Liverpool supporters were given their first glimpse into what Andoni Iraola’s new-look attack may look like in 2026/27, as they rubber-stamped the surprise capture of Victor Munoz.
The Reds have been on the lookout for new wingers this summer, and in moving to trigger Munoz’s £34m release clause, they have found themselves a fresh option on the left.
The Spaniard is added to a Liverpool squad which already contains Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo, with inevitable questions now arising over who Iraola will see as his main man.
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While Gakpo may yet be given the nod, the Dutchman feels more likely to be a back-up across the left and central areas, with Ngumoha and his emerging brilliance set to slug it out with Munoz for a starting spot.
Though both would represent a gamble for Iraola in different ways, Ngumoha is arguably the safer bet of the two young players, and according to some information relayed by the Liverpool ECHO, it seems likely that the 17-year-old is going to be the regular starting left winger next season.
Ngumoha poised to take starting spot
Liverpool‘s options at left wing could yet be reduced, with rumours that Gakpo is eyeing a summer exit continuing to rumble.
Even if the 27-year-old does not leave, though, it feels unlikely that he will be trusted to be a regular in the XI under Iraola after a terrible campaign in 2025/26.
Ngumoha’s star, meanwhile, is very much on the rise, and as Liverpool did not want to sign a left winger last year in order to keep his pathway clear, some fans may be confused that they may have now changed tack.
According to the ECHO, though, that is not the case. They claim that Liverpool do not believe that the signing of Munoz will have a ‘detrimental impact’ on Ngumoha’s development at all.
Instead, the 22-year-old is reportedly seen as someone who can add depth to the Reds’ forward options and, crucially, can operate across the forward line.
Put those two pieces of information together, and it seems fairly clear that Liverpool are leaving the door open for Ngumoha to claim his starting spot next season.
Liverpool must not sell Gakpo
Even though Ngumoha looks set to jump to the front of the queue at left wing, this does not mean Liverpool need to throw the baby out with the bathwater and let Gakpo leave.
The Netherlands international may be an extremely frustrating figure at times, but if Ngumoha and Munoz are allowed to battle for the starting spot, then he can still do a job coming in at times.
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Gakpo will also serve as good back-up to Alexander Isak in central attack while Hugo Ekitike continues to work his way towards fitness.
With Munoz and Ngumoha on the left and Gakpo, Isak and the returning Ekitike through the middle, Liverpool’s attacking depth will be starting to look much better already.
Securing Yan Diomande as the right-sided starter is then crucial, and the Ivorian can count Jeremie Frimpong as his understudy if he is signed, with Federico Chiesa expected to depart.
With six quality options and Ekitike still to return, Liverpool will be looking in a much better place than just a few short months before.
Ngumoha’s development will play a big part in those options being revitalised, and while some may want to see the new man given a go, the teenager has earned the right to be seen as the regular name on the teamsheet.
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