Salah's Heir: Why Olise Makes More Sense Than Kvaratskhelia For Liverpool

The Mohamed Salah question looms large over Anfield. With his contract winding down to 2025 and Saudi clubs still sniffing around, the club has to plan for life after the Egyptian King. Craig Burley recently tossed out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise as potential replacements. Both are exciting wide players, no doubt. But one fits the Liverpool mold much better than the other.

The Case for Olise

Let's start with Michael Olise. Crystal Palace's main man is having a breakout season, even with injuries. He's bagged 10 goals in just 19 Premier League appearances in 2023-24. That's a ridiculous return for a player on a mid-table side. His left foot is a wand, capable of cutting in from the right wing and unleashing absolute screamers. Think Arjen Robben, but with more pace.

Liverpool needs a right-winger who can score, create, and press relentlessly. Olise fits that profile. His dribbling success rate this season sits around 60%, higher than many established attackers. He completed 3.1 successful take-ons per 90 minutes. Salah, for comparison, averages 1.4. Olise is also a willing defender, something Jurgen Klopp always demanded from his forwards. He’s young, too, just turned 22, meaning he has years of development ahead under a new system. Plus, he's already Premier League proven. There's no adaptation period needed for the physicality or pace of English football. That's a huge advantage.

Kvaratskhelia's Fit Is Fuzzier

Then there's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger exploded onto the scene with Napoli, helping them win Serie A in 2022-23 with 12 goals and 10 assists. He's a phenomenal talent, no question. But here's the rub: he's primarily a left-winger. Liverpool already has Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo who can play there, not to mention Diogo Jota. Salah’s primary position is on the right, cutting inside on his left foot.

Kvaratskhelia could theoretically play on the right, but it's not his natural side. His numbers dipped a bit in 2023-24, with 11 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. Still good, but not the same electric output. He operates best when he can isolate defenders on the left, use his quick feet, and drive to the byline or cut inside for a shot. Trying to force him onto the right wing might diminish his effectiveness, and Liverpool can't afford that from a player who would command a massive transfer fee, likely north of €100 million. Napoli isn't going to let him go cheap.

The Price Tag and the Prediction

Olise's rumored release clause is reportedly around £60 million. That's a hefty sum, but for a 22-year-old Premier League proven talent with his potential, it's a manageable figure for Liverpool. Kvaratskhelia, on the other hand, would be significantly more expensive and comes with the added risk of adapting to a new league and a less natural position. Liverpool's transfer strategy under Michael Edwards has always been about smart, targeted acquisitions that fit a specific need. Olise screams "Liverpool signing" much more than Kvaratskhelia.

My hot take? Liverpool won't even seriously pursue Kvaratskhelia. The fit just isn't right for what they need if Salah departs. They'll go all in for Michael Olise, and he'll be wearing red by the start of the 2025-26 season, becoming the next great right-winger at Anfield.