Liverpool could avoid spending big to replace Mohamed Salah by promoting academy star Rio Ngumoha, with internal discussions held about the 17-year-old taking over on the right wing. According to the Liverpool ECHO, the idea of using Ngumoha as a right-sided forward has been floated internally as the club faces another summer of uncertainty.
New Manager, New Options
Andoni Iraola has taken over at Liverpool following Arne Slot's sacking, and one of his biggest tasks is finding an adequate replacement for Salah, who ended his glittering Liverpool career at the end of last season. Initial suggestions that Liverpool would spend big on players like Yan Diomande or Bradley Barcola have gone cold, leaving the club to explore internal solutions.
Ngumoha enjoyed a breakthrough season last time around, fully establishing himself as a first-team squad member. His performances earned him a spot in England's pre-World Cup training camp, where he made his debut in a warm-up game against New Zealand. Big things are expected of the 17-year-old heading into the new campaign.
A Natural Fit?
Ngumoha is naturally right-footed, which he showed to great effect cutting in off the right-hand side last season. While it would require a slight change in style, there have been occasions where Ngumoha has featured off the right. Iraola has previously used right-footed forwards in that position, with Antoine Semenyo being a prime example before his move to Manchester City.
Iraola will get a proper look at Ngumoha in pre-season and may decide he isn't suited to a right-wing position. But it's certainly worth trying out, and could save Liverpool the best part of £100m.
