Liverpool consider Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Toure as Salah replacement
Liverpool are considering a move for Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, according to reports in Germany. The 20-year-old Ivorian has emerged as a potential target for the Reds as they plan for life after Mohamed Salah, whose contract at Anfield expires this summer.
German outlet Sport Bild reports that Liverpool scouts watched Toure play the full 90 minutes for Cote d'Ivoire in their 1-0 friendly win over Scotland last week. The 20-year-old winger is under contract with Hoffenheim until 2029 and does not have a release clause, with the German club expected to demand a fee in the region of €40 million.
Toure joined Hoffenheim from Swedish side Hammarby in the winter of 2025 and has developed into a key player for the Bundesliga side. This season, the Ivorian international has provided 11 assists and scored twice in 24 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the most promising young wingers in the German top flight. His direct, pacy style of play is considered a potential fit for the Premier League, and his ability to play on either flank is thought to be of particular interest to Liverpool.
The potential move comes as Liverpool prepare for the departure of Salah, whose contract is set to expire. The Egyptian has been a talismanic figure at Anfield for seven seasons, and finding a successor is a major priority for the club's recruitment team. While Toure is a different profile of player, his age and potential resale value make him an attractive option for the club's long-term planning.
Hoffenheim are under no pressure to sell, however, with the player tied to a long-term contract. The German club is reportedly aware of the growing interest and would likely demand a significant fee for a player they signed just over a year ago. The potential fee is a fraction of the cost of another reported target, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, who is valued at around €100 million.
Toure's development in the Bundesliga has been rapid. After a successful spell at Hammarby, he adapted quickly to German football, and his 11 assists this season demonstrate a creative output that has caught the eye of several top clubs. His performances for the Ivorian national team, for whom he has become a regular, have further raised his profile.
For Liverpool, the pursuit of a player like Toure signals a strategic shift towards building a younger squad. The potential move for a 20-year-old, as opposed to a more established star, suggests a focus on long-term project building under the club's new sporting structure. The club's scouts will continue to monitor the player, with a decision expected to be made in the summer transfer window as they look to fill the void left by a club legend.
