Liverpool have identified Chelsea winger Estevao as a primary target to succeed Mohamed Salah, with a potential deal reportedly reaching £86 million according to reports in Spain. The 19-year-old Brazilian is being monitored alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as the Anfield club prepares for life without their most prolific modern goalscorer. This follows Salah’s official announcement on 24 March 2026 that he will depart Merseyside this summer after nine seasons, following a mutual agreement to terminate the final year of his contract.
The search for Salah’s successor
Finding a replacement for a player who has registered over 200 goals for the club is a daunting task, particularly given the specific tactical demands of Liverpool’s right-sided forward role. While World Soccer Talk suggests Bradley Barcola sits at the top of the shortlist, Shoot and Fichajes report that Estevao’s profile as a high-volume dribbler makes him a priority candidate. Liverpool must replace not just goals, but Salah’s immense availability; the Egyptian has averaged over 3,000 league minutes per season since 2017. Estevao, though inexperienced in the Premier League, offers the long-term project potential the club has historically favoured. Speaking on his departure, Salah told the Liverpool Echo: "The day has come for my farewell and I will be moving on after nine seasons with the club."
Chelsea’s market pressure and squad churn
Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate for Estevao may be dictated by their ongoing need to balance accounts for Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The West London club has established a pattern of selling young talent to domestic rivals, evidenced by Noni Madueke’s £50 million move to Arsenal in July 2025. According to FootballTransfers, some figures, including Dwight Yorke, have also suggested Liverpool should test Chelsea’s resolve regarding Cole Palmer. However, Estevao represents a more attainable profile if the reported £86 million valuation is met. Chelsea’s squad remains in a state of flux following the loss of Madueke, who cited Arsenal’s trophy-winning potential as his reason for leaving. Liverpool’s recruitment team will be wary of the premium placed on Chelsea’s assets but recognise that the London side may be forced into significant sales before the June accounting deadline.
Negotiations are expected to intensify as Liverpool look to secure their primary attacking target before the start of pre-season training in July.