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Liverpool FC## New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is preparing for life without Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian superstar called time on his Anfield career earlier this summer
06:00, 23 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool boss
Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool boss(Image: Getty Images)
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged Liverpool to complete a "marquee" transfer this summer.
The Reds are preparing for the new season after struggling last term. Liverpool failed to go the distance in the cup competitions and salvaged Champions League qualification on the final day of the campaign by drawing 1-1 with Brentford to finish fifth in the Premier League.
Liverpool's chiefs reacted to that disappointing season by firing head coach Arne Slot and replacing him with Andoni Iraola. The new boss is expected to give Rio Ngumoha plenty of minutes during the upcoming campaign following his breakthrough last season.
That's partly because Mohamed Salah called time on his successful nine-year spell at Liverpool earlier this summer. The Reds have already brought in World Cup winner Victor Munoz, but the Spanish winger will need time to adjust to the Premier League.
Agbonlahor, who made more than 300 Premier League appearances for Villa, believes Liverpool should sign a top forward this summer to take the pressure off Ngumoha. The England international doesn't even turn 18 until the end of August.
Liverpool has previously been linked with Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise, but the German side is extremely unlikely to let him leave. Yan Diomande is another name that's been mentioned, but Paris Saint-Germain is the favorite to sign the RB Leipzig winger.
Rio Ngumoha is expected to have a big season at Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha is expected to have a big season at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
If Diomande joins PSG, that could pave the way for Bradley Barcola to leave the French club. But even if PSG allows Barcola to leave, he's likely to cost well over $100 million. Liverpool would also face fierce competition for Barcola's signature.
Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT: "If Diomande goes to PSG, Liverpool has every chance of getting Barcola. Arsenal will want him, but I feel Liverpool will want him more because Andoni Iraola really needs a standout winger.
"I think they need a left-footed winger on that right side to replace Salah. There is no chance of getting Olise. (Jarrod) Bowen could have fit in short-term, but it is difficult."
Bowen, who's been one of the most consistent attacking performers in the Premier League in recent years, has been linked with Liverpool in recent transfer windows. Yet he's decided to stay at West Ham following the club's relegation to the Championship.
Agbonlahor added: "Liverpool’s recruitment team has to be clever and go for someone who is available at the right price, who you can turn into the finished article.
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"Ngumoha is a top player, and he is ready to make a real impact, but Liverpool can’t rely on him. They still need a marquee signing on the other side."
Liverpool's other attacking options at the moment are Cody Gakpo, who typically operates from the left, and advanced midfielder Florian Wirtz. Alexander Isak is expected to be Iraola's first-choice striker, while winger Federico Chiesa remains on Liverpool's books.
Harvey Elliott is available for selection again following his unsuccessful loan spell at Villa, and right-back Jeremie Frimpong can be deployed in an advanced position. But Hugo Ekitike will not be available for selection anytime soon due to his Achilles tendon injury.
Andoni Iraola
Rio Ngumoha
Transfers
Yan Diomande
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