Liverpool are currently evaluating high-profile successors to Mohamed Salah, with Jamie Carragher urging the club to leverage “forgotten” tactical assets or specific inverted-winger profiles. As the 2026 summer transfer window approaches, the Reds must secure a replacement capable of replicating Salah’s elite xG output and progressive carry metrics.
This represents more than a personnel swap; it is a structural crisis. For nearly a decade, Mohamed Salah has functioned as Liverpool’s primary offensive engine, providing a unique blend of volume shooting and chance creation that defies standard winger archetypes. With the season drawing to a close this May, the looming possibility of his departure creates a vacuum that cannot be filled by a traditional touchline winger. The club isn’t just looking for a goalscorer—they are looking for a tactical focal point who can dismantle a low-block defense without requiring a complete overhaul of the system.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Market Valuation: Any confirmed target for the “Salah role” will see an immediate 15-20% surge in market valuation, particularly those with high expected assists (xA).
- Depth Chart Shift: A transition to a more fluid front three could increase the minutes and fantasy value of interior midfielders who will be tasked with more “half-space” penetration.
- Betting Futures: Liverpool’s “Title Odds” for the 2026/27 season will fluctuate wildly based on whether they sign a proven 20-goal-per-season winger or opt for a developmental project.
The Tactical Void: Why the “Salah Profile” is Rare
To understand why Jamie Carragher is sounding the alarm, you have to seem at the tactical whiteboard. Most modern wingers are either “creators” who hug the touchline to provide width or “inside forwards” who act as secondary strikers. Salah is a hybrid. He possesses the gravity to pull two defenders out of position, creating massive gaps for overlapping full-backs.
But the tape tells a different story when you analyze the “low-block” scenarios. Against teams that park the bus, Salah’s ability to operate in the right half-space is irreplaceable. He doesn’t just cross; he penetrates. If Liverpool replaces him with a player who lacks that clinical edge in the box, their expected goals (xG) will plummet, forcing the team to rely more heavily on a centralized striker.
Here is what the analytics missed: the psychological impact of Salah’s presence. Opposing managers build their entire defensive game plan around neutralizing him. Without that threat, the spacing of the entire pitch changes, potentially making the other attackers easier to mark. This is why the search for a “forgotten star”—someone with the raw output but perhaps less current visibility—is so critical.
The PSR Equation and the Wage Bill Reset
From a boardroom perspective, Salah’s departure isn’t just a sporting loss; it’s a financial liberation. Under the current Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), managing the wage bill is as essential as the scouting report. Salah is one of the highest earners in the league, and his exit opens up a massive window for squad redistribution.
By offloading a top-tier salary, the front office can pivot from a “superstar” model to a “depth” model. This allows them to bring in a high-ceiling talent—perhaps the one Carragher is hinting at—while simultaneously upgrading the midfield pivot. The goal is to avoid the “post-star slump” by distributing the offensive burden across three or four players rather than relying on one talisman.
However, the risk is immense. If the replacement fails to hit the ground running, the ROI on the transfer fee becomes a liability. We’ve seen this happen across the league when clubs overpay for a “profile” rather than a “performer.” The Reds need a player who is already “plug-and-play” for a high-intensity system.
| Metric (Per 90) | Mohamed Salah (Avg) | Elite Replacement Target | Standard Winger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.65 | 0.45 – 0.55 | 0.20 – 0.30 |
| Progressive Carries | 4.2 | 3.5 – 4.0 | 2.5 – 3.0 |
| Shot Volume | 3.8 | 3.0 – 3.5 | 1.5 – 2.0 |
| Key Passes | 2.1 | 1.8 – 2.2 | 1.2 – 1.5 |
Evaluating the ‘Forgotten’ Asset
When Carragher speaks of a “forgotten star,” he is often referring to players who possess the requisite technical ceiling but have been stifled by poor systems or injuries. Whether it is a former club asset or a player currently undervalued in a mid-table side, the requirement is clear: high-volume efficiency.
The modern game is moving toward “positionless” attacking. The next Salah doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of the Egyptian King, but he must be able to operate in the “inverted” role. This means cutting inside on the left foot to curl shots into the far corner while maintaining the stamina to contribute to the high press.
“The danger for Liverpool is trying to identify a ‘new Salah’ rather than finding the ‘right fit’ for the next evolution of the team. You can’t replace a legend, but you can replace a function.”
As noted by tactical analysts at The Athletic, the transition period will be the most volatile part of the manager’s tenure. The ability to integrate a new wide-forward without disrupting the chemistry between the midfield and the attack will determine if Liverpool remains a title contender or slides into a “transition phase.”
The Final Verdict: A High-Stakes Gamble
Liverpool stands at a crossroads. The “forgotten star” narrative is a gamble on potential over prestige. If the club follows Carragher’s lead and identifies a player with the raw data but lower market noise, they could secure a bargain that defines the next era of the club.
But here is where it gets complicated. The pressure at Anfield is suffocating. A replacement who takes six months to adapt is a replacement who costs the club a trophy. The front office must prioritize immediate impact over long-term ceiling. The data suggests that the only way to maintain their current offensive efficiency is to target a player who already ranks in the 90th percentile for non-penalty xG among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues.
the move away from the Salah era is inevitable. The success of this transition will depend on whether the board trusts the analytics or the “eye test” of veterans like Carragher. If they can blend both, they won’t just replace a player; they will evolve the system.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
