Salah's Successor: Why Olise Makes More Sense Than Kvaratskhelia

The whispers about Mohamed Salah’s future in Liverpool never quite die down. Especially with the Saudi Pro League knocking, and that eye-watering £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad last summer for a 31-year-old. Liverpool held firm then, but you can bet the phone lines will be buzzing again this summer. So, the question isn't *if* they'll consider a replacement, but *who*. Craig Burley threw out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise as potential candidates. One of them makes a whole lot more sense for Anfield.

The Napoli Enigma

Kvaratskhelia, or "Kvaradona" as some Napoli fans call him, exploded onto the scene in 2022-23. He bagged 12 goals and 10 assists in Serie A, helping Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years. That’s elite production. He’s a left-winger, though, inverted, cutting in on his right foot. Salah plays on the right. Shifting Kvaratskhelia to the right wing, where he’s played sparingly for Napoli, means asking him to adapt his entire game. He’d be expected to hit the ground running with 25+ goal contributions in the Premier League. That's a massive ask for a player who’s primarily operated on the opposite flank.

Napoli reportedly values him upwards of £100 million. That's a hefty price tag for someone who isn't a like-for-like replacement in terms of position. Liverpool needs someone who can replicate Salah's right-wing dominance, not a project player to retool. Kvaratskhelia's 2023-24 season saw a dip, with 11 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. Still good, but not the same electric form. He’s also more of a dribbler than a pure goal scorer, averaging 3.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season, compared to Salah's 1.3. Different profiles entirely.

Olise's Premier League Ready Talent

Now, Michael Olise. This kid just feels right for Liverpool. He’s a right-winger, plays inverted, and has been tearing it up for Crystal Palace despite injury setbacks. In the 2023-24 season, Olise scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. Think about that production. That’s a goal or assist every 98 minutes. Salah, in his most recent Premier League campaign, had a goal or assist every 107 minutes. Olise’s numbers, albeit in a smaller sample size, show an incredible efficiency.

He’s got that silky left foot, can beat defenders one-on-one, and his delivery into the box is top-notch. Palace’s form often hinged on his availability. He’s already proven he can handle the physicality and pace of the Premier League. Liverpool wouldn’t be gambling on whether he can adapt; they’d be buying a player who’s already excelling in the toughest league in the world. His reported release clause is around £60 million. That's significantly less than Kvaratskhelia, leaving more budget for other areas.

The Right Fit for Slot's System

Arne Slot’s system at Feyenoord often relied on dynamic wingers creating chances. Slot likes players who can press high and are tactically flexible. Olise fits that mold perfectly. He’s young, 22, with immense potential to grow under a top coach. Imagine him linking up with Trent Alexander-Arnold down that right flank. The creativity would be off the charts.

Liverpool isn't just buying a player; they're buying into a system. And bringing in a player who has already shown he can dominate in the Premier League, in the exact position Salah vacates, is a no-brainer. Kvaratskhelia is a brilliant player, but he’s not the right fit for this specific void.

My hot take? Liverpool will prioritize Olise. And if they get him for under £70 million, it’ll be the steal of the summer. He'll hit 15 goals and 10 assists in his first full season at Anfield.