Jurgen Klopp wants to sign 'unstoppable diamond' as Mo Salah's long-term replacement

Jurgen Klopp has already identified Mohamed Salah's long-term replacement at Liverpool, according to reports.

Salah scored two goals in the Reds' 6-1 demolition of Leeds on Monday evening, as Liverpool eye a late surge to finish inside the Champions League places.

The victory leaves them in eighth place in the Premier League table and nine points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, with eight games of the season left to play.

Although, Klopp will already have half an eye on the transfer window, as the German plans a major squad overhaul this summer.

While the Liverpool boss has reportedly identified Salah's successor at Anfield, coined an 'unstoppable diamond'.

Klopp identifies Salah replacement

According to Spanish publication El Mundo, Klopp views Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as Salah's long-term replacement.

Williams has been rumoured with a move to Anfield for some time, but Klopp may need to act quickly, with several of Europe's elite clubs allegedly interested in the 20-year-old.

Williams has eight goals and six assists in all competitions this season and was described as an 'unstoppable diamond' by older brother and club teammate Inaki Williams.

“In one-on-ones, he is practically unstoppable…He is a talent, a rough diamond that needs to be polished,” said Williams' sibling (via Mundo Deportivo).

However, Williams' other teammates have been less supportive of a move away, believing he would be better served staying with the Spanish side.

26-year-old striker Gorka Guruzeta told AS (via El Desmarque): “Nico has many more chances to play in any club because we already know the level he has.

“He is aware of what he has here and what may be [elsewhere] in every way – pressure, titles, salary… Each [player] has to see what he wants in his life. For me, I hope he continues [with Bilbao], because we can help [him] a lot with everything.”

On the other hand, 30-year-old Salah is showing little sign of slowing down, having managed 24 goals across all competitions in what has been a largely underwhelming season for Liverpool.

Indeed, whoever succeeds the Egyptian has some big shoes to fill, after he became the clubs' Premier League all-time top scorer in March, surpassing Robbie Fowler.

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah, Athletic Bilbao, Liverpool, Transfers, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno