Liverpool have spent hundreds of millions rebuilding their attack, but their former Egyptian King is offering an awkward reminder of what they have lost. Mohamed Salah might be playing in Turkey now, yet his numbers are demanding attention back at Anfield.
The 34-year-old has registered eight goals and three assists in eight Süper Lig appearances for Trabzonspor. He followed that up with a goal and assist against Hearts on Thursday, helping secure a 2-0 Conference League victory.
Liverpool’s own forwards are hardly struggling. They have scored 12 goals across their last three matches, including a 6-3 demolition of LASK and a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Villarreal. However, their Premier League return of nine goals in seven matches leaves Andoni Iraola’s side fifth, exposing the gap between European fireworks and domestic consistency.
The problem is partly one of balance.
Mohamed Salah for Trabzonspor: 10 Games 10 Goals 5 Assists 15 G/A in 10 games. Class is permanent. 🇪🇬👑 https://t.co/ysB8v1rawq
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) October 22, 2026
Liverpool spent £106 million guaranteed, with another £17 million in add-ons on Bradley Barcola, alongside an attack already featuring £125 million striker Alexander Isak and £116 million playmaker Florian Wirtz.
Yet Barcola is naturally more comfortable on the left. Liverpool still lack a specialist left-footed right-winger capable of regularly cutting inside and providing the goals that Salah made almost routine.
Jamie Carragher raised that precise concern after the summer window, questioning the lack of a genuine right-sided attacker.
Iraola has a different vision. His football demands aggressive pressing, quick transitions and versatile forwards. After failed attempts to sign specialist right-wingers, Football Insider reported in September that Liverpool planned to rotate Cody Gakpo, Barcola and Rio Ngumoha on the right rather than recruit a direct replacement for Salah.
That experiment is beginning to bear fruit with Ngumoha. Initially uncomfortable on his weaker flank, the 18-year-old impressed against Brentford before registering two assists against Villarreal, including a superb run past defenders to set up Alexis Mac Allister. His growing confidence on the right offers Liverpool a different attacking weapon, with the youngster increasingly using his pace and delivery rather than attempting to replicate Salah’s trademark cut-ins.
That felt like a night when Rio Ngumoha went up a significant gear. Really special performance. Maybe Liverpool have found their right-sided Mo Salah replacement after all.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) October 20, 2026
Liverpool’s recruitment decisions now fall under returning sporting director Julian Ward, who replaced Richard Hughes in September. The change follows Michael Edwards’ departure, with FSG president Mike Gordon retaining significant oversight.
The right-wing vacancy remains particularly interesting. David Ornstein reported Liverpool’s summer pursuit of Yankuba Minteh, but Brighton rejected two bids. Whether Ward revisits that option remains uncertain.
Financially, Liverpool have room to make ambitious decisions, but not without consequences. Their 2024-25 accounts recorded £703 million in revenue against £428 million in staff costs. Salah’s departure also removed a reported £400,000-a-week salary, although that does not automatically create an equivalent transfer budget. FSG’s new minority-investment agreement similarly leaves operational control with the existing owners.
Ward must also protect the next generation. According to Lewis Steele’s reporting, discussions are progressing over extending Ngumoha’s contract beyond 2028.
For Liverpool, the challenge is turning their increasingly exciting attacking displays into sustained Premier League results. Sunday’s Brighton encounter provides another examination.
Salah has left behind more than goals. Liverpool are discovering just how difficult it is to replace a player who could provide an entire attacking system with its finishing touch.
