Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a tough decision to make when considering Mohamed Salah's dream replacement.
The Egyptian legend has been around a lot longer than his new Dutch coach, and the sensitive subject of who will fill Salah's boots when he finally leaves Liverpool has been on the agenda this summer and undoubtedly will be next.
Salah's deal expires in 2025, and there is yet to be any progression contract-wise. Though it may seem unlikely that the winger would leave the club that adores him so much on a free transfer, if that does happen, then preparations must be made.
Assuming that the large fee Saudi Pro League clubs will pay for Salah isn't gathered, the club needs some sales to fund a move for an elite forward. And Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fits the bill.
King Kvaratskhelia?
In an ideal world, the Georgian trickster Kvaratskhelia, who flourished at Euro 2024 this summer – especially against powerhouses Portugal, would slot right into the departed Salah's Liverpool role and rule down their wing for years to come. Napoli's 23-year-old star was only bought in 2022 for £10million but has already established himself as one of Serie A's and even Europe's premier wingers.
It was his Italian outfit's Scudetto success, when the Georgian shone as he registered 10 assists in the league and scored 12 goals on top of those, that really made him stand out. Such exploits earned him the Serie A Player of the Year, and he also impressed in Europe, being named the Champions League Young Player of the Season.
However, Napoli suffered a fall from grace, finishing 10th last year. The club's infrastructure has also proven problematic, with less-than-ideal finances and an owner at war with fans. The turmoil in Naples forced Kvaratskhelia's agent to speak out. He told Corriere dello Sport: "I don’t want people to think that Kvara wants to stay at Napoli. We want to leave, but we are waiting so as not to disturb Khvicha."
However, the club's stance has always been that their star winger, who still has three years left on his current deal, will remain at the club. Current Napoli boss – ex-Tottenham and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte – denied that the Georgian would be leaving in a press conference.
“There are no doubts. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stays here, and he will play for Napoli," said Conte. "There are no doubts. It's all clear. Kvara will stay here with us.”
The Georgian's agent also admitted that his client, despite wanting to leave the club, would be open to a contract renewal should the terms suffice. "The priority is to join a team that plays in the Champions League," he added. "For the future everything depends on the president of Napoli. If he thinks of selling Kvara, he will do so. If he wants the renewal, he will renew.”
Kvaratskhelia could be coaxed away from Napoli, but it would be incredibly costly. £100m is seemingly the minimum fee, with some reports stating that £150m has been demanded.
PSG has been touted as the only club able to afford the Georgian, but if Kvaratskhelia were to force through a move and Liverpool manage to negotiate below the £100m mark, then there is a slight chance that a deal may work. The question then turns to how Liverpool will be able to afford such a player, even if they can reduce his astronomical price tag.
On the chopping block
Liverpool haven't spent a penny this summer. They've reduced their wage bills with the release of Joel Matip, Adrian, and Thiago Alcantara, and are yet to sign any senior players.
However, if they're going to afford a marquee signing like Kvaratskhelia, they'll need to sell. Thankfully for Slot and the Reds, some out-of-favour squad members should garner fair fees.
Caoimhín Kelleher is now 25 and remains the bonafide back-up at Anfield. The Irishman has provided some stellar memories for Liverpool fans, most coming in domestic cups, where he often plays hero during penalty shootouts.
However, no amount of heroics could displace unflappable No. 1 Alisson, and Kelleher would likely be open to a permanent move. A price tag of £25m has reportedly been slapped on the goalkeeper, with Nottingham Forest rumoured to be interested.
English defender Joe Gomez is another player who could leave the club. A crucial component under Jurgen Klopp, Gomez wouldn't be a player Slot would wish to lose, but he has already been part of negotiations for another star winger.
Liverpool's fruitless approach for Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon saw Gomez proposed in a part-exchange offer. As part of the scuppered deal, Liverpool were said to have valued Gomez at £45m - a fairly high price for an older defender. However, Newcastle are remain interested, while Saudi Pro League rumours also swirl.
Youngsters Sepp van den Berg and Tyler Morton have also been touted to move on from Liverpool, as both have seen first-team opportunities scarce. The pair have been rumoured to be valued at £20m each.
If Liverpool flog some of their squad players, as well as Gomez, they could raise upwards of the £100m needed for Kvaratskhelia. They would understandably be reluctant to do so, and the much easier solution is offloading Salah to Saudi Arabia for a groundbreaking fee.
Yet, if things don't go to plan and Liverpool lose their Egyptian for nothing, sales will be necessary. It will take a big-name player like the Georgian to take over from Salah, with fans expectant.