Wonderkid winger Mohamed Salah could be a target for Liverpool during the AFCON, according to reports.

Liverpool appears to be eyeing a solution to cover for Mohamed Salah’s absence during the January transfer window by considering a move for a young, promising winger. The imminent departure of Egyptian forward Salah due to the Africa Cup of Nations next month leaves a void on the right wing for Jurgen Klopp’s side. While players like Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliot are expected to fill in, Klopp lacks a direct replacement in that position.

Historically, Liverpool has sought attacking reinforcements in recent January windows, and they might follow a similar path this season. Recent reports from ESPN indicate that Salah’s potential absence for about six weeks has spurred Liverpool to consider an early move for PSV’s standout talent, Johan Bakayoko.

The 20-year-old winger has been showcasing impressive form for PSV this season, making significant contributions to their Eredivisie title pursuit. Bakayoko’s noteworthy performances, particularly against Arsenal in the Champions League, have caught attention, portraying him as a stylistic replacement for Salah.

However, the likelihood of Bakayoko’s immediate transfer to Merseyside in January appears slim. Liverpool faces other pressing concerns, primarily in defensive midfield and enter-back positions. Consequently, it seems more probable that any pursuit for Bakayoko might be postponed until the summer, aligning with an ESPN report indicating Liverpool’s limited budget of £40 million for the winter window.

Transfermarkt values Bakayoko at €40 million, highlighting his worth in the current market. Therefore, while the prospect of Bakayoko joining Liverpool this January seems uncertain due to financial constraints and other positional priorities, he remains a promising target for the club, potentially arriving in the summer transfer window.