Here is a roundup of the top Liverpool news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Oscar Mingueza and Reece James that you guys may have missed…
Liverpool have been urged to consider a blockbuster move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who is leaving Anfield in the summer.
Former Reds striker Emile Heskey has weighed in on *LIVERPOOL*’s looming transition, naming Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his preferred option to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah. Speaking amid intensifying transfer speculation, Heskey acknowledged the enormity of replacing a player who has consistently delivered elite numbers for nearly a decade.
Salah’s departure has been widely reported after a period of uncertainty and declining influence. The exit forms part of a broader transition at Anfield, as the club prepares for a new era under manager Arne Slot.
Heskey insists there is “no direct replacement” for Salah, but highlighted Kvaratskhelia as a “go-to” target due to his flair, creativity and ability to change games. The Georgian international, now starring for PSG following his move from Napoli, has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting wide attackers and would likely command a significant transfer fee, potentially exceeding £80–100 million
‘We’re talking about replacing Mohamed Salah and I think as fans you’ve got to look at something different because you can’t replace Mo Salah,’ Emile Heskey told OLBG.
‘I remember one season I was speaking to someone who said Mo’s had a bad season. He’d scored 25 goals! I’d love to have had that bad of a season. We’re talking about someone scoring 20 plus, nearly 30 goals a season for 10 years.
‘I don’t think you can replace Mo Salah but I do like the lad from PSG, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He would be my go-to.
Is Kvaratskhelia the ideal Salah replacement?
Replacing Salah is less about finding a like-for-like successor and more about redefining Liverpool’s attacking identity. Salah’s output — regularly 20–30 goals per season — is virtually unmatched, and expecting Kvaratskhelia to replicate those numbers immediately would be unrealistic.
However, Kvaratskhelia offers something different rather than inferior. Where Salah thrives on efficiency, movement and elite finishing, the PSG winger brings unpredictability, dribbling flair and creative spark. He is a player who can destabilise defences in ways Salah typically does through direct goal threat.
From a tactical perspective, this could suit a transitional LIVERPOOL side. Under Slot, there may be a shift toward a more fluid, interchangeable attack, where goals are shared rather than concentrated. In that context, Kvaratskhelia could be an excellent fit.
LIVERPOOL HOLD MINGUEZA TALKS
Reports in Spain suggest that Arsenal and Liverpool are among a number of European clubs who have been approached regarding a potential summer move for Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza.
The versatile Spanish international, who came through the ranks at Barcelona before moving to Celta in 2022, is thought to be attracting interest as clubs seek cost-effective squad additions ahead of the 2024–25 season.
Mingueza, 26, has quietly built a strong reputation in La Liga, featuring regularly as both a centre-back and right-back for Celta. His ability to play across multiple defensive roles, coupled with his comfort on the ball, has reportedly alerted several Premier League sides monitoring value signings for the summer window.
According to local reports, intermediaries have made his availability known to clubs in England, with both ARSENAL and LIVERPOOL understood to have been sounded out. While no formal offers have been made, the interest is described as exploratory at this stage.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to reinforce his defensive depth, particularly on the right side, with injuries and fixture congestion testing the squad this season. Meanwhile, Liverpool may also look to bolster their backline as they assess long-term options at centre-back and full-back.
Why Mingueza Could Be a Low-Risk Signing
From a financial standpoint, Mingueza represents a relatively low-cost opportunity compared to many Premier League-proven defenders. Celta Vigo are not expected to demand an inflated fee, especially if they reshape their squad in the summer. For Arsenal or Liverpool, who will both be mindful of balancing depth with budget, that makes him an appealing profile.
Technically, Mingueza fits the modern Premier League mould. He is comfortable in possession, capable of stepping into midfield lines, and experienced in playing within build-up systems—traits that align well with *ARSENAL*’s structured positional play and *LIVERPOOL*’s evolving style. His La Liga experience also suggests a smooth tactical adaptation.
Crucially, he would not arrive as a marquee signing required to start every match. Instead, he offers proven reliability, versatility, and tactical intelligence—qualities that top clubs increasingly value when constructing competitive, rotation-ready squads.
For both Premier League sides, Mingueza represents the type of low-risk, potentially high-reward depth addition that can help maintain consistency across long campaigns and multiple competitions
LIVERPOOL TOLD SIGN REECE JAMES
Former England international Glen Johnson has suggested that Liverpool should consider an ambitious move for Reece James, arguing the Chelsea captain could significantly strengthen Arne Slot’s defensive structure as the Dutch manager continues reshaping his squad.
James, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs when fully fit, has endured an injury-disrupted spell over the past two seasons but remains a key figure at Stamford Bridge and a natural leader within the CHELSEA dressing room. Despite his fitness concerns, his technical quality, crossing ability and tactical intelligence have consistently attracted admiration across English football.
Johnson, speaking in an interview this week, described the idea of LIVERPOOL pursuing James as “audacious but transformative”, suggesting that a fully fit version of the England international could elevate the club’s right-sided play both defensively and in attacking transitions. He also noted that elite clubs often win trophies by taking calculated risks on world-class talent, even when availability records raise questions
‘To be honest, given how versatile Reece James is, I think he’d suit anyone,’ Johnson told Boyle Sports.
‘Because in terms of his ability, he can do a job all over the pitch. He’s a fantastic player, but to have that versatility in your squad is invaluable.
‘He could fill in at left-back, play centre-half in a back three, or be a right wing-back or a midfielder. I think he would genuinely suit any club, especially one going through a few changes or dealing with injuries.
‘Players like him are hard to find because I don’t think he would go to a club expecting to play 50 games at right-back, for example. It’s not going to happen. So, to have a player who can adapt and do whatever the team and squad need, I think a lot of teams would want that option.’
Johnson continued: ‘I’d love to see him at LIVERPOOL, that’s for sure. I think he would suit Liverpool, probably more so than Arsenal.
‘And I think Manchester United would probably want him as well. But Liverpool could be a very good fit, to be honest.
‘We spoke about the right-back option with Jeremie Frimpong and others, but as I said, Reece isn’t going to go to a club and play a solid 40 games in one position. He just isn’t.
‘So, to have him as an option, perhaps in midfield, especially since LIVERPOOL are still in all competitions and will have so many games, injuries, and suspensions, I think he’d be perfect.
‘Yes, I’d love to see him land at Liverpool.’
Why this move is highly unlikely
Despite the headline appeal, a transfer of James from CHELSEA to Liverpool remains extremely improbable. The most obvious barrier is Chelsea’s stance: James is club captain, a homegrown leader, and a symbolic figure in their long-term project. Selling him to a direct Premier League rival would be strategically and culturally inconsistent with their current direction.
In addition, *LIVERPOOL*’s recruitment model under recent leadership has prioritised availability, durability and value — areas where James, due to persistent injury setbacks, does not currently fit the profile of a low-risk signing. Even if his talent is unquestioned, the physical reliability question alone makes such a deal difficult to justify at board level.
More Liverpool News and Gossip:
Top Read: Talks Held: Liverpool contacted over summer deal for 26-year old La Liga star
Most Read: Liverpool told make ‘box-office signing – £116M star makes Liverpool admission – Reds in £55M transfer talks
LOVE LIVERPOOL? CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP
Related
Discover more from IcFootballNews –
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.