Liverpool's Winger Overhaul: Replacing Salah and Gakpo's Potential Exit

Liverpool’s summer was always going to revolve around one question: how do you replace Mohamed Salah’s one‑v‑one genius on the flank?

So far, they haven’t.

Salah’s departure on a free has ripped a hole out of Liverpool’s attack, and even with one major arrival already confirmed, the rebuild out wide is only just getting started.

Munoz through the door, more to come

Richard Hughes has landed his first big attacking signing, activating Victor Munoz’s £34 million release clause to bring the Spain World Cup winner in from Osasuna. It’s a significant move, a statement that Liverpool still want elite quality in the wide areas.

But it’s nowhere near job done.

Liverpool are actively working on deals for at least two more wingers. Bradley Barcola has been the top target ever since the club were forced to look elsewhere after missing out on Yan Diomande. The 23‑year‑old has long been identified as the preferred option.

The problem? Paris Saint‑Germain’s price.

PSG are understood to be demanding a starting figure of £145 million before they even entertain the idea of letting Barcola go. That number alone explains why Liverpool’s business out wide is now tangled up with potential outgoings.

Just as that pursuit rumbles on, Liverpool have also moved for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh. The 22‑year‑old Gambian, a left‑footer with pace and directness, has already been the subject of two offers from the champions – bids of £50 million and £60 million.

Brighton, predictably stubborn in the market, are holding their line. They want £70 million. Until that number is hit, they are not inclined to sell.

At those prices, Liverpool’s next step is obvious: they will almost certainly need to cash in on a major asset to push the winger overhaul through.

Gakpo lined up for Spurs switch

That is where Cody Gakpo comes in.

The Dutch forward, on wages of around £250,000 per week, is increasingly being talked about as the player Liverpool may sacrifice to unlock the funds for their wide targets. A fee of £72 million has been floated for a move to Tottenham.

Gakpo, 27, has been on Roberto De Zerbi’s radar for a long time. The Spurs manager is in the middle of a sweeping rebuild of his frontline and sees the Netherlands international as a key part of that reset.

The plan in north London is clear. Manchester City pair Savinho and Omar Marmoush are set to line up for Spurs this season, and Gakpo is viewed as the final attacking piece De Zerbi wants.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now suggested that a deal could be close.

“Don’t forget Cody Gakpo, because Savinho is going to Tottenham in London for medical tests and contract signing,” he told his YouTube audience. “Omar Marmoush is expected to go to Tottenham as a centre striker, and he’s a target that is probably going to happen in the next days, as I told you.

“But I told you always: right winger, left winger, centre striker. This was what I told you about Tottenham. And for the left winger, the name remains Cody Gakpo.

“Tottenham are working on it. Tottenham are working on the player side. Player terms are not an issue. And then Tottenham remain absolutely on it on the club side with Liverpool.

“So, Gakpo to Tottenham could be over in the next days if the total deal can be agreed.”

From title high to uncertain future

Gakpo arrived at Anfield from PSV in January 2023 and played a major role in Liverpool’s 2024/25 Premier League title‑winning campaign, thriving in a fluid, rotating front line.

The last season told a different story. His form dipped, performances stuttered, and sections of the fanbase began calling for a more ruthless option in his position. That shift in mood has opened the door to a sale that would have seemed unlikely not long ago.

If Liverpool can finally drag Barcola out of PSG, his arrival would likely see him step straight into Gakpo’s slot on the left. Andoni Iraola also has Rio Ngumoha and Munoz available on that side, giving him fresh options and a very different profile of wide players to shape his attack.

Liverpool’s stated aim was clear: add one‑v‑one quality out wide. To get there, they may have to let a title‑winning forward walk out the door and hand him to a direct rival.