Liverpool icons have identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah, who ended his trophy-laden stint with the Reds last month against Brentford. During nine seasons at Anfield, Salah was the top scorer in eight campaigns and played a pivotal role in securing two Premier League titles, the 2019 Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2022 FA Cup, and two League Cups. The 33-year-old is regarded as one of the most decorated players in club history, with Jurgen Klopp deeming him irreplaceable.
This summer, Liverpool has prioritized signing a right-winger to replace Salah, with Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola among the names linked. However, former goalkeeper David James believes Kvaratskhelia, who impressed as Paris Saint-Germain won Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, is the perfect candidate. "I'd go for Kvaratskhelia," James said via Grosvenor Sport. "He can play multiple positions and is up for a Ballon d'Or nomination. He would cost a few quid, but if Liverpool want success next season, he's the ready-made player." James added that a new-look Liverpool under a new manager might not need a direct Salah replacement but could benefit from fresh talent.
Echoing James, former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey stated, "The difficult part is no one could replace Mo Salah. The only one I'd go for is Kvaratskhelia from PSG, but he won't be available. You'll never find another Mo Salah putting up those numbers." Heskey also urged new manager Andoni Iraola to pursue Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who missed just one Premier League game last season as the Cherries finished sixth and qualified for Europe. Scott, valued at £80m, has been linked with Liverpool since Iraola replaced Arne Slot at Anfield.
Heskey emphasized midfield and center-back as key areas needing reinforcement, especially with Ibrahima Konate departing. "Midfield is a key place to add to, and centre-back is crucial. We need someone to work alongside Virgil van Dijk to make us solid again," he said, also mentioning Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as potential midfield targets.
