Michael Edwards urged to find Liverpool two replacements for Mo Salah from within Premier League

Liverpool's new transfer structure will undergo its first test this summer. The window is now open, and all eyes will be on the performance of the returning Michael Edwards and the recruitment team he has constructed.

With Jurgen Klopp gone, Liverpool is shifting towards a model where there is a 'head coach' (Arne Slot) rather than a manager. Transfer decisions will be led instead by Richard Hughes, the sporting director appointed by Edwards, along with a supporting cast that includes further familiar faces like Julian Ward and David Woodfine.

Nor will this new way of working enjoy a gentle launch. It's a summer packed full of key decisions, notably including the future of Mohamed Salah.

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Salah's contract is up next summer, and Edwards or Hughes will at some stage need to sit down with him and work out whether an extension is viable for all parties. In the meantime, there is an immediate question regarding the 32-year-old's future, with Saudi Arabia retaining an interest in his services.

It seems that Liverpool intends to keep Salah for at least another year, even if that means running the risk of losing him on a free transfer. In fairness, even if that were to happen, the club would certainly have got immense value from the signing Edwards oversaw during his first spell at Anfield.

However, time waits for no man, and Liverpool needs to start thinking about long-term succession plans regardless of Salah's contract situation. Edwards has been urged by former player Paul Ince to consider two stars from within the Premier League.

“I think two players could replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool," said Ince, who was speaking to Bet365. He rejected the suggestion of Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who has been linked with a transfer.

“With Michael Olise, he's a very good kid, he could turn out to be a world class player but I think he needs another year at Palace to play regular football week in and week out.

“The two players I would pick when they are on their game are Mohammed Kudus at West Ham. I think he's very, very good.

“My favorite is Pedro Neto at Wolves. If he can just stay away from injuries, I think this player is going to be world class. I really, really do.

“So I hope he gets a lot of time in Portugal in the Euros because he is unbelievable. If Salah does go, I'll be going for Neto. I know the Wolves won't like me to hear me say that being an ex-Wolves player, but those are the two that I'd be looking at.”

Liverpool.com says: Neto has been mentioned in the past as a possible Salah heir, and with good reason. But his injury history would be a major concern for Liverpool, especially given how durable the Egyptian has been down the years.

Kudus is another player with plenty going for him, and he will surely be appearing in various shortlists as Liverpool assesses its long-term options for replacing Salah. But he doesn't seem significantly further along in his development than Olise, who would also be worthy of consideration.