 seconds to go. UConn guard Silas Demary Jr. was fouled and went to the free-throw line for two shots. He missed the first and made the second. The second free throw enabled UConn to set up its press defense and force the turnover in the end.
The Huskies outscored the Blue Devils 44-28 in the second half after being down 44-29 in the first half.
Cameron Boozer led Duke with 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks during the second half against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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UConn is back in the Final Four for the third time in three years. The Huskies will be looking to get back to the national championship after winning two titles in the last three years. UConn will take on Illinois and Michigan will go up against Arizona in the Final Four.
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