Liverpool legend Emile Heskey has backed the idea that Christian Pulisic is a potential successor to Mohamed Salah on Merseyside, suggesting he could reinvigorate his Premier League career after a complicated period in England.
Heskey’s comments sparked a debate about how the Reds plan for life after losing one of their most prolific forwards, especially if Salah’s long-term future at the club is now uncertain.
Egyptian superstar Salah, who has been a central figure in Liverpool’s success over the past decade, remains under contract at Anfield until the summer of 2027. However, his form this season has declined compared to previous seasons.
The 33-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net in league games since early November, leading to speculation that Liverpool need to update their attacking options.
There has been talk of a move to the Saudi Professional League (MLS), adding to the debate over who could ultimately fill the right-wing role if Salah leaves or gradually reduces his influence.
Against this backdrop, Heskey believes Pulisic’s combination of Premier League experience, European pedigree and attacking instincts make him an attractive option for the Reds. The American, who is currently a mainstay at AC Milan, previously had a difficult time with Chelsea.
Although he displayed speed, creativity and directness, injuries and inconsistency limited his goal-scoring ability and many felt he did not fully live up to expectations.
But Heskey believes Pulisic’s early struggles in England have not diminished his potential and that a return to the Premier League could allow him to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.
Can Pulisic play Salah’s role at Liverpool?
Heskey stressed that replacing Salah completely would be an almost impossible task, but Pulisic could bring another dimension to complement Liverpool’s attacking setup.
His speed, technical ability and direct approach could provide manager Arne Slott with tactical flexibility and allow the team to rotate effectively on the flanks while maintaining a high level of attacking threat. Heskey suggested Pulisic, now 27, has the maturity, experience and resilience to turn past disappointments into a defining chapter in his career.
Heskey said: “I think it’s great to see a player like Pulisic come back to the Premier League in the same way. It shows that his early days at Chelsea were just a flash in the pan.” “He was young when he first came, but now he has the experience to make a big impact. He can now offer something different to Salah or Kodi Gakpo.”
Ultimately it will be up to Liverpool’s coaching staff and sporting director to decide on a transfer, but voices like Heskey’s add an interesting perspective to the ongoing debate about the future of the Reds’ forward line.
With Salah’s form fluctuating and the possibility of him leaving looming in the long term, Pulisic’s return to England could be an opportunity to inject new energy and creativity into Liverpool’s attack, while also proving that past setbacks are no barrier to success.
