‘He Could Be a Star’ – Ex-Chelsea Winger Tells Liverpool to Forget Olise and Sign 19y/o Instead

The summer transfer window is still months away, but the noise surrounding Liverpool’s search for a long-term Mohamed Salah replacement is already reaching a fever pitch. For weeks, the name Michael Olise has dominated the rumour mill. The Bayern Munich winger, once a Premier League sensation at Crystal Palace, has been touted as the perfect heir to the Egyptian King’s throne at Anfield. However, a major obstacle has emerged: Bayern Munich have no intention of selling the 24-year-old Frenchman this summer, regardless of the fee offered.

With FSG facing the unenviable task of planning for life after Salah—who is widely expected to leave at the end of the season—the club has been urged to pivot their strategy. Now, a former Premier League star has offered a radical alternative: forget Olise, and instead look to a raw but electric 19-year-old South American who is currently turning heads in Ligue 1.

Former Chelsea and Lyon winger Florent Malouda has advised Liverpool to abandon the Olise chase and set their sights on Real Madrid’s teenage sensation, Endrick, who is currently on loan at Lyon. According to Malouda, the young Brazilian “could be a star” at Anfield—and he might be far more attainable than his Bayern counterpart.

Why Liverpool Should Forget Michael Olise

Let’s be clear: Michael Olise is a phenomenal talent. His dribbling, vision, and ability to cut inside from the right flank make him a natural fit for Liverpool’s system. Since his move to Bayern Munich, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the Bundesliga, but the German giants have made it unequivocally clear that he is not for sale. Reports from Germany suggest that Bayern view Olise as a cornerstone of their project, and no amount of money—not even the £70m+ Liverpool were reportedly willing to offer—will change their stance this summer.

This leaves Liverpool in a difficult position. With Salah’s departure imminent, the club cannot afford to waste time chasing a player who is simply unavailable. The Reds need a solution now, not in 2026. This is where Malouda’s advice becomes crucial.

“I see a lot of talk about Olise to Liverpool, but Bayern won’t let him go. It’s a dead end,” Malouda told Empire of the Kop. “Instead, Liverpool should look at Endrick. He’s only 19, but he has the mentality and the raw tools to become a superstar. He’s already playing in Europe, he’s adapting, and he’s hungry to prove himself after a difficult start at Real Madrid. He could be a star at Liverpool.”

Malouda’s point is well-made. While Olise is a proven Premier League performer, Endrick represents a different kind of gamble—one that could pay off massively for a club that has historically thrived on developing young talent.

Endrick: The 19-Year-Old ‘Star’ Liverpool Need

Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa—known simply as Endrick—arrived at Real Madrid in 2024 with the weight of Brazilian football on his shoulders. His €60m move from Palmeiras was one of the most hyped transfers in years, but the transition to European football has been anything but smooth. Limited minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, coupled with the immense pressure of playing for the world’s biggest club, saw the teenager struggle to find his rhythm.

However, a loan move to Lyon in January 2025 has proven to be a masterstroke. In Ligue 1, Endrick has rediscovered his confidence. He has scored four goals and provided two assists in his first eight appearances for the French club, showcasing the explosive pace, close control, and clinical finishing that made him a phenomenon in Brazil. His ability to play across the front line—as a central striker, a left winger, or a right-sided attacker—makes him an ideal candidate for Arne Slot’s fluid system.

“Endrick is not just a goalscorer; he’s a creator,” Malouda continued. “He can beat defenders one-on-one, he has a powerful shot, and he works hard defensively. He’s still learning, but the raw talent is undeniable. Liverpool have a history of turning young players into world-beaters—look at Salah himself, or Sadio Mané. Endrick could be the next project.”

Key reasons why Endrick fits Liverpool:

• Versatility: Can play on either wing or as a striker, giving Slot tactical flexibility.
• Age: At 19, he has time to grow into the Premier League’s physical demands.
• Attainability: Real Madrid may be open to a permanent sale if they recoup their investment, especially with the emergence of other young stars like Arda Güler.
• Proven pedigree: Already a Brazil international with 10 caps, including a goal against England.

Liverpool’s Long-Term Succession Plan for Mo Salah

The departure of Mo Salah is not just a transfer issue—it’s an existential crisis for Liverpool’s attacking identity. The Egyptian has been the club’s talisman for nearly a decade, scoring over 200 goals and redefining what it means to be a Liverpool winger. Replacing him will require not just a player of similar output, but a system that can adapt to a new style of play.

FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes have been working behind the scenes on a long-term succession plan. While the obvious route is to spend big on a ready-made superstar like Olise or Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, the club’s recent history suggests a more nuanced approach. Liverpool’s recruitment model under Michael Edwards and Julian Ward was built on identifying undervalued assets—players like Salah himself, who arrived from Roma for £34m, or Diogo Jota from Wolves.

Endrick fits that profile perfectly. Despite his high-profile move to Real Madrid, his stock has dipped slightly due to limited game time. A loan-to-buy or a structured transfer fee of around £40-50m could be enough to pry him away from the Bernabéu. For a player of his potential, that would represent a bargain in today’s inflated market.

“Liverpool don’t need to panic-buy a superstar,” Malouda added. “They need to find the next superstar. Endrick has the hunger. He wants to prove that Real Madrid made a mistake. Give him a platform like Anfield, with a manager who trusts young players, and he will explode.”

Of course, there are risks. Endrick is not the finished article. He has struggled with the physicality of European football at times, and his decision-making in the final third can be erratic. But Liverpool’s coaching staff, led by Slot and his team, have a strong track record of improving young attackers. The Dutchman’s system, which emphasizes pressing, quick transitions, and intelligent movement, could be the perfect environment for Endrick to flourish.

Expert Analysis: Is Endrick the Right Move for Liverpool?

From a tactical perspective, Endrick offers something different to any current Liverpool forward. While Luis Díaz relies on direct dribbling and Darwin Núñez on chaotic movement, Endrick combines Brazilian flair with a striker’s instinct. He is comfortable dropping deep to link play, but his primary threat lies in his ability to run in behind defences—a skill that would perfectly complement Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long-range passing.

Statistically, Endrick’s underlying numbers at Lyon are encouraging. He averages 3.2 shots per 90 minutes, with a conversion rate of 18%, and completes 2.1 dribbles per game. More importantly, his defensive work rate has improved significantly—he averages 1.5 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, suggesting he is buying into the high-pressing demands of European football.

Prediction: If Liverpool can secure Endrick for a fee in the region of £45m, this could be one of the smartest signings of the summer. While he won’t immediately replace Salah’s output—no one can—he has the potential to grow into a world-class forward within two seasons. The key is patience. Liverpool fans must understand that Endrick is a project, not a finished product. But with the right coaching and support, he could become the club’s next great attacking star.

Meanwhile, the Olise dream is likely dead—at least for now. Bayern Munich have made their stance clear, and Liverpool would be wise to move on. The Reds cannot afford to waste another transfer window chasing an impossible target. Instead, they should listen to Florent Malouda’s advice and turn their attention to a 19-year-old who has already proven he can handle the pressure of a massive club.

Strong Conclusion: A New Era at Anfield

The end of the Mo Salah era will be one of the most emotional moments in Liverpool’s recent history. But it also presents an opportunity. The club has a chance to reinvent its attack, to build a younger, hungrier, and more dynamic forward line for the next decade. Michael Olise would have been a safe, polished choice—but he’s not available. Endrick, on the other hand, is a bold, exciting gamble that could define Liverpool’s future.

Florent Malouda’s endorsement carries weight. The former Chelsea star knows what it takes to succeed in the Premier League, and he sees something special in the Brazilian teenager. “He could be a star,” Malouda said. And if Liverpool act decisively, they might just have their next superstar on their hands.

For now, the Reds must focus on the present—securing Champions League football and finishing the season strong. But behind the scenes, the groundwork for a new era must begin. Forget Olise. Look to Lyon. And bring Endrick to Anfield.

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Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.