Wingers have played a key part in Liverpool’s success over recent years, helping them win multiple domestic and continental trophies under various managers.
Mohamed Salah has been a key part in the success endured throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly being the star in Arne Slot’s side that claimed the Premier League title.
The Egyptian has registered 28 goals and 18 assists in his 37 appearances - the highest of any player within the division, highlighting his importance.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah reacts after conceding their second goal
His new two-year contract at Anfield will enable him to be a star for multiple more campaigns, potentially adding to the two league triumphs he’s already won on Merseyside.
However, there’s only so much work he can do on his own, with the 32-year-old needing to be joined by reinforcements within the final third to sustain any long-lasting success.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer
Over recent weeks, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, looking to secure a move away from the Bernabeu this summer.
The Brazilian, who also has admirers from Arsenal ahead of the transfer window, has registered 23 combined goals and assists this campaign - undoubtedly handing Slot the added quality he desires.
rodrygo-brazil
However, such a deal could prove to be too expensive in the coming months, with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams emerging as a key target, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report states that the Reds have been monitoring the 22-year-old for a number of months and are considering a move for the winger, who’s registered 18 goals and assists in 2024/25.
It also claims that the LaLiga outfit won’t stand in the Spaniard’s way in the coming months, as long as any interested party forks out the entirety of his £50m release clause.
Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane
Sadio Mané is a player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell at Liverpool, proving to be one of their best signings of the modern-era at Anfield.
Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane
The Senegalese international, who joined from Southampton for £36m in the summer of 2016, spent six years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic along the way.
He registered a staggering 120 goals in his 269 appearances for the club, an average of one every 2.2 outings - undoubtedly leading them to their title triumph in 2019/20.
However, he would leave for German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, leaving a huge hole within the first team setup - something which they’ve failed to replace in the three years since.
Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have been the two players to often fill the void over the last couple of seasons, having various levels of impact as seen by their total of 23 league goals combined in 2024/25.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz
Both have shared the role in the title-winning campaign, but could find themselves with decreased game time next season should Williams arrive at Anfield.
When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo since Mane’s departure, the Bilbao star has outperformed them in numerous key areas, handing Slot the club’s best option since the departed winger.
How Williams compares to Diaz & Gakpo since Mane left in 2022
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive carries
Carries into final third
Shot-on-target accuracy
Crosses completed
Take-ons completed
Stats via FBref
Williams, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Zach Lowy, has registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered a higher shot on target rate - showcasing his threat in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more carries into the final third, handing Slot an added threat when driving into the final third at Anfield.
He’s also completed more take-ons than current first team members Diaz and Gakpo, whilst completing more crosses - handing other options on the books the opportunities to improve their own tallies.
It would be a superb addition should the club trigger his £50m release clause this summer, having the potential to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.
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Should he reach the levels produced by Mane on Merseyside, it would be one of the best additions they could make in the near future, setting them up for added success during the Dutchman’s tenure.
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