The Post-Salah Era: Finding Liverpool's Next King

By Elena Kowalski · Published 2026-03-25 · Could Liverpool sign Kvaratskhelia or Olise to replace Salah?

The whispers have grown louder, the speculation more intense. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King who has graced Anfield since 2017, might be heading for the Saudi Pro League. Look, his current contract expires in the summer of 2025, and a reported £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad last summer was enough to make even the staunchest Liverpool supporter sweat. Salah has delivered 211 goals in 349 appearances for the Reds, an output few could ever match. Replacing that kind of production isn't just difficult; it's a monumental task.

The Contenders Emerge

Enter the names being tossed around like confetti after a cup final: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise. Both are electrifying wingers, capable of moments of individual brilliance. Kvaratskhelia, the 23-year-old Georgian sensation, exploded onto the scene in Napoli's Scudetto-winning 2022-23 season, bagging 12 goals and 10 assists in Serie A. He followed that up with 11 goals and 8 assists this past season. His dribbling ability is mesmerizing, often leaving defenders grasping at thin air. Napoli, however, won't let him go cheap. Reports suggest they’d demand upwards of £80 million for their star. That's a hefty price tag, especially for a player whose output dipped slightly this past season compared to his breakout year.

Then there’s Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace man has been a revelation, particularly in the latter half of the 2023-24 campaign. Despite missing significant time with hamstring issues, Olise still managed 10 goals and 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. His left foot is a wand, capable of devastating crosses and curling shots. He’s two years younger than Kvaratskhelia at 22, and crucially, already proven in the Premier League. His reported release clause is around £60 million, a more palatable figure for Liverpool’s transfer committee. Thing is, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle are all reportedly sniffing around Olise, which could drive up the price.

A Question of Fit and Philosophy

Here's the thing: Jürgen Klopp built his attacking system around Salah's inverted right-wing play, cutting in on his dominant left foot. Kvaratskhelia, while left-footed, predominantly plays on the left wing for Napoli. Shifting him to the right would require an adaptation period. Olise, on the other hand, is a natural right-winger, left-footed, and possesses that same ability to drift inside and shoot or create. In terms of direct stylistic replacement for Salah, Olise seems the more obvious fit. His ability to beat a man and deliver a final ball is exceptional, as evidenced by his 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season, compared to Kvaratskhelia's 2.9.

My hot take? Liverpool would be making a mistake by prioritizing the flash of Kvaratskhelia over the proven Premier League commodity and ideal positional fit of Olise. Napoli’s asking price for Kvaratskhelia feels inflated after one truly stellar season. Olise’s injury history is a concern, sure, but his numbers per minute are simply undeniable. If Liverpool are serious about maintaining their attacking prowess post-Salah, Olise is the safer, smarter bet.

Liverpool needs to move decisively if Salah does depart. They can't afford to dither. I predict that if Salah leaves for Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes, Liverpool will secure Michael Olise for a fee in the region of £65 million.