It’s starting to feel unavoidable — that’s the quiet truth circulating inside Liverpool. As hard as it is to accept, time is running out.
Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King who defined an era with goals, records, and unforgettable moments, will eventually step aside. And Liverpool know they cannot wait until the day he leaves to find his successor. The next great right-winger must already be identified.
That search has taken a surprising twist. Some within the club believe the ideal heir to Salah is currently playing just across Stanley Park. It sounds almost unreal: an Everton standout being considered as Liverpool’s future attacking leader.
At first, the idea seems off-limits. The rivalry between Liverpool and Everton runs deep, even though they’re separated only by a park.
But football loves unlikely storylines, and one name keeps resurfacing with growing confidence: Iliman Ndiaye.
Under Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has shifted. They now prioritise system fit over status, targeting players whose instincts align with Slot’s philosophy.
His system relies on dynamic wide forwards — creators, dribblers, and players who can disrupt defences and unlock passing lanes. Ndiaye, flourishing at Goodison Park, fits the blueprint almost perfectly.
Salah’s contract runs until 2027, but few at the club expect him to stay that long. After nearly a decade of brilliance, every legend eventually reaches their final chapter.
Liverpool understand the transition must begin before that moment arrives. The next five years of their attacking evolution depend on this choice. Whoever replaces Salah inherits more than a position — he inherits a legacy.
That’s why the scouting has been thorough. Liverpool have examined wide forwards across Europe, yet one of the most complete modern attackers is right on their doorstep.
Ndiaye has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most electrifying dribblers — fearless, inventive, and dangerous in tight spaces. With 25 successful dribbles already, he ranks among the league’s elite.
For a Liverpool side that has struggled at times to break down deep defensive blocks, Ndiaye offers exactly what they lack. Salah once solved these problems with sheer genius, but with age and rotation affecting him, Liverpool no longer have a winger who can consistently beat multiple defenders and create something from nothing. Ndiaye has that rare ability.
He isn’t a Salah clone — and Slot doesn’t want one. Salah thrives on precision, timing, and ruthless finishing; Ndiaye brings deception, rhythm, and creativity. He pulls defenders out of shape, creating space for central forwards. He could be the creative engine of Liverpool’s next attacking era.
But the biggest obstacle remains the Merseyside divide. Liverpool and Everton almost never do business. The last direct transfer was Abel Xavier in 2002, and the fallout still lingers. Everton have refused to sell to Liverpool before — Gordon, Branthwaite, and others were admired but unattainable.
To sign Ndiaye, Hughes would need to break a decades-long unwritten rule. Yet some believe he is worth the gamble. His performances have already attracted major interest, but Liverpool’s style — and geographical closeness — make them a natural destination if they choose to push.
Everton would resist fiercely. Selling their star to their city rivals would feel like betrayal. But in football, opportunity and finances often reshape decisions. A huge bid could force conversations.
There’s also something poetic about Ndiaye’s rise. Once a raw talent, he has developed into a complete attacker through determination and hard work — traits Liverpool value deeply. Many observers believe he looks like a Liverpool player wearing the wrong colours.
Slot knows replacing Salah isn’t about finding someone identical — it’s about building the next version of Liverpool’s attack. Ndiaye might not hit Salah’s 30-goal seasons, but he can usher in a new brand of dominance built on unpredictability and creativity.
Watching him for Everton, it’s easy to see why the debate is growing. His dribbling, movement, and confidence recall early hints of Salah. In a Premier League filled with rigid, structured defences, players like Ndiaye are priceless.
Will Liverpool make a move? Hughes has never shied away from bold decisions. His role marks the beginning of a clever, daring recruitment era. And every successful Liverpool team has had a defining winger. Salah was that under Klopp. Ndiaye could be that under Slot.
Fans are understandably torn. Accepting an Everton player as a future hero feels strange — but goals and performances heal rivalries fast. If Ndiaye ever scores for Liverpool at Anfield, much of the hesitation would fade.
Timing is also critical. Liverpool know Salah may soon look for a final career chapter — possibly in Saudi Arabia or MLS. They cannot be left scrambling. Ndiaye, already Premier League-tested, could step in immediately with no adaptation period.
His numbers back up the hype. Beyond dribbling, his creativity, pressing, and improving end product align perfectly with Slot’s demands. He works hard off the ball and shines on it — a rare combination.
Liverpool’s current wide options — Díaz, Jota, Gakpo — all bring quality, but none replicate Salah’s right-flank dominance. Ndiaye might be the missing spark.
A Liverpool–Everton transfer would shake the football world. But great teams succeed by making bold, uncomfortable decisions. This could be the move that defines Hughes’ era.
Replacing Salah will always be emotional. He’s not just a player — he’s an era-defining icon. But football doesn’t pause. It evolves. And just across Stanley Park, the player who could lead Liverpool’s next chapter may already be emerging.
That’s why those within the club keep repeating the same belief: It might need to happen. Not because it’s easy, but because greatness often ignores boundaries — even the most sacred ones.
