Liverpool are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian set to leave Anfield at the end of the season.
Salah’s exit will close a glittering nine-year chapter on Merseyside. With over 250 goals, multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown, the 33-year-old leaves as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
Replacing him, however, is another matter entirely. Former Reds captain Steven Gerrard has now weighed in on the debate, and his choice may raise eyebrows.
While Jarrod Bowen has often been linked with a switch to Anfield, Gerrard believes another West Ham United star is better suited to fill Salah’s boots, Crysencio Summerville.
The Dutch winger has been one of the few bright sparks in West Ham’s turbulent campaign, scoring five Premier League goals since the turn of the year and consistently troubling defenders with his direct running and flair.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard did not hide his admiration.
“I’m a fan of Summerville. He’s brilliant in the one-on-one. He looks hungry and has proved a bright spot in a team fighting relegation.
“I think Bowen is a great player, but I don’t think he has the level to replace Salah. A winger has to get into the top three or four in the world to succeed him with dignity. Because that is the level that Salah reached at Liverpool.”
Gerrard’s comments underline just how high the bar has been set. Salah was not just productive, he was transformative.
Summerville, still only 24, possesses the raw tools: blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and composure in isolation situations.
His ability to beat defenders in tight spaces and influence games even in a struggling side has caught the eye.
With the FA Cup quarter-final and the decisive Premier League run-in ahead, Summerville now has a golden opportunity to further enhance his reputation.
If he maintains his upward trajectory, Liverpool, or another European heavyweight, may soon come calling.
Replacing Salah may be close to impossible, but in Gerrard’s eyes, Summerville has the talent and mentality to at least take on the challenge.
