Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool must sign a “box office” player if they are to replace Mohamed Salah.
Salah confirmed on Tuesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season, bringing an end to a trophy-laden nine-year spell at Anfield after agreeing to depart on a free transfer.
Attention has already turned to potential replacements, but Gerrard insists only one of the world’s top wingers can fill the void left by the Egyptian.
“You have to buy someone who is box office, or you are not replacing him,” he told TNT Sport.
“They have to be top-end, top three (or) four wingers in the world to replace Mo Salah because that’s what Mo has been.”
Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has been linked with a move to Liverpool, with Owen Hargreaves also suggesting he fits the profile of the kind of “box office” signing the Reds need.
“If you are Liverpool, you have got to go ready,” he said. “Tried and tested. For me that would be Olise. Somebody of that calibre.
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And I wouldn’t want to see him leave Bayern because that front three is amazing. But if you are talking (about) Olise on that right-hand side for Liverpool, that is box office.”
Confirming his departure, Salah said in a video on his social channels: “Hello everyone, unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
“I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life.
“Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present.
“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.
“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home to me and to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Read more: Editorial: Mohamed Salah – Not Just a Legend, but an Inspiration
