1. Rodrygo Goes (Real Madrid)

Why: Explosive pace, elite movement, big-game mentality

Fit: Can play from the right like Salah but also centrally

Level: Champions League–proven, prime age

Challenge: Very expensive, Madrid reluctant to sell

2. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Why: Creative, left-footed right winger with end product

Fit: Natural Salah-style profile cutting inside from the right

Bonus: Premier League experience, younger with resale value

Risk: Still developing consistency at elite level

3. Rafael Leão (AC Milan)

Why: Physically dominant, explosive dribbler, goal threat

Fit: Would change Liverpool’s attack with raw power and pace

Note: More of a left winger, system tweak required

Cost: High but transformational

4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Why: Elite output, consistency, leadership, durability

Fit: Closest like-for-like Salah replacement in the league

Reality: Extremely difficult to prise away from Arsenal

If possible: Dream replacement

5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

Why: Creative genius, unpredictable, high chance creation

Fit: Brings flair and goals from wide areas

Concern: Less of a pure right-winger, adaption needed

Upside: World-class potential

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Most realistic options: Olise, Rodrygo

Best like-for-like: Saka

Most exciting long-term: Rodrygo / Kvaratskhelia

If you want, I can also rank them by cost, goals per season, or best fit for Arne Slot’s system.

Liverpool have secured a significant piece of their defensive future after Ibrahima Konaté officially renewed his contract with the club, committing his long-term future to Anfield in a deal that underlines the Reds’ ambition.

The French centre-back has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, ending months of speculation surrounding his future and rewarding his growing importance in Liverpool’s back line. The agreement is seen as a strong statement of intent from the club as they continue to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours in England and Europe.

Konaté, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has developed into one of the Premier League’s most dominant defenders. Known for his pace, physical strength, and composure on the ball, the 25-year-old has formed a formidable partnership at the heart of defence and has become a trusted figure in big matches.

Speaking after signing the new deal, Konaté expressed his happiness at continuing his journey with the club, highlighting his belief in Liverpool’s project and his desire to win trophies in red.

> “Liverpool is a special club. I feel at home here, and I believe we can achieve great things together,” Konaté said.

From Liverpool’s perspective, tying down Konaté is a crucial move. With his best years still ahead of him, the club views the French international as a cornerstone of their defence for seasons to come. The renewal also removes uncertainty ahead of future transfer windows and protects the club from outside interest.

Fans have welcomed the news enthusiastically, seeing Konaté’s renewal as a sign of stability and ambition as Liverpool continue to compete at the highest level.

With his future now settled, Konaté will be fully focused on helping Liverpool push for silverware, aiming to play a key role in the club’s next chapter of success.

At the moment it doesn’t look like Giovanni Leoni will be returning to the team in January — and that’s mainly because of the serious injury he sustained shortly after joining Liverpool.

Here’s the current situation:

Leoni, an 18-year-old centre-back Liverpool signed from Parma in August 2025, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his debut in the Carabao Cup.

Manager Arne Slot has said Leoni is likely to be out for around a year, meaning he’s expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season as he goes through surgery and rehabilitation.

Reports suggest the recovery timeline for an ACL injury of this type could be around nine months or more, putting a January return very unlikely; late 2026 is a more realistic target.

Leoni himself has vowed to work hard to come back as soon as possible, but there’s no firm plan for him to be available in January.

So while it’s understandable that fans are looking forward to seeing him back — especially given how promising his debut looked — January is almost certainly too soon for his return to competitive action. Most updates point toward a comeback later in the year once he’s fully recovered.

If you want, I can give you an overview of Liverpool’s defensive options for the rest of the season Anyone else excited to see Giovanni Leoni return to the Team when January comes around?in his absence!