Liverpool are already working through the practical reality of replacing Mohamed Salah, and that process is shaping up as a balance between elite targets and more attainable options.
The Egyptian’s exit leaves a major gap in output and reliability. Even this season, Salah has remained Liverpool’s most decisive attacker, both in goals and chance creation.
Finding a direct replacement is unrealistic, so the club are expected to split their focus between marquee signings and players who can grow into the role.
Francisco Conceição is starting to emerge in that second category.
The 23-year-old has quietly built momentum at Juventus this season. According to Transfermarkt, he has made 34 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists. In Serie A alone, he has registered three goals and three assists in just under 1,500 minutes.
Those numbers are not explosive, but they show steady involvement. More importantly, his recent performances have been stronger. He had a productive spell over the past month, where his direct running and one-against-one ability have stood out again.
That profile helps explain why Liverpool are now looking more closely.
Liverpool’s first checks and market positioning
Francisco Conceição has now attracted initial interest from Liverpool, as told by Gazzeto Dello Sport, with the club making early checks as they assess options to replace Salah.
The idea is not that he leads the shortlist. Michael Olise is still viewed as the more complete and immediate solution. Yan Diomande is being heavily linked as well. However, Liverpool are aware that deals of that level can quickly become complicated or expensive.
As a result, the recruitment team are building depth behind their priority targets. Conceição fits that approach – younger, more affordable, and still with room to develop.
There is already an expectation that Liverpool scouts will continue to monitor Juventus matches in the coming weeks. That suggests the interest has moved beyond a casual mention and into active tracking.
Player responds to Liverpool interest
Francisco Conceição has now publicly addressed the growing links with Liverpool, speaking during Portugal’s training camp in Cancún.
As told by A Bola in Portugal, the winger made it clear he is aware of the reports, but insisted his focus remains elsewhere for now.
“I know people talk about a big club, but I play for a big club where I am happy. At the moment I am only focused on these two games with the national team and then I will focus on the final stretch of the season to help my club as much as possible.”
He reinforced that stance by pointing to Juventus’ demands and expectations.
“I am at a big club where the pressure to win is very high. I just have to keep working and contribute with goals and assists.”
That message aligns with his current situation. Despite the speculation, there is no sign of the player pushing for a move at this stage.
“My objective is to help with goals and assists, that is what I try to do. I must continue every day to show that I have the ability to help the national team and be helped by them to keep improving,” he said.
Price point and Juventus stance
Francisco Conceição only joined Juventus permanently last year, after an initial loan spell. The Italian club then committed to a deal worth over €30m to secure him on a long-term contract.
Of course Juventus are in no position to negotiate cheaply. The current indication is that any serious talks would need to start around €45m (£38.9m). That reflects both their recent investment and the player’s growing importance in the squad.
From Liverpool’s perspective, that figure places him firmly in the “alternative” bracket rather than a headline signing. Still, it is a level that remains manageable compared to some of the top-end winger targets in the market.
What happens next
Francisco Conceição is not yet a priority signing for Liverpool, but he is clearly part of the club’s early planning.
The next steps will depend on how the market develops. If Liverpool push hard for a player like Olise and find the deal too difficult, attention could quickly shift toward options like the Juventus winger.
For now, this is about groundwork. Liverpool are mapping the market, building options, and preparing for life after Salah. Conceição is one of the names now firmly on that list.
Interestingly, the big story – and you can see how big it’s presented below – is their own information and comes from their Bayer Leverkusen journalist 👀 pic.twitter.com/vOK3OFaxsr
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 25, 2026
