The astonishing 58-goal striker Liverpool have scouted to replace iconic Mohamed Salah

How do you replace someone who has scored 219 goals in 362 appearances for the club? It’s tough when he’s just a goalscorer, but it’s almost impossible when he’s an unbelievable legend and a character that brings out the best in everyone.

There comes a time when fantasy gives way to reality, and the reality is that Mohamed Salah is closer to leaving Liverpool than he’s ever been. His contract is up in the summer, and talks have not yet begun.3addedminutesunderstands that a number of players have held off on contract negotiations to see how the first few months would go under new manager Arne Slot.

So far, the signs are encouraging as Liverpool has jumped to the top of the league table. The club has reportedly identified Brentford’s Cameroonian left-footer, Bryan Mbeumo, as an ideal forward to bring to Anfield next summer if Salah decides to move on and head to Saudi Arabia in the twilight of his career.

Mbeumo is now the main man at Brentford and this season he has already scored eight league goals. To put that into perspective, he scored only nine across the entire last season. But goals don’t define him; what makes him such an attractive option is reportedly his ability to bring others into the game and share responsibilities.

When Ivan Toney was at the club, Mbeumo paired with Toney and Yoane Wissa to help keep the Bees in the Premier League. However, it was when Toney was suspended due to a betting scandal that people truly recognized Mbeumo’s importance. He softened the blow of losing Toney and helped Thomas Frank’s side stay safely in the Premier League.

The belief is that Mbeumo would be even better at a club with high standards and quality players in every position. Liverpool recognizes that they will never have a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah, so they are better off targeting someone who is proven in the Premier League, comes without ego, and knows how to score goals.

Mbeumo represents a sensible choice: a player who will view this move as a career upgrade, not a young player who would require training to adapt to the league.

Since joining Brentford in 2019, Mbeumo has scored 58 goals and provided 42 assists in 211 appearances for the club. At only 25, he has a lot to offer. He would be reasonably priced and give Liverpool time to continue looking for a more long-term option if desired.

Liverpool has proven to be more stable and financially prudent compared to clubs in London and Manchester, so this gentle, cautious approach seems wise.

It’s still possible that Salah could decide to renew his contract, but Liverpool is already positioning itself just in case the Egyptian star chooses to try something new.