Liverpool managed to keep hold of Mohamed Salah amid interest from Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League this summer, but they must prepare for renewed interest in the Egyptian once the transfer window opens again. Indeed, Salah is expected to have another offer from Saudi Arabia before too long.

With Salah now 31, Liverpool would be wise to cash in on the attacker before he reaches the end of his contract in 2025. This, however, would leave a gaping hole in their attacking line and so the Anfield club must start devising a succession plan for one of its best-ever players. Liverpool must find a replacement for Salah.

Take Kubo would fit the bill in a number of ways. The Japanese international has taken a giant leap forward in his development at Real Sociedad this season, scoring four goals and contributing one assist in six league appearances. His combination of technical and physical attributes would make him a good fit for Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen have both been linked with a move to Anfield in the past. The pair play together at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp’s former club, but have yet to show they can truly impact matches at the elite level. Nonetheless, Liverpool are among the best at identifying undervalued players and getting the best out of them.

Of course, Liverpool have already gone a long way to rebuilding their frontline in recent times. They have signed Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez over the last three years to retool their team in the attacking third of the pitch. All three have demonstrated their quality for Liverpool with the latter growing more influential with almost every match he plays.

“[He has made] massive steps in the last few weeks,” said Klopp after Nunez’s impressive goal-scoring performance for Liverpool in the recent 3-1 win over Wolves. “He’s a threat. You all saw the goal, it was probably pretty good, right? That was really strong. He was always available for us.”

Liverpool also have Scottish teenager Ben Doak emerging as an exciting attacking talent, giving them good squad depth even discounting Salah. This is a team in transition with Klopp rebuilding areas of his squad one area at a time - see how Liverpool spent much of this summer remoulding its midfield.

Salah is a Liverpool legend and is still delivering for the Reds and the top level of English and European soccer. However, the time of his departure appears to be edging closer and closer and Liverpool must have a plan for when he finally leaves, even if that doesn’t necessarily mean making a new signing to replace him.