Replacing Salah Is Liverpool’s Biggest Challenge

Arne Slot’s sacking and Andoni Iraola’s subsequent hiring might have changed the landscape for the Reds in a lot of ways. The former Bournemouth boss has a different playing style to his predecessor and so Liverpool may now have different plans for the summer window than they did a few months ago.

It’s possible Iraola could completely change Liverpool’s formation in order to get Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak into the same starting lineup when both forwards are fit and available again. Iraola favours a quick-transition game and this could be how he remoulds Liverpool’s forward line for the new season.

Nonetheless, it’s difficult to imagine Liverpool embarking on the 2026/27 season without a new winger to fill the void left by Salah. As things stand, they have Federico Chiesa and Victor Munoz as options on the right side with Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha capable of operating on the left. Iraola needs more.

For the best part of a decade, Salah was the heart and soul of Liverpool. He was much more than just their top scorer and best player. The Egyptian was someone supporters connected with and there’s a risk Iraola’s team will struggle for the same connection as they move into a new era.

“The first thing we have to do is try to play well, but it’s not just only about playing well,” said Iraola when asked about this very subject and how Liverpool will attempt to perform for their fans in the new season after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign. “Supporters have to identify with what they see on the pitch.

“Sometimes it’s not about just putting one ball in the top corner. A lot of the time, the ones watching the game, OK, they cannot do that but they can run, they can fight for the balls, they can press, they can fight until the last line for every situation and when they see this from the players of their team it’s easier to get behind that team. I will encourage my team to give them these things.”

The off-field uncertainty of this summer surely hasn’t helped Liverpool carry out their plans for the transfer window. Michael Edwards has departed as Fenway Sports Group’s sporting director with Richard Hughes also speculated to be on his way out the door as Liverpool’s sporting director.

On top of this, there is speculation that outsiders could be set to invest in the Anfield club. It’s even been reported that Amazon’s billionaire owner Jeff Bezos could get involved with FSG looking for some outside investment. On and off the pitch, Liverpool find themselves at a juncture.

Yan Diomande had been linked with a move to Merseyside before Real Madrid jumped the queue to land the RB Leipzig winger for Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup. Bradley Barcola is believed to be on Liverpool’s radar, but Paris Saint-Germain will demand a huge transfer fee to part ways with the French international.

Yankuba Minteh could be a more realistic target, but is the Brighton wide man ready to step into Salah’s shoes for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League? Liverpool have a lot to consider right now with the start of the new season fast approaching. Finding a prince to replace their Egyptian king should be at the top of their priority list.