Olise to Replace Salah at Liverpool? United Plot Shock Mac Allister Move
The summer transfer window may still be months away, but Europe’s biggest clubs are already maneuvering behind the scenes — and few storylines are as explosive as the possibility of Liverpool preparing for life after Mohamed Salah.
According to multiple reports, Liverpool view Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as the closest profile to a natural successor should Salah depart Anfield. At the same time, rivals Manchester United are said to be weighing up a sensational move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister — a transfer that would shatter decades of quiet hostility between the two clubs.
Liverpool’s Contingency Plan
With uncertainty lingering over the long-term future of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s recruitment team is reportedly assessing options capable of filling the void left by one of the Premier League’s most decisive forwards.
Olise, currently under contract at FC Bayern Munich until 2029, has emerged as a leading candidate. The former Crystal Palace winger offers a blend of technical control, creativity and goal threat that mirrors aspects of Salah’s influence on the right flank.
However, Bayern are expected to resist any approach. The German champions are believed to be preparing fresh contract talks despite the length of Olise’s existing deal, signaling their intent to build around the French winger rather than entertain offers that could exceed €100 million.
Liverpool’s shortlist reportedly extends beyond Munich. Nico Williams of Athletic Club is admired, though his €100 million release clause presents a financial hurdle. Other names linked include Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as RB Leipzig’s highly rated Yan Diomande.
For now, Salah remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions. But the club’s proactive stance suggests lessons have been learned from previous contract sagas.
United’s Mac Allister Ambition
Across the divide, Manchester United are exploring midfield reinforcements — and Mac Allister’s name has surfaced as a shock possibility.
Direct transfers between Liverpool and United are almost unheard of in the modern era, with Phil Chisnall’s 1964 switch remaining the last example. That historical barrier alone makes any deal complicated, before financial realities are even considered.
Mac Allister, under contract at Anfield until 2028, would command a significant fee. While his form has fluctuated this season, he remains a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield structure. Any negotiations would require a substantial premium, especially given the rivalry between the two clubs.
United’s broader midfield shortlist includes Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace F.C., Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion, and Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest F.C.. Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is also being monitored, with internal belief that he is ready for a Premier League step up.
Whether Mac Allister becomes more than speculative ambition remains doubtful. Financial cost, contractual length and the rivalry factor all point toward a low-probability scenario.
Arsenal and the Nico Williams Race
Elsewhere, Arsenal F.C. are closely tracking Nico Williams’ situation in Bilbao. The 23-year-old winger is reportedly open to a summer move, with Arsenal and Barcelona the two destinations that appeal most to him.
Barcelona’s ongoing financial balancing act could complicate any approach, potentially leaving Arsenal in pole position should they trigger the release clause.
Competition, however, is fierce. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all been informed of the winger’s potential availability through intermediaries.
Juventus Target Senesi
In Italy, Juventus F.C. are working to secure a defensive reinforcement on a free transfer. Talks are expected to resume with the representatives of Marcos Senesi, whose contract at AFC Bournemouth expires this summer.
Juventus face competition from Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several Premier League clubs, but believe their long-term project may give them leverage in negotiations.
Premier League Market Heating Up
The ripple effects extend beyond England’s traditional heavyweights.
Manchester City F.C. are reportedly inclined to loan out goalkeeper James Trafford rather than sanction a permanent exit, with Leeds United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United expressing interest.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea F.C. after Bayern signaled reluctance to trigger a costly permanent clause tied to his loan.
Meanwhile, European and Saudi Pro League clubs are monitoring Hakan Çalhanoğlu should contract talks with Inter Milan stall.
A Defining Summer Ahead
As clubs quietly position themselves, one theme is clear: transition.
Liverpool are planning contingencies for a post-Salah era. Manchester United are evaluating midfield overhauls. Arsenal are pursuing attacking dynamism. Across the continent, elite sides are recalibrating ahead of what could become one of the most consequential transfer windows in recent memory.
Whether Olise truly becomes Salah’s heir — or whether Mac Allister’s name fades from Old Trafford’s radar — will depend on finances, timing and ambition.
For now, the rumors swirl. And in European football, where preparation often determines success, the groundwork for summer is already well underway.
