Throughout the entirety of the summer transfer window, Liverpool’s main priority was improving the attacking department - most notably the right-hand side of such an area.

Mohamed Salah’s departure from Anfield heightened the need for added reinforcements to help Andoni Iraola in his quest for success after his appointment.

However, despite the deal to sign Victor Munoz, the hierarchy struggled to land another forward option - even making offers for numerous attacking options in the Premier League.

Bradley Barcola, a left winger, did arrive before the window slammed shut, but the club made a mistake in pulling out of a deal to sign another player in England’s top-flight.

Why Liverpool still lack a right-sided attacker

After the window closed, Iraola utilised Munoz off the right-hand side during Friday night’s win over Ipswich Town, but it was evident he was featuring in an unfamiliar position.

The Spaniard only completed 50% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst only winning 38% of his ground duels - subsequently being unable to create a single chance for his teammates.

Such an issue could have been solved had the Reds continued negotiations with Brighton & Hove Albion for the signature of Yankuba Minteh after having an offer rejected for the Gambian.

Fabian Hurzeler’s men placed an £80m asking price above the winger’s head, subsequently seeing the Reds exit talks and move on to other transfer targets.

However, the 22-year-old is exactly what Iraola’s side need off the right-hand side, with the youngster a direct and pacey option - which could have softened the blow of Salah’s departure.

Minteh placed in the top 3% of all attackers in the Premier League for top speed registered last campaign, which would have handed the side needed speed in the final third.

His direct nature was further evident in his tally of 65 dribbles completed in England’s top-flight last term, subsequently registering more than 98% of attackers in the division.

How Liverpool sold their own Minteh for just £25m

There’s no denying Liverpool have been guilty of selling top talents way too prematurely - which has often come back to bite the Reds in their hunt for Premier League glory.

Neco Williams and Harry Wilson are just two examples who were sold too early in their careers, which has seen the aforementioned consistently star in England’s top-flight.

Both would have been key members of Iraola’s squad at present, but the mistakes of the hierarchy have prevented the manager from being able to rely upon such talents.

Another player who appears to have been sold too early is winger Ben Gannon-Doak, who left the Reds to feature under Iraola at Bournemouth in the summer of 2025.

The Scottish international, who left for £25m, has taken his career to the next level in recent times - even featuring for his nation at the recent World Cup this summer.

The 20-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent times, but has still managed to provide the goods, as seen by his tally of one assist despite featuring for just 105 league minutes last season.

Gannon-Doak has followed in the footsteps of Minteh in having to leave one Premier League club to join another to try and gain valuable minutes to aid his progression.

The Gambian was sold by Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, subsequently leaving the Magpies to join the Seagulls in a deal to satisfy the former’s PSR standing.

The Scotsman left Liverpool to join Bournemouth last summer to gain more game time himself, with the 20-year-old already possessing numerous similarities to the Gambian.

He is known for his blistering pace within attacking areas of the pitch, which has often seen him glide past the opposition - as seen against Brazil at the World Cup, where he completed two dribbles.

Both are also versatile and able to feature off either flank, which could have handed Iraola the perfect opportunity to work with a player who could emulate Minteh’s success.

Although Gannon-Doak is yet to fulfill his potential at the Vitality, there’s no denying the youngster will be a massive hit during his career and Liverpool will regret selling him for just £25m.

Had they kept hold of the winger, it could have seen him become a first-team regular this season and potentially make himself a fan-favourite in the pursuit of silverware on Merseyside.