The Egyptian King helped define an era on Merseyside, instrumental as Jurgen Klopp grew Liverpool - organically - into one of the strongest forces in Europe.

He is no longer a part of the team, having left on a free transfer this summer and signed for Trabzonspor in Turkey. Replacing him was never going to be easy, but FSG moved to sign the likes of Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola as new wide options this summer.

It may actually be Rio Ngumoha who is emerging as Liverpool's Salah heir, though. The 18-year-old keeps getting better, and he's already been recognised by England manager Thomas Tuchel.

How Ngumoha has earned his England breakthrough

Ngumoha has the mark of a future superstar in the Premier League. He is young and inexperienced, but the versatile winger has the wind in his sails after emerging at Liverpool, already considered a valuable member of the Three Lions set-up.

Unleashed from the bench for the final 20 minutes of England's 2-0 win over Czech Republic, it was an impressive display, lively and full of character.

Ngumoha's rise has been well-documented, and England are keenly aware of his potential. Tuchel has drawn attention to his "natural courage and adventurous style of play". His electric pace and direct approach has indeed cemented him as a perennial option for his nation.

Though Ngumoha didn't earn a place in England's World Cup squad, Tuchel did pick him (alongside Alex Scott) to train with the squad during their pre-tournament camp over the pond. He impressed then, and is still catching the eye now, welcomed back into the brood.

Though the winger has a thrilling future in front of him, Liverpool are heavily stocked on the left wing now, and Ngumoha has not yet proven that he can perform with the same gusto when ferried out on the right.

What the future holds for Ngumoha

Liverpool struggled last season, but Ngumoha was the bright spark. Talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked it was "the beginning of something special" for the teenager, by far the most exciting member of Arne Slot's flagging frontline.

This season, he's still finding his feet. Andoni Iraola hasn't started him in the Premier League since the opening-day draw against Newcastle United.

Is Ngumoha ready to replace Salah as Liverpool's right winger? Perhaps not yet. Liverpool need a superstar, and must make that their priority heading into 2027.

That's not to say Ngumoha doesn't have the quality to make waves over the course of the campaign, but Liverpool have work to do if they are going to narrow the gap on Arsenal at the top of the tree.

How Liverpool could sign an elite version of Ngumoha

Ngumoha will go from strength to strength over the next few years, but Liverpool need a world-class player on the right, and they need such a player now.

Well, according to CF Bayern Munich insider, Liverpool have made Michael Olise one of their top transfer targets, with the 24-year-old widely regarded as a superstar after leaving Crystal Palace and signing for Bayern Munich two years ago.

The Bundesliga champions are adamant Olise is not for sale, and are actually looking to open talks with the France forward to cement his place at the club over the coming years. Olise does have a €200m (£171m) release clause, but whether Liverpool would meet that record-breaking sum is another matter entirely.

Having just stepped back into the role as Anfield's technical director, Julian Ward has his work cut out here, but there's no question that Liverpool will be among the frontrunners if a sliver of an opportunity to sign Olise does present itself.

Across 114 appearances for Bayern, the right-sider has posted 50 goals and 58 assists. He is a phenomenon, even hailed as "the best winger in the world" by his teammate Harry Kane.

Like Ngumoha, Olise is a fast and furious dribbler, though he's perhaps a touch less explosive than the England international. Nonetheless, the Frenchman is levels above his counterpart, very much the gold standard.

Bayern invariably run riot in the Bundesliga, but Olise's performances in the Champions League last term will have left no question as to his eliteness. He ranked inside the top 5% of forwards out on the continent for chances created (2.75) and dribbles completed (3.75) per 90.

There is also no concern over his adaptability, should he swap Bayern for Liverpool in the Premier League. Olise wreaked havoc in England when playing for Crystal Palace, destructive in front of goal and effortlessly creative. Defenders couldn't contain him.

Ngumoha is immmensely gifted, but he isn't ready to produce the same kind of numbers as Olise. Not at the highest level with that same depth and consistency.

Whether Liverpool manage to pull this one off remains to be seen, but Olise is the best of the best, and as Ward prepares to find a winger to replace Salah on the right side of Iraola's system, this has to be the signature he pushes to land.