Rio Ngumoha tipped for Mohamed Salah role as Andoni Iraola plots bold Liverpool experiment

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is preparing to use the club’s preseason tour of the United States to test one of his boldest tactical ideas yet, with teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha emerging as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.

The Reds head to America in the coming weeks for a two-week training camp and friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. However, Iraola is expected to be without most of his senior stars, who are still on extended breaks following their involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While Dutch trio Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch could still feature after the Netherlands’ Round of 32 exit, Liverpool will make a final decision on their availability closer to departure.

The absence of several first-team regulars presents Iraola with the perfect opportunity to assess younger players and experiment with fresh tactical combinations before the Premier League campaign begins.

Ngumoha handed chance to fill Salah void

One of the biggest questions facing Liverpool is how they replace club icon Mohamed Salah following his departure.

Rather than rushing into a permanent solution, Iraola could use preseason to evaluate whether 17-year-old Ngumoha can adapt to the right wing despite naturally operating on the opposite flank.

The teenager enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, scoring twice in the Premier League and becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer. His pace, direct dribbling and attacking instinct have already marked him out as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

With new signing Victor Munoz expected to provide competition on the left side of the attack, Ngumoha could be shifted across the frontline as Liverpool explore options for life after Salah.

Iraola reshapes Liverpool attack

Liverpool have already strengthened their squad with the £34.5 million signing of Victor Munoz, while Jeremy Jacquet has finally completed his long-awaited move from Rennes.

Munoz is expected to feature predominantly on the left wing, with Iraola also maintaining interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as he continues reshaping his attack.

Those additions would increase competition on the left and make Ngumoha’s switch to the right a logical experiment during preseason.

The US tour, followed by home friendlies against Monaco and Como in early August, will give Iraola valuable time to assess his squad before the new season begins. If Ngumoha adapts quickly to his new role, Liverpool may already have an internal candidate capable of easing the burden of replacing one of the greatest players in the club’s modern history.