£128m star is keen to join Liverpool

For the second time in two years, Liverpool fans are gearing up for a new era as yet another manager tries to make the club a consistent force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

Andoni Iraola has been handed the responsibility of taking the Reds to the next level in 2026/27 after Arne Slot was handed his marching orders back in May.

The Spaniard arrives after leading Bournemouth to European football for the first time – highlighting his excellent ability to get the best out of the players at his disposal.

There’s no denying the Reds fell short of expectations last term, especially after claiming the Premier League title under Slot’s guidance less than a year before his departure.

However, if Iraola is to avoid suffering the same fate at Anfield next season, he may have to put faith in one senior member to provide the goods on Merseyside.

Why Iraola could be perfect for Ngumoha at Liverpool

Despite the struggles of Slot as Liverpool boss last campaign, winger Rio Ngumoha emerged as a shining light and a key senior member of the squad despite being just 17.

The teenager racked up 19 appearances in the top-flight, even netting two goals – including his iconic last-minute winner against Newcastle United back in August.

However, supporters often vented their frustration at the former manager as he often left the Englishman on the bench and opted to start players such as Cody Gakpo ahead of him.

The arrival of Iraola could be a blessing in disguise for Ngumoha in 2026/27, as the Spaniard is a manager who has previously shown huge faith in younger talents at Bournemouth.

His Cherries side last term had an average age of just 25.1 – the fifth-youngest of any side in the division – which allowed the likes of Eli Kroupi Junior and Rayan to enjoy breakthrough campaigns.

The Liverpool teenager could well be the next player to take his career to the next level under Iraola’s guidance – especially if he can emulate his success from last term.

His inclusion in the England squad ahead of the World Cup is evidence of his talent, but he will need to stay grounded and continue on his current trajectory if he’s to become an elite attacking option.

Liverpool could sign the perfect rival for Ngumoha

Liverpool have become known for their attacking quality over recent years, with the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané arguably one of the best partnerships in Premier League history.

However, the departure of the Egyptian from Anfield this summer has seen all of the talents now move onto pastures new – leaving Iraola with the task of building his own iconic front three.

Victor Munoz has already made the move to Anfield in recent months, but he could also be joined by Bradley Barcola by the end of the ongoing transfer window.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Liverpool have entered fresh talks with PSG over the possibility of securing a move for the French winger during the summer window.

Their report also claims that the 23-year-old would be open to moving to Anfield this summer, with the attacker a player who has struggled for consistent starts under Luis Enrique.

However, any deal would likely cost the Reds a pretty penny this window, as the Ligue 1 outfit are said to be demanding at least £128m to sell the forward this window.

Whilst it would appear a hefty sum would be needed to secure Barcola’s services, it’s a move which could secure Iraola’s men an elite-level left-winger for the foreseeable future.

He’s already further down the line of his development than Ngumoha, with the Frenchman’s stats from last season highlighting why he’s more electric than the Liverpool teenager.

Barcola ended the recent campaign with 21 combined goals and assists, a tally 18 higher than that of the Reds youngster – whilst also achieving a better minutes-per-goal contribution record.

The aforementioned figures make him a readymade option for Iraola next season as he attempts to make an immediate impact at Anfield after his summer appointment.

As for the PSG star, he’s also clocked a faster speed than Ngumoha, with his top speed of 36.72 km/h in the Champions League last season, one of the top five fastest sprints recorded by any player in the competition.

He also completed more successful dribbles per 90 than the teenager throughout 2025/26 – showcasing his ability to breeze past the opposition with his blistering pace whilst also adding the end product to his mazy runs.

Whilst France were knocked out of the World Cup last night, Barcola’s tally of two goals and one assist played a huge part in his nation’s ability to reach the latter stages of the competition.

Ngumoha has been unable to emulate such numbers over recent months, having being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the tournament in America.

There’s little denying that the sky is the limit for Ngumoha, but at present Barcola is a player who is already built to make an immediate impact on Merseyside.

There’s no reason why the Englishman can’t learn his trade off the Frenchman next term, but he may well have to play second fiddle once again if a £100m deal is agreed for the current PSG star.