Liverpool target Michael Olise was not at his best to justify suggestions that he could step into Mohamed Salah’s shoes at Anfield, as the French media gave a brutal assessment of Hugo Ekitike in France’s win against Azerbaijan.
Mo Salah signed a new contract with Liverpool in April 2025, with his current deal running until the summer of 2027. The Egypt international forward is one of the greatest players in Liverpool history and remains a key figure in Arne Slot’s team, but the defending Premier League champions are planning to sign a long-term successor next summer.
Salah has not been in great form so far this season, scoring three goals and giving three assists in 10 appearances for Liverpool.
In sharp contrast, Olise has been on fire for Bayern Munich this season, with the France international winger scoring five goals and providing six assists in 10 matches in all competitions.
Liverpool have identified Olise as Salah’s replacement, according to The Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele on September 4.
Journalist Alan Nixon and Bild reporter Christian Falk have since backed that claim, with Bayern looking for at least €100m (£87.2m, $117m) for Olise.
Olise was in action for France against Azerbaijan at Parc des Princes on Friday evening.
France won the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group Stage Group D match 3-0, with Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe scoring one goal and providing an assist.
Olise started on the right wing in a 4-4-2 formation and came off in the 70th minute.
During his time on the pitch, the 23-year-old former Crystal Palace winger took three shots, none of which were on target, played six key passes, had a pass accuracy of 88%, won one header, took 71 touches of the ball, won one dribble, made two tackles, and put in eight crosses, of which two were accurate, according to WhoScored.