Arne Slot has made finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah a top priority in the summer transfer market as he aims to restore Liverpool's potency on the wings. The Reds have struggled to replicate the impact they had on both flanks this season, following Salah's departure, the sale of Luis Diaz, and the loss of creative right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Winger Production Drop
Liverpool's four main wingers managed only 26 goals this season—12 from Salah, nine from Cody Gakpo, three from Federico Chiesa, and two from Rio Ngumoha. In contrast, the previous campaign saw Salah score 34 alone, Gakpo 18, Diaz 17, and Chiesa two.
Slot on the Need for Wingers
Slot commented: "One of the reasons why everyone is talking about wingers is because Mo is leaving. It makes complete sense to think about at least one. I think last season gives you the answer. How important were our wingers last season for our success. They were scoring goals, providing goals, so they were a vital part of us winning the league."
He added: "Last season, one of the reasons why we were so difficult to play against was because we had threats over on the right side, on the left side. It was not only the wingers, it is the combination between the winger and the full back."
Right Flank Issues
Liverpool also struggled to find a consistent partnership on the right flank, with Conor Bradley injured, Jeremie Frimpong having a difficult first season, and Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai filling in as full-backs. Slot noted: "Last season I think if you had to describe the style of play it was very reliant on the winger-full back combinations. We have tried that this season again but there hasn't been the end product. That is not to say it's only about them. We all didn't bring the same level."
Liverpool are interested in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Salah, who concluded his Anfield career with 257 goals and over 100 assists.
