Iraola is reluctant to sign a direct replacement for Salah to avoid 'setting him up for failure'

According toSoccernews.

Background

Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool after nine successful years, is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the English Premier League. Having become the club's leading scorer and leading passer, Liverpool now face new challenges in how to fill the void left by Salah, making the search for a new right winger vital in the transfer window.

Why is this important?

Mohamed Salah's departure from Liverpool is one of the most prominent events in the English Premier League, as he left a huge void in the team's ranks. Salah, who had a huge impact on the team's performance, scored 191 goals and provided 93 assists, making him one of the greatest players in the club's history. This change puts Liverpool in front of new challenges next season, as coach Iraola seeks to strengthen the team with players who can add without pressure on any new deal.

Key points

• Iraola is reluctant to sign a direct replacement for Salah to avoid "setting him up for failure".
• Iraola talks about Liverpool's search for a new right winger, stressing that the team needs a player to complete the team instead of being a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, who left the club.
• Iraola hesitant to sign directly Salah replacement to avoid ‘preparing him to fail’.

Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola confirmed that the team is seeking to sign a new right winger during the current transfer period, but is not looking for a player who can directly replace Mohamed Salah, in order to avoid pressure on the new deal. Salah's departure is considered one of the most notable events after the end of the 2025-2026 season, as he left the club after a successful career that lasted nine years.

In his last match for the team, Salah provided an assist for Jones in Liverpool's match against Brentford, which moved him past Steven Gerrard as the club's all-time leading passer in the English Premier League with 93 assists. Salah is the tenth player to become the main scorer and top assist for the same club in the history of the league, as he scored 191 goals, surpassing Robbie Fowler, who comes in second with 128 goals.

During the current transfer window, Liverpool have been linked with a number of names, including RB Leipzig's Yan Dieu Mandé, Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barkula, Yankuba Menté and Saeed El Molla. Although Iraola confirmed that they are looking for reinforcements on the right flank, he feels that trying to replace Salah directly will be useless.

Iraola said in his statements: “We cannot expect to sign a winger who can replace Mo Salah, because then we are almost setting him up for failure. I think we need someone in that area, but his skills will probably be different. He can complement the team in another way, and we are definitely working on that. It is one of the challenges.”

He added: "The coming period will witness changes, as a large number of veteran players who achieved everything here have left, and we need other players not to replace them, but to assume greater responsibilities on and off the field."

Iraola pointed out that some of the players already in the team must advance their level, stressing that they will find themselves in more important positions.

Iraola pointed out that Liverpool began taking active steps during the transfer period, as Dominik Soboslaj’s contract was renewed for several years, and the club also signed defender Jérémie Jacquet and striker Victor Monot from Rennes and Osasuna, respectively.

“Jeremy is a player I knew well even before he joined Liverpool,” Iraola said. “Despite his young age, he has all the tools we will need in that position, his shoulder injury has fully recovered and he is ready to go.

As for Victor, he is also a player I know well. He can play on both wings, and I think he has the right tools and mentality. When I talked to him, he was still humble and ambitious. I think he will be a very good addition for us.”

What's next?

Liverpool are looking to sign a new right winger during the current transfer window, with a focus on finding a player to complement the team rather than trying to replace Salah directly. Names such as Yann Dieu Mandé and Bradley Barkula have been linked to the club, suggesting that the club are working to strengthen their ranks. Iraola is also planning to make other changes in the team, which may affect his lineup in the English Premier League.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the impact of Mohamed Salah’s departure on the Liverpool team?

The departure of Mohamed Salah is considered one of the most prominent events after the end of the 2025-2026 season, as he left the club after a successful career that lasted nine years.

How many goals did Mohamed Salah score with Liverpool?

Mohamed Salah scored 191 goals for Liverpool, making him the leading scorer in the club's history.

Who is the player who surpassed Salah as the best passer in Liverpool's history?

Mohamed Salah provided an assist for Jones in Liverpool's match against Brentford, moving him past Steven Gerrard as the best passer in the club's history.

What are Liverpool's plans to compensate for Salah's departure?

Liverpool is seeking to sign a new right winger, but coach Andoni Iraola is not looking for a player who can directly replace Salah.

What are the names of the players linked with a move to Liverpool?

Liverpool have been linked to a number of names, such as Yann Dieu Mandé from RB Leipzig, and Bradley Barkola from Paris Saint-Germain.

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