Liverpool to revisit right-wing signing in January after Salah exit
Liverpool remain unbeaten across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup despite entering the 2026-27 campaign without a specialist replacement for Mohamed Salah. The club are prepared to review the right-wing position again in January rather than force through a deal that does not meet their requirements.
Reds make do after Salah departure
Salah left behind a vast attacking gap after scoring 257 goals for Liverpool, but the club did not complete moves for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh or Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr before the latest transfer deadline.
- Minteh and Sarr were identified as right-sided options.
- Offers were submitted, but Liverpool could not reach an agreement with either domestic rival.
- The club chose against pursuing lower-priority alternatives simply to fill the vacancy.
- A renewed attempt for Minteh or Sarr could come in early 2027 or during next summer’s window.
Both players are understood to be interested in a move to Anfield, but Liverpool’s strong early results mean the hunt for a direct “new Salah” is not yet an urgent issue.
Barcola arrival adds left-side competition
Bradley Barcola was Liverpool’s headline signing before the deadline, arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a £123 million ($165m) transfer. The France international joined as a Champions League winner but is naturally most comfortable on the left.
That is also the preferred flank for Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz, leaving Andoni Iraola to find solutions on the opposite side of the attack.
All four have featured on the right during the opening weeks of the season. Gakpo showed the potential of that adjustment at Bournemouth, driving down the touchline before supplying a low cross for Alexander Isak’s winning goal.
Murphy backs Liverpool’s patience
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the Reds were right not to overpay after missing out on their preferred targets.
- Murphy said Liverpool were clearly aware of the shortage of orthodox right-wingers after their interest in Minteh and Sarr.
- He pointed to Barcola’s previous experience on the right and backed Gakpo’s intelligence and goal threat in that role.
- Munoz has also offered encouraging moments on the flank.
- Murphy argued that a club should not be “held to ransom” or spend above value because of a perceived need.
“In an ideal world you would want a more orthodox right-sided player,” Murphy said, while adding that Barcola, Gakpo and Munoz give Liverpool sufficient cover for the time being.
The next decision point is January. Until then, Liverpool will continue to rotate their existing wide options while assessing whether a move for Minteh, Sarr or another right-sided forward becomes necessary.
