Emile Heskey has identified West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus as one of two potential long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah at Anfield – if the Reds talisman is to leave in the summer.
The Egyptian has been central to the Merseysiders’ impressive form during Arne Slot’s first season in the hotseat, having scored a staggering 30 goals in 39 appearances so far this term. With his side currently occupying Premier League summit, Salah has contributed an incredible 25 strikes and 17 assists to lead the charge for Liverpool.
However, discourse surrounding the 32-year-old’s future refuses to go away, with the superstar having only a matter of months left to run of his current contract. As things stand, the Liverpool icon will be free to depart the club for nothing at the end of the season – unless he agrees new terms over a renewal.
Amid the uncertainty, former Reds striker Heskey has now identified two current Premier League players who could potentially replace Salah if he is to leave. The aforementioned West Ham winger Kudus is one star who the ex-England international feels could fill the void, with Brentford’s Brian Mbuemo another who he feels could potentially be on his old club’s radar.
In the case of Kudus, he has excelled at the London Stadium since joining the Hammers from Ajax in 2023, tallying up 17 goals in 70 games in claret and blue. Meanwhile, Bees forward Mbuemo is something of a top flight stalwart and is currently experiencing the best season of his career – having notched 15 times in the league this term.
Speaking to BetVictor, Heskey said: “If he does leave, I’d like Bryan Mbeumo or Mohammed Kudus to replace him. They’re the only two names for me that really fit the bill. You want someone that’s already adapted to the Premier League, rather than signing someone who needs a season or two to settle in.”
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Ultimately, the former Leicester forward has been left surprised that the contract situations surrounding three Reds mainstays remain unresolved at this stage. Alongside Salah, Kop captain Virgil van Dijk and deputy Trent Alexander-Arnold will also be free to leave for free in the summer if they fail to pen new deals.
Heskey said of the scenario: “I thought Liverpool’s contract situations would’ve been sorted a long time ago. I think Virgil van Dijk’s contract will be more or less sorted, but the other two could still be up in the air. I wish they would sort out Salah’s contract right now because he’s been phenomenal. I don’t know what the sticking points are, but it would be great to see him stay at the club.
“I’d also love to see Trent Alexander-Arnold remain at the club, but I think he’s had his head turned by Real Madrid. The difference with Trent is that they have Conor Bradley ready to step into his position, whereas they don’t have a direct replacement for Salah or Van Dijk.”
