Liverpool have many squad issues to address next summer, but perhaps a marquee winger signing should be scratched off the list.
The Premier League has changed a lot in recent seasons, and that is clear to see each weekend.
Liverpool have turned their attention to set-pieces in order to fall in line with the trend that has taken over the English top flight.
Another facet of that trend is the move away from transitional play, open spaces, and wide play.
If you look around the league, it’s clear to see why Liverpool’s summer budget is better spent on other areas, rather than splashing the cash on a world-class winger.
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Virgil van Dijk losing with Liverpool
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Liverpool must notice the death of wing play in the Premier League
At Anfield, there has been little to praise about the play of those out on the flanks. Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah look off it, and the calls for them to be dropped grow louder with every poor result.
But it’s a league-wide issue.
Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals in the Champions League this season than Anthony Gordon, but in 23 Premier League matches, he has scored just four.
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Arsenal’s wingers aren’t faring much better, while at Chelsea, they are in constant rotation as each player struggles to develop any kind of consistency. At Old Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo has been decent but often utilised in a central striker role.
Even Man City’s wing talent — Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo — have mixed amazing peaks with long ruts, and Aston Villa are yet to rediscover that magic from earlier in the season.
Only Semenyo has hit double digits in the league. In other seasons, we had a deep pool of wide talent competing for the Golden Boot.
Up and down the league, wingers have failed to hit the heights we know they are capable of.
All that to say, it’s worth Liverpool taking a moment to consider the need for another budget-busting attacking addition. We are blessed with two world-class strikers, a number 10 destined for superstardom, and full-backs who aren’t afraid to get up the pitch.
Cody Gakpo points to the sky in celebration after scoring for Liverpool against West Ham in the Premier League at Anfield
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Yan Diomande has been linked to Liverpool frequently this season, but that would call for an investment nearing the £100 million mark.
Arne Slot might be better off bringing in players who can more effectively combat the low-block frenzy that has taken over the league, while also bringing a sense of joy and purpose back into the side.
The snag in the plan is that Liverpool have one of Europe’s most highly touted talents looking for a route to the first team in Rio Ngumoha. But that can’t be the deciding factor.
Who you dropping for Ngumoha against Wolves in the FA Cup then?
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
Credit: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images
Slot needs to change the Liverpool system sooner or later, judging by the shape the squad is taking. Maybe FSG do decide to pull the trigger on a winger, but should it be a centre-piece signing, given the direction in which we are heading.
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