Former Liverpool star Emile Heskey picks Kvaratskhelia as ideal replacement for Salah

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has named Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the ideal replacement for Egypt attacker Mohammed Salah.

Salah leaves the Premier League giants following the closure of the current campaign, bringing an iconic nine-year spell to a close.

Salah’s departure marks the end of one of the most productive eras in Liverpool’s modern history, with the Egyptian “King” having consistently delivered goals, assists and match-winning moments since arriving at the club. His exit has now left Liverpool with one of the biggest rebuilding tasks in European football.

The Reds ended their Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brentford FC at Anfield, a result that saw them finish fifth in the table on 60 points and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

However, attention quickly shifted away from the result and toward the club’s future without Salah, who confirmed that the match was his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

Speaking in comments reported by the Liverpool Echo, Heskey suggested that Liverpool should move for Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the closest solution to filling the attacking void left by Salah.

“Kvaratskhelia is the player I want at Liverpool. He is an exceptional player, and I think he is constantly improving,” Heskey said.

The former striker praised the winger’s development and consistency, highlighting his performances in Serie A and his ability to influence matches at the highest level despite still being relatively young.

He also pointed to Kvaratskhelia’s early impact in European football, recalling his standout performances during his time at SSC Napoli, where he formed a dangerous attacking partnership with Victor Osimhen.

Despite his endorsement of Kvaratskhelia, Heskey was quick to caution Liverpool supporters against expecting any single player to replicate what Salah has delivered over nearly a decade at the club.

He stressed that Salah’s influence, consistency and goal output over nine seasons place him in a category that cannot simply be replaced by one signing.

“Liverpool fans should be careful, because no matter how good these players are, you still have to replace Mohamed Salah, and you can’t replace a player like Mohamed Salah,” he said.

“You will not be able to replace Mohamed Salah. You have to do something different now, and find another way.”

Heskey highlighted Salah’s extraordinary numbers and long-term dominance in Liverpool’s attacking system, noting that his ability to consistently score 30+ goals a season and decide matches made him irreplaceable in the traditional sense.

Heskey also outlined a broader vision for Liverpool’s attacking rebuild, suggesting a more collective approach rather than relying on a single superstar to replicate Salah’s output.

He mentioned a potential forward structure involving emerging and established names such as Rio Ngumoha, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as part of a refreshed attacking unit.

According to Heskey, Liverpool’s future success will depend not on replicating Salah individually, but on building a dynamic frontline capable of sharing responsibility for goals, creativity and match-winning moments.

Salah’s exit closes a defining chapter in Liverpool’s modern history, during which he became one of the club’s greatest-ever players and a Premier League icon.

Now, as Liverpool prepare for life after their long-time talisman, the debate over his successor is set to dominate the summer — with Kvaratskhelia emerging as one of the leading candidates in the eyes of former players and pundits alike.

For Liverpool, the challenge is clear: replace not just a goalscorer, but a symbol of an era.