Liverpool’s impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium has not only strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race but also sparked speculation regarding their future transfer plans. Following the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made comments that have fueled discussions about a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, should the Egyptian star leave the club this summer.
During his post-match remarks, Slot heaped praise on Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, describing the Belgian international as the missing piece in Liverpool’s attacking setup. The Dutch manager stated, “We defeated Manchester City today, but during this match, I realized I had found exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve spent two transfer windows searching for the ideal player, and today, I saw him on the pitch. His movement, his impact, his playing style—it’s exactly what we need. If Salah departs this summer, this is the player I want to replace him. No second thoughts, no doubts—bringing him in would be a game-changer for us next season.”
Doku, who is 23 years old, demonstrated his remarkable dribbling skills throughout the game, often troubling Liverpool’s defense with his quick footwork and agility. Even though City suffered a loss, Doku’s individual performance stood out, earning admiration from fans and pundits alike. His ability to navigate tight defensive setups and deliver pinpoint crosses has made him one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool’s interest in Doku is not entirely new. The club had previously been linked with the talented Belgian when he was making a name for himself at Rennes before his eventual transfer to Manchester City. Reports from over four years ago suggested that Liverpool already considered him a potential long-term successor to Salah. Now, with Salah’s contract nearing its conclusion and his future uncertain, Slot’s recent comments indicate a revived desire to bring Doku to Anfield.
The prospect of losing Salah is a major concern for Liverpool, as the Egyptian forward has been an integral part of the team’s success over the years. Finding a worthy replacement is a top priority for the club, and Doku appears to fit the profile. His playing style shares several similarities with Salah’s, including rapid pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and a sharp eye for goal, making him an attractive candidate to fill the potential void.
However, securing Doku’s signature from Manchester City will be a complex task. Transfers between two top Premier League rivals are rare and often require intricate negotiations and significant financial investment. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether City would be willing to part ways with such a promising young talent, especially to a direct competitor. If Liverpool is serious about acquiring Doku, they will need to present a compelling offer that City finds difficult to refuse.
Slot’s statements have sparked a wave of reactions from the football community. Many Liverpool supporters are excited about the possibility of Doku joining their squad, believing he could usher in a new era of attacking brilliance for the team. Meanwhile, Manchester City fans are concerned about potentially losing a player of his caliber to one of their biggest rivals.
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, attention will be focused on developments at both Anfield and the Etihad Stadium. The interplay between player performances, managerial ambitions, and club negotiations will ultimately determine whether Doku makes the switch to Liverpool and whether he can fill the enormous shoes of Mohamed Salah in the years to come.
