Mohamed Salah’s replacement lined up at Liverpool as Bayern Munich explore Cody Gakpo move

Liverpool’s push for Champions League suffered another setback with a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton. In a game that demanded control and clarity, Liverpool looked short of both. The result leaves them drifting off pace at a crucial stage of the season.

Much of the spotlight fell on Cody Gakpo, who endured a frustrating afternoon in attack.
Struggling to impose himself, the Dutchman lacked sharpness and influence in key moments.
As Liverpool ran out of ideas, his performance quickly became a focal point for criticism.

But while the result raises questions on the pitch, it may also open doors off it. With Bayern Munich reportedly exploring a move for Gakpo, an exit is already being discussed. And for Liverpool, that interest could spark a bigger shift, one that shapes life after Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool target Michael Olise with Bayern eyeing Cody Gakpo

A decisive shift is underway at Bayern Munich, according to Bayern Space. Failure to reach the Champions League semi-finals is expected to result in a financial shortfall, prompting plans for a high-profile sale, with Michael Olise identified as the standout candidate.

Olise is believed to favour a return to the Premier League, with Liverpool viewed as the most attractive destination. Influences from within his circle have only reinforced that direction. While Bayern’s own contractual framework leaves the door open for an offer to trigger his exit.

At the same time, Bayern’s focus is turning towards Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward is being seriously considered as part of their attacking plans, with discussions advancing amid a strong working relationship between both clubs. For Liverpool, the overlap is hard to ignore.

With uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s long-term future, Bayern’s dual strategy could create a unique opportunity: one that links Gakpo’s potential departure directly to the arrival of a possible successor.

Anfield braces for another summer of transition

Liverpool are staring at the possibility of yet another reset, just one year after a £450 million rebuild. What was meant to be a summer of stability has quickly turned into renewed uncertainty, both on and off the pitch. Questions are already being raised at executive level.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has been linked with a move to Al Hilal, while Michael Edwards is understood to be unhappy after the club moved away from pursuing a multi-club model. Those tensions have only added to the sense of instability behind the scenes.

On the pitch, pressure is mounting on Arne Slot after a disappointing campaign. Recruitment has come under scrutiny, with responsibility increasingly directed toward both Slot and Hughes as Liverpool’s expensive rebuild has failed to deliver consistent results.

Now, with Salah approaching the end of his time at the club, the scale of change could grow even further. What was supposed to be a transition is now at risk of becoming another one, leaving Liverpool facing a defining summer once again.