Liverpool is still searching for its replacement for Mohamed Salah, but it may already have the perfect option, with Rio Ngumoha taking on the Egyptian's advice as he looks to emulate him
04:00, 24 Jul 2026
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on July 14, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha is ready for a bigger role at Liverpool after his breakout season(Image: Getty Images)
It’s the question on every Liverpool fan’s lips this summer: who is going to replace Mohamed Salah? Or should it be HOW can you replace Mohamed Salah?
There’s no way you can overstate just what the Reds have lost this summer. After nine years of service, the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, and someone recently voted as the club’s fourth greatest ever player, has departed for pastures new. In his place, Liverpool has — well, not a lot in truth.
Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott can both play on the right, but neither’s future is in any way certain. Jeremie Frimpong filled in on occasions last season, but was far from convincing, and while Dominik Szoboszlai did fill the same role at RB Leipzig, Andoni Iraola should be focusing on keeping him in midfield now.
So, the Reds will have to look to the transfer market, although that just throws up even more problems. Primary target Yan Diomande has already decided he’d rather go to Paris Saint-Germain, the French side also looks to be leading the charge for Maghnes Akliouche, and it’s still unclear whether Bradley Barcola will even be made available — and if he is, he’ll cost a bomb.
Where does Liverpool go from here then? Well, the answer may already be staring Iraola in the face.
Rio Ngumoha was one of the few positives to take from last season, and his role should increase over the next 12 months. You would assume that would be from the left, but he could be just the answer Liverpool is looking for on the right.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool shakes hands with Mohamed Salah as he comes on as a substitute during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ngumoha could be ready to replace Mohamed Salah on Liverpool's right wing(Image: Getty Images)
For one thing, he’s already been taken under Salah’s wing as something of a protege.
“One time after training he told me the top, top players, along with your ability they also get goals and assists," Ngumoha said back in April as he lifted the lid on the advice given to him by Salah.
"Obviously he has broken many records, so him saying that to me and saying he knows I’m a good player but to get to the next level just add the goals and assists."
That advice has clearly stuck with the 17-year-old, with Ngumoha reiterating it as he outlined his targets for next season while away on Liverpool’s pre-season tour this week.
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“Definitely help the team out with goals and assists, but also my defensive actions as well,” he said. “I’ve got to improve in both of them, but also just try to implement myself as a starter sometimes.”
If he is going to become a regular starter and follow Salah’s lead in terms of goals and assists, then where better to do it than in the position the Egyptian has just made available?
It would be a slight departure from Liverpool after nine years with the left-footed Salah on the right, given Ngumoha is predominantly right-footed, but it’s a role he is becoming increasingly accustomed to.
He played on the right while away with England before the World Cup, and he certainly didn’t look out of place then - in fact, he was the best player on the pitch.
Rio Ngumoha during the international friendly match between England and New Zealand in Tampa, Florida
Rio Ngumoha impressed while playing on the right for England(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
And the teenager clearly sees a future for himself on the right, having talked up the prospect of switching sides this week.
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“I think being unpredictable off both sides is key,” he said. “Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better. So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season.”
That’s not to say Liverpool should neglect signing a new winger. Going into the new season relying on a 17-year-old to fill the boots of one of the greatest to ever play for the club would be an almighty risk, not to mention unfair on Ngumoha at such a young age.
The former Chelsea youngster is full of confidence, though. He’s already talking about winning the Ballon d’Or, and we all know what he’s capable of now. He should be given the chance to become the heir to Salah’s throne.