Report: Could Borussia Dortmund Star Be the Ideal Replacement | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Adeyemi as Salah’s Potential Successor

As Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool continues to hang in the balance, speculation grows around the club’s next move. According to Bild, Liverpool are turning their attention to Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, identifying him as a potential replacement for Salah. The Egyptian star, whose contract expires next summer, is yet to confirm whether he will remain at Anfield or seek a move elsewhere, raising the need for contingency plans.

Adeyemi’s stock has been rising, particularly after his outstanding performance in the Champions League, where he netted a first-half hat-trick against Celtic. That display has further convinced Liverpool of his potential, as they look to build a future that might not include their talismanic forward.

Adeyemi’s Dynamic Style Suits Liverpool

Liverpool’s interest in Adeyemi goes beyond simply replacing Salah’s goals. The 22-year-old German international is renowned for his exceptional pace, dribbling, and versatility across the front line. This makes him an ideal fit for the high-pressing, fast-paced football Liverpool have excelled at under both Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

In eight appearances across all competitions this season, Adeyemi has already racked up five goals and five assists. His ability to contribute both as a goal-scorer and a playmaker will certainly appeal to Liverpool’s recruitment team, especially as they seek to maintain their dynamic attack.

Defensive Work Rate Adds to Adeyemi’s Appeal

What makes Adeyemi even more attractive to Liverpool is his willingness to put in the hard work defensively. His underlying statistics reflect a player who is more than capable of pressing high and winning the ball back, key attributes in Liverpool’s system. Adeyemi ranks in the 83rd percentile for aerials won, the 85th percentile for interceptions, and the 72nd percentile for blocks. These numbers suggest he is not only a threat going forward but also diligent in his defensive duties—qualities that align perfectly with Slot’s high-energy approach.

The club’s reported willingness to pay €50 million (£42 million) for Adeyemi indicates their seriousness about securing his services, despite the player being under contract with Dortmund until 2027. However, whether Adeyemi would be willing to leave Dortmund is another matter. After his hat-trick against Celtic, Adeyemi expressed his happiness at the club, saying to Bild, “I feel great here in Dortmund. I was already a big fan as a little boy!”

Salah’s Future Still Uncertain

Despite this, the uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future looms large over Liverpool’s transfer dealings. With the 32-year-old Egyptian having scored 217 goals in 358 appearances for the club and becoming the highest-scoring African player in Champions League history, his influence is undeniable. However, contract talks appear to have stalled, with some believing that Salah’s recent comments after the 3-0 win at Old Trafford were a calculated move to accelerate negotiations with the club’s hierarchy.

Photo: IMAGO

Paul Joyce has suggested that both Salah, along with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold—whose contracts are also nearing their end—could begin negotiating free transfers with foreign clubs by the end of the year if no agreements are reached.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The potential signing of Karim Adeyemi is an exciting prospect. Adeyemi is young, talented, and fits Liverpool’s style of play like a glove. His ability to play across the front line, coupled with his defensive work rate, means that he could be an ideal long-term successor to Salah, should the Egyptian decide to move on.

Fans will undoubtedly be excited about the prospect of watching Adeyemi thrive under Arne Slot’s management, where his pace and pressing could be utilised to full effect. While losing Salah would be a huge blow, bringing in a player like Adeyemi could soften that disappointment.

Additionally, Adeyemi’s age gives him the potential to develop even further. Slot has a reputation for getting the best out of young players, and Adeyemi could take his game to another level at Anfield. Whether Salah stays or goes, Liverpool’s pursuit of Adeyemi demonstrates their intent to remain competitive at the top level, both domestically and in Europe.