How forgotten Liverpool star could help secure ELITE Salah replacement

Suraj Radia

• 1 Dec 2024 07:30 CST
• 3 min read

Liverpool’s sole transfer of the summer has proven to be a curious one but the deal may have inadvertently given the Reds a solution to beat their rivals to the transfer of a global superstar.

Few would have predicted Arne Slot’s debut campaign beginning with ten wins in 12 Premier League games to give Liverpool a six-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand, particularly after an underwhelming summer transfer window.

Although Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamadarshvili for €30 million, the Georgian goalkeeper won’t arrive until next summer, leaving Federico Chiesa as the only new face in the squad this season.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

But Chiesa has barely featured since his €12m transfer from Juventus, with injuries and fitness struggles limiting the 27-year-old to just 18 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

While Liverpool have opted to be patient with Chiesa due to his long-term history with injury, the winger’s lack of appearances has already led to speculation surrounding his future at the club.

Multiple teams in Serie A are believed to have already considered trying to bring Chiesa back to Italy in January but Liverpool’s best solution could instead come next summer.

Chiesa could pave way for Kvaradona at Anfield

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica, via Il Napolista, Chiesa could become a target for Napoli if they cash in on forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia next summer.

The Georgian international has proven to be a revelation since joining the Italian side in 2022, leading Napoli to the Serie A title in his debut year and establishing himself as one of the standout wingers in world football.

The 23-year-old’s performances have led to interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs including Liverpool, who could be looking for a new talisman if Mohamed Salah leaves the club upon the expiry of his contract in the summer.

The report claims that Napoli have learned lessons from the ‘catastrophe’ surrounding Victor Osimhen, who has seen interest and his value plummet with his contract winding down.

With Kvaratskhelia’s contract set to expire in 2027, Napoli could cash in on the winger in the summer, giving Liverpool an opportunity to replace Salah and also get value out of Chiesa by finding him a new home as a makeweight in any deal.