Emile Heskey believes that Christian Pulisic could prove to be a smart alternative to Mohamed Salah at Anfield. The United States international has prior Premier League experience from his time at Chelsea and has impressed in Serie A with AC Milan. Talk of a return to England has grown, with Liverpool potentially needing another wide attacker on Merseyside.
Salah transfer: Will Egyptian superstar leave Liverpool in 2026?
Salah remains under contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2027. However, he has shown visible frustration at times this season — including one heated incident — while his goal output has slowed. The 33-year-old has not found the net in the Premier League since November 1.
Links to the Saudi Pro League and MLS have surfaced, with Liverpool still in a position to command a transfer fee should they decide to sell. As speculation increases, rumors about possible replacements for the Reds’ right-wing role continue to circulate.
Could USA star Pulisic replace Salah at Anfield?
Pulisic is among the names being discussed, particularly as contract talks with AC Milan remain unresolved. Heskey feels the player known as “Captain America” could be a clever signing for new head coach Arne Slot.
Speaking to OLBG, Heskey said:
"I actually like Christian Pulisic a lot. He’s very direct. He probably didn’t score as many goals as I hoped for at Chelsea, but he caused defenders plenty of problems.
"After a strong World Cup, especially playing at home with all that pressure, he’s someone who could bring something different compared to Mohamed Salah or even Cody Gakpo right now.
"Mo went from Chelsea to Italy and look what he achieved at Liverpool. I think it would be great to see Pulisic return to the Premier League in a similar way, because he’d probably love to prove that his Chelsea spell was just a small setback. He was very young when he arrived there."
Heskey adds Kvaratskhelia & Bowen to list of potential targets
Several other attacking players have also been mentioned as possible Liverpool signings, including Anthony Gordon of Newcastle — a former Everton player who grew up supporting the Reds.
Heskey also highlighted two more established options: one with Premier League experience at West Ham and another who has already lifted the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain.
The former England striker added:
"When you talk about replacing Mohamed Salah, fans have to accept that it needs to be something different because you simply can’t replace him.
"I remember someone once saying Salah had a bad season when he still scored 25 goals. I’d love to have had a bad season like that! We’re talking about a player who’s scored over 20, nearly 30 goals every year for a decade.
"It might not even suit the manager to bring in someone exactly like Salah. He could change the system. I know there’s been talk of using a 4-4-2 diamond midfield without wide wingers, which would require a different type of player.
"I don’t think you can truly replace Salah, but I really like the lad from PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He would be my first choice.
"Would Jarrod Bowen be a downgrade from Salah? Most players would be, but Bowen is a different type of player and might suit the system better because of his work rate.
"I’m not saying Mo doesn’t work hard, but Bowen has a different mentality because of his journey from West Ham and the lower leagues. It’s very different. Andrew Robertson was arguably one of our best signings and he came from Hull City."
Salah's record: Goals & trophies at Liverpool
Salah has netted 252 goals in 429 appearances for Liverpool. He is a three-time PFA Player of the Year and has won four Golden Boots. His honors include two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and multiple domestic cups. Whoever is tasked with stepping into his role will face an enormous challenge.
