Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a difficult decision to make when it comes to Mohamed Salah’s dream replacement.
The Egyptian legend has been around much longer than his new Dutch manager, and the sensitive issue of who will upgrade Salah when he finally leaves Liverpool has been on the calendar this summer and will no doubt be next.
Salah’s contract expires in 2025 and there is still no progress on the terms of the contract. While it seems unlikely that the winger will leave his beloved club on a flexible transfer, if that happens then arrangements must be made.
Assuming the mammoth sums that Saudi Pro League clubs will pay for Salah are raised, the club wants some sales to fund the move of an elite striker. And Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fits the bill.
In an ideal world, the Georgian trickster Kvaratskhelia, who shone at Euro 2024 this summer, that is, against the Portuguese powers, would be perfectly compatible with the former Salah’s role in Liverpool and would lead his band for years to come. The one-year Napoli star only bought in 2022 for £10m but has already established himself as one of the most productive wingers in Serie A and even Europe.
It was his Italian side’s good fortune in the Scudetto, when the Georgian shone with 10 assists in the league and 12 more goals, that made him stand out. These feats earned him the name Serie A Player of the Year, and also inspired Europe, being named Young Player of the Season in the Champions League.
However, Napoli suffered a fall from grace and finished 10th last year. The club’s infrastructure also proved problematic, with finances far from ideal and an owner at war with fans. The riots in Naples forced Kvaratskhelia’s agent to speak. He told Corriere dello Sport: “I don’t need people to think that Kvara needs to stay in Naples. We have to leave, but we are waiting so as not to upset Khvicha.
However, the club’s position has been that their star winger, who still has 3 years left on his current contract, will remain at the club. Napoli’s current coach, former Tottenham and Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, denied during a press conference that the Georgian was leaving.
“There is no doubt. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is here and will play for Napoli,” Conte said. “There is no doubt. Everything is clear. Kvara will be here with us.
The Georgian’s agent also admitted that his client, who needs to leave the club, would be open to a contract renewal if the circumstances were sufficient. “The priority is to sign for a team that plays in the Champions League,” he added. “For the future, everything depends on the president of the Napoli. Si thinks about promoting Kvara, he will. If he needs a renewal, he will. “
Kvaratskhelia may be a long way from Naples, but it would be incredibly expensive. £100 million is the minimum amount, and some reports indicate that £150 million has been requested.
PSG have been touted as the only club capable of signing the Georgian, however, if Kvaratskhelia were to force a move and Liverpool managed to negotiate below the £100m mark, then there would be a slim chance of a deal working. So the question arises of how Liverpool will be able to sign such a player, even if they can reduce his astronomical value.
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Liverpool did not spend a penny this summer. They have reduced their salary bill with the departure of Joel Matip, Adrián and Thiago Alcántara, and have not yet signed veteran players.
However, if they need a famous signing like Kvaratskhelia, they will have to sell. Fortunately for Slot and the Reds, some members of the disgraced team deserve to be paid a fair fee.
Caoimhín Kelleher is now 25 years old and remains the true substitute at Anfield. The Irishman has left some glorious memories for Liverpool fans, most of them coming from the domestic cups, where he plays the role of penalty shootout hero.
However, no heroics can upgrade the unflappable No. 1 Alisson, and Kelleher would likely be open to a permanent move. A tag worth £25million has reportedly been placed on the goalkeeper, with Nottingham Forest rumored to be interested.
English defender Joe Gómez is another player who could leave the club. Jurgen Klopp’s Gomez would not be a player Slot would want to lose, but he has already been involved in negotiations for another star winger.
Liverpool’s failed strategy against Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon prompted Gomez to submit a swap offer. As part of the failed deal, Liverpool reportedly valued Gomez at £45 million, a maximum value for a senior defender. However, Newcastle remain interested, while rumors are also circulating about the Saudi Pro League.
Youngsters Sepp van den Berg and Tyler Morton have also been promoted for leaving Liverpool as they have noticed few opportunities in the first team. The pair are rumoured to be valued at £20 million each.
If Liverpool defeat some of their players, as well as Gomez, they may raise more than the £100m needed for Kvaratskhelia. They are understandably reluctant to do so, and the simplest solution would be to hand Salah to Saudi Arabia for a revolutionary fee.
Still, if things don’t go as planned and Liverpool lose their Egyptian for nothing, sales will be necessary. It will take a renowned player like the Georgian to succeed Salah, something that arouses the expectation of the enthusiasts.
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