Andoni Iraola’s plan for Rio Ngumoha may explain Liverpool’s confusing transfer activity

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Are you happy with Liverpool’s transfer plans so far this summer? If you are, you’re probably in the minority.

Supporters have expressed great frustration at the Reds’ transfer business in 2026, or rather the lack thereof.

While there are a number of issues angering fans, the fact that Liverpool still haven’t replaced Mohamed Salah and have instead already signed one left-winger and are targeting another in Bradley Barcola is confusing many.

However, a move for Barcola does make a lot more sense when you realise that Andoni Iraola is trying to turn Rio Ngumoha into a right-winger ahead of 2026/27.

Rio Ngumoha can play off the right

Ngumoha enjoyed much success in his natural left-wing role last season, and before the summer window kicked off, it seemed obvious the teenager would be competing alongside Cody Gakpo for a starting berth next term.

However, Victor Munoz was then signed in June, leaving many to ponder how on earth Rio was going to get any minutes off the left.

Add Barcola into the mix, and it looked as though Ngumoha was going to start 2026/27 as, at best, the third-choice left winger.

That, frankly, would have been a major waste of his talent and probably hindered his development.

But when speaking to the club recently, Rio was asked if he could play on the right after being spotted training in that position this summer.

He responded: “Yeah, definitely. I think being unpredictable off both sides is key. So obviously everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better.”

Said position change would make so much sense, given that at present, Federico Chiesa is the only natural right-winger at Anfield.

But if Liverpool do sign Barcola, which seems the most likely deal at present, then we will have the Frenchman and Munoz off the left, Gakpo potentially acting as a back-up striker while Hugo Ekitike is injured, then Ngumoha playing a lot more off the right.

I still think Liverpool should sign another big-name right-winger to compete with Rio (sorry, Chiesa), but the fact the Englishman is being trained to play in another role does go a long way to explaining why, so far, the Reds have decided to sign Munoz and target Barcola over a proper out-and-out Salah replacement.