How Liverpool can repeat Mane trick to sign Salah replacement

Suraj Radia

• 29 Feb 2024 16:01 CST
• 4 min read

Liverpool could be set for a major rebuild this summer, with Jurgen Klopp set to depart, but the Reds may also scour the domestic market for a forward to replace the coveted Mohamed Salah.

Salah was the subject of a huge approach from Al-Ittihad last summer and the Saudi Pro League side are likely to test Liverpool’s resolve with another record bid this year.

Although Liverpool have no desire to lose their best player, the club are aware of Salah’s openness to the move and may consider cashing in on the 31-year-old, who will have 12 months remaining on his contract in the summer.

READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer news

With Liverpool likely to demand a fee well in excess of €100 million for the Egyptian, the sale would give Klopp’s successor the opportunity to begin life at Anfield with a marquee signing of his choice.

However, with Liverpool’s remaining forwards struggling with injuries and consistency, the club have scouted new forwards and they may look to repeat an old trick by targeting a Premier League-proven player looking to make the step up from a smaller team.

Having seen the likes of Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota take similar leaps, multiple reports have claimed that Bryan Mbeumo could be a target for Liverpool, particularly on a cut-price deal if Brentford are relegated this season.

Mbeumo potentially following in Mane footsteps in pathway to Liverpool

Mbeumo joined Brentford in 2019 and is on course for his strongest top flight campaign yet, grabbing seven goals and three assists in 15 games having had 17 goal contributions last season.

The 24-year-old has featured largely as a right-sided forward coming in on his left, similar to the profile of Salah, although he is currently out with a long-term injury – missing his first Premier League games since the 2021/22 season.

Mbeumo still has two years remaining on his contract, with Brentford having the option for a third, meaning the Cameroonian will not come cheap if Liverpool were to make their move.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Brentford may also be reluctant to sell Mbeumo if Ivan Toney finally is granted his long-desired exit from the club this summer, however the Bees’ relatively small budget means they would be unlikely to turn down a substantial bid.

The transfer could come down to Brentford’s Premier League status, with Thomas Frank’s side currently sitting in 16th place, just five points above the drop zone.

Liverpool have proven they are willing to gamble on unproven entities at the highest level, with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen also expected to be a target.

Having followed a similar career trajectory to club icon Mane, who joined Liverpool in 2016 from Southampton after two impressive years with the Saints, Mbeumo may be an underrated yet shrewd option to replace Salah and transition the club into the post-Klopp era.