With Mohamed Salah likely to leave Liverpool this summer, punters should avoid Salah-dependent markets and consider transfer-driven bets — markets for Liverpool’s next top scorer or first goalscorer in early fixtures may swing toward any incoming winger. Emile Heskey’s shortlist (Kvaratskhelia, Bowen, Pulisic) suggests markets could shift; wait for transfer confirmation before placing significant stakes.
Mohamed Salah exit appears increasingly likely as Liverpool plan ahead
Mohamed Salah looks set to leave Liverpool this summer after a career-low campaign in front of goal. The Egyptian forward has managed just seven goals this season, a steep drop from his usual 25-plus tallies across most of his Anfield years. Tensions with the club and manager have sparked transfer speculation, and while Saudi interest emerged in January, Liverpool kept him on the squad for the remainder of the season.
Emile Heskey names three potential replacements
Former England striker Emile Heskey has suggested three players who could fill the void should Salah depart: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), and Christian Pulisic (AC Milan). Heskey said no single player can truly replace Salah’s decade-long scoring consistency, but argued Liverpool might seek a different profile to fit tactical changes.
Kvaratskhelia — the go-to candidate
Heskey identified Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his preferred option, praising the Georgian’s directness and creative threat on the wing. A move for Kvaratskhelia would signal Liverpool want a dynamic, high-impact wide player who can both create and score.
Jarrod Bowen — hard-working and tactical fit
Jarrod Bowen was described as a player whose work rate and defensive contribution could suit a manager aiming to change Liverpool’s formation. Heskey noted Bowen’s background and energy as assets that would help a different midfield or attacking set-up.
Christian Pulisic — a Premier League return to prove a point
Christian Pulisic, once a high-profile Chelsea signing now enjoying a revival at AC Milan, was highlighted as a direct, incisive option. Heskey suggested Pulisic might view a return to the Premier League as an opportunity to prove his Chelsea spell was a blip.
What this means for Liverpool’s season and transfer strategy
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League after a disappointing title defence following last season’s triumph.
The squad’s reliance on different attacking profiles and the manager’s tactical ideas — including talk of alternatives to wide, high wingers — make any incoming recruitment pivotal.
The team’s recent win over Nottingham Forest, sealed by an injury-time Alexis Mac Allister goal, underlined Liverpool’s fragility and the fine margins in their campaign.
Implications for bettors and transfer markets
Salah’s likely departure will reshape several betting markets: futures for Liverpool’s top scorer, first goalscorer in early fixtures, and betting odds tied to club attacking output could move depending on the incoming profile.
Punters should monitor official transfer confirmations and squad announcements before committing to long-term bets, and consider value in markets reflecting potential new signings’ scoring returns.
Player scouting notes
Heskey’s shortlist mixes profiles: a creative dribbler (Kvaratskhelia), a high-energy wide forward (Bowen), and a technically adept attacker with recent goal form (Pulisic). Each would influence Liverpool’s tactical setup differently and carry distinct price tags and squad impacts.
Next fixtures and immediate outlook
Liverpool will look to climb back toward the top four as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Upcoming fixtures will shape recruitment urgency, with the club expected to be active in the summer window if Salah’s exit is confirmed.
Metro
