Liverpool chose not to rush into signing a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah despite concerns over their options on the right wing. With Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz all more comfortable on the left, the Reds were linked with Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr before deciding to work with their current squad and reassess their options in January.
Key Highlights
- Liverpool did not sign a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah during the transfer window.
- Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz all prefer operating from the left wing.
- Liverpool were linked with Yankuba Minteh and Ismaila Sarr as potential right-sided options.
- The Reds remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, allowing the club to delay a decision until January.
Liverpool's Left-Wing Options Create a Right-Side Problem
Bradley Barcola was Liverpool's biggest arrival before the transfer deadline, with the France international joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a reported £123 million ($165m) deal. However, Barcola is among several Liverpool attackers who naturally prefer operating from the left wing.
Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz also favour that side, leaving manager Andoni Iraola with a selection puzzle as Liverpool look to fill the void left by the 257-goal Salah. The issue is particularly noticeable on the right, where Salah had been Liverpool's established option for years.
Liverpool Considered Minteh and Sarr
Liverpool were reportedly aware of the imbalance and explored potential solutions before the transfer window closed. The Reds were linked with Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, two players who could offer a more natural right-sided option.
However, no agreement was reached with either Premier League club. Rather than spend heavily on an alternative who did not fully fit their plans, Liverpool opted to keep their existing options and reassess the situation in January.
Why Liverpool Did Not Rush to Replace Salah
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the club made a sensible decision by refusing to sign a player simply for the sake of filling the position. Speaking to GOAL, Murphy pointed out that several of Liverpool's current attackers are capable of operating from the right.
"I think there were a lot of rumours around trying to get Minteh and Sarr in, who are obviously more right-sided players, so they're obviously aware of it," Murphy said.
However, he argued that Liverpool already have players who can adapt to the role. Murphy highlighted Barcola's ability to play on the right, while also pointing to Gakpo's intelligence and his contribution from that position. He also believes Munoz has shown enough to suggest Liverpool have alternatives within the squad.
"You don't always get what you want in a window," Murphy explained. "You can't be held to ransom and pay over the odds for players just because you desperately need them." The former midfielder acknowledged that an orthodox right-sided attacker would still be desirable, but believes Liverpool have enough options to manage for now.
Getty/GOAL
Liverpool's Unbeaten Start Eases the Pressure
Liverpool's decision to wait has so far not caused a major problem, with the Reds unbeaten across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup in the 2026-27 campaign. Gakpo has already demonstrated his ability to contribute from the right.
During Liverpool's win over Bournemouth, the Netherlands international burst down the right flank before delivering a low cross that helped set up Alexander Isak for the winning goal. Barcola, Ngumoha and Munoz have also spent time operating on the right early in the season, giving Iraola several ways to manage the imbalance.
Minteh and Sarr Could Return to Liverpool's Radar
Liverpool could revisit the market for a natural right winger in 2027, with interest in Minteh and Sarr potentially resurfacing in January or next summer. Both players have reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool and are said to be keen on a move to Anfield.
For now, though, Liverpool's unbeaten start has reduced the urgency surrounding the search for a new Salah. With several existing attackers capable of filling the role, the Reds have opted to wait rather than force a major transfer before they are certain of the right fit.
