Months of speculation were put to bed on Friday morning when Mohamed Salah officially signed new terms with Liverpool.

The Egyptian put pen-to-paper on a two-year extension to end the uncertainty surrounding his future.

And with Salah's new contract stretching through to the summer of 2027, the 32-year-old can now concentrate on breaking new records and winning more trophies.

But for Liverpool, the planning will no doubt begin as they search for a long-term replacement for their talisman, with Richard Hughes' department having the unenviable task of succession planning.

Trent Alexander-Arnold hands Liverpool a major injury boost ahead of Premier League title run-in	Arne Slot responds to rumours of bust-up with Darwin Nunez after Liverpool squad absence	Mohamed Salah boost, Darwin Nunez decision, €85m transfer - Liverpool dream forward line 2025/26

Just how soon should Liverpool be looking to sign that player, though?

The Reds are also expected to overhaul several areas of their team, with the attack being of particularly interest to supporters.

Our writers have their say on Liverpool's recruitment:

Paul Gorst

The good news for Liverpool is that Mohamed Salah has signed a two-year contract extension.

The question is, with the Reds forward having the potential to miss as many as TEN games next season, as written by our very own Theo Squires this week, do Liverpool look to secure the long-term replacement this summer or next?

This coming window would give them the chance to blood in a younger player over more time, safe in the knowledge that the old master remains in place for next term, while kicking the issue down the road in favour of more pressing concerns means there is more of an acute need to get the big decision right in the summer of 2026.

The idea of sourcing a Salah 'replacement' while he's still at the club allows more room to either make a rare transfer misstep or, as is more likely, give the player in question enough time to get to grips with the demands of being a key goalscorer at Anfield, without the intense pressure that comes with being a Liverpool star.

If Slot doesn't fancy the Italian in the long-term, so be it, but then another forward must be sought.

But whatever the choice, Liverpool will need to make better use of such a player next season, even when they have Salah available, to ensure they are in the strongest position possible when they find themselves left without the Egyptian.

Joe Rimmer

The ink is still wet on Mohamed Salah's new Liverpool deal and here we are debating his succession plan, such are the demands in modern football.

But after a power vacuum at the top of the club left the Reds in last minute negotiations to get this deal done, Richard Hughes' more settled recruitment team will certainly be hoping to avoid such situations in the future as they begin plotting the next few seasons.

And while Liverpool consider their options for this summer, it might be worth ensuring that, whichever forward they most likely target, they are versatile (and good) enough to assume Salah's mantle when he departs first for AFCON and then eventually when his time at Anfield does come to an end.