Liverpool already have Mohamed Salah replacement - he played vs Wrexham

Mohamed Salah has left Andoni Iraola with a huge hole in the Liverpool squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Despite having a year left on his contract, the Reds announced the Egyptian's departure earlier this summer, with no clarity yet on his next club.

While 2025-26 was a difficult campaign for the superstar, and his 12 goals and 10 assists a far cry from his usual standards, he still played a huge role.

It is the left-wing spot that remains a key focus at Anfield this summer, though, with Victor Munoz signed and Bradley Barcola potentially next.

Federico Chiesa appears to be the Reds' only natural left winger, with youngster Calum Scanlon being given a chance against Wrexham on Thursday, 30 July.

In Liverpool's latest pre-season friendly, the Premier League side scored just a single goal to beat Wrexham, and that goal came from Rio Ngumoha.

Andoni Iraola experiments for Mohamed Salah replacement

The 17-year-old came off the bench to net the winner in the 75th minute, with his effort somehow looping over Callum Burton, having cut in off the right.

And that's exactly why Iraola may have found his Salah replacement without dipping back into the transfer market for yet another signing.

Ngumoha really struggled for minutes under Arne Slot, but he is already showing the new manager why that would be a mistake this term.

The reaction to his performance was not the most ideal outcome, but fans have to expect a slow start for a teenager in a new position, right?

Ngumoha has huge boots to fill. During Salah's first season at Anfield, he notched 44 goals and 14 assists. If supporters are expecting a repeat, they'll have to lower those expectations.

What's the latest on Rio Ngumoha's future?

Multiple European giants have kept a close eye on Ngumoha, including Chelsea, with Bayern Munich having their approach rejected earlier this summer.

Football Insider understands, however, that the player is happy to stay at Anfield next term, with crunch talks with the new boss expected to take place.

The talented 17-year-old needs reassurances that he won't just be confined to the bench again. Otherwise, he needs a loan or a permanent move away.

Iraola simply can't risk that happening, though. Liverpool will struggle to replace Salah, even if splashing the cash, so putting all that time and money into Ngumoha's development makes far more sense.