Liverpool must sign bargain Michael Olise alternative as Mohamed Salah replacement

Michael Olise could be well out of Liverpool’s price range after a summer transfer window full of heavy spending.

Alexander Isak pushed for an exit from Newcastle United, with the Reds breaking the British transfer record for a second time after splashing £116million on Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz has failed to hit the ground running at Anfield, with the attacking midfielder yet to get off the mark in seven Premier League appearances, and he is not the only one struggling.

Football Insider understands that Real Madrid could be a surprise suitor for Mohamed Salah once his contract expires in the summer of 2027, and his form has also taken a hit this season.

With that in mind, it appears that the club are already putting plans in place to replace the world-class winger as he approaches the twilight of his career, though it is not something anyone wants to think about.

Mohamed Salah looks dejected in a Liverpool kit
Credit: Imago

Liverpool enter the race to sign Michael Olise

Football Insider understands that Liverpool are interested in signing Michael Olise, just one summer on from his big-money departure from Crystal Palace.

The 23-year-old France international already has eight goals and six assists in 15 appearances across all competitions this season, working in perfect harmony with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz.

It is no surprise that clubs are lining up to steal the winger from Bayern Munich, but given that he was bought for £60million in 2024, the price tag will be pushing far north of the £100million-mark.

Antoine Semenyo in action for Bournemouth
Credit: Imago

Instead, one player, who is suited to the Premier League far more than Olise, could help solve the right-wing issue at Anfield for when Salah has departed. Fans are dazzled by his season so far at Bournemouth.

Arne Slot must consider Antoine Semenyo as Mohamed Salah’s successor

Bournemouth value Antoine Semenyo as high as £70million after he put pen to paper on a new contract recently, but that should not force Liverpool to shy away from his signature.

The winger has been in incredible form for the Cherries so far this season, with his goal contributions pushing the team to a fourth-place standing in the Premier League table right now.

2025-26 statsMichael Olise (Bundesliga)Antoine Semenyo (Premier League)
Minutes played466630
Goals (xG)3 (2.58)6 (3.59)
Assists (xA)2 (2.11)3 (0.37)
Chances created1010
Shot accuracy86%60%
Big chances34
Successful dribbles per 902.122.14
Michael Olise and Antoine Semenyo’s league seasons so far.

And shown by the comparison of his stats against Olise’s in their respective leagues, it is entirely plausible that he could have a very similar impact for the Reds should they choose him over the Frenchman.

Links with Richard Hughes at Bristol City give Liverpool an advantage in the race for Semenyo over the likes of Tottenham and Man United, and he would present a much cheaper option in the future.

While everyone is aware of how talented Olise is, Arne Slot will be required to cut back on some of his spending in future transfer windows, so Semenyo might actually be seen as a bargain in comparison.