With Mohamed Salah beginning a new chapter abroad, Liverpool opens its 2026-27 Premier League season with a critical void, putting pressure on expensive talents Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool is set to kick off its 2026-27 Premier League campaign under manager Andoni Iraola at Newcastle on Sunday, but the significant narrative revolves around a player who will be 2,100 miles away. For the first time since 2015, the Reds will start a season without the iconic presence of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, or Roberto Firmino in their squad.

Salah, who will be playing for Trabzonspor against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super Lig, leaves an immense void. He holds the Premier League record for most goals scored on the first matchday, with 10 opening-day strikes for Liverpool. This departure places a significant burden on the club's recent high-profile acquisitions, particularly Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, to elevate their performance, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Football.

The collective goalscoring and creative responsibility previously shouldered by Salah, who netted 257 goals for the Reds, must now be distributed across the team. With Cody Gakpo, with 50 Reds goals, currently Liverpool's top scorer, the challenge for the new attacking line-up is undeniable.

The End of an Era and New Attacking Investments

The departure of Mohamed Salah marks the definitive end of an incredible period for Liverpool. Between 2015 and 2026, the formidable trio of Salah, Mane, and Firmino collectively scored an astonishing 488 goals for the Reds, with Salah contributing 257, Mane 120, and Firmino 111 of those.

Recognizing the eventual need to transition, Liverpool invested heavily last summer, signing Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike for a combined fee of £320 million. While Ekitike, 24, had a promising start at Anfield before an Achilles tendon rupture in April sidelined him for most of the season, the focus now intensifies on Isak, 26, and Wirtz, 23, who had disappointing debut campaigns.

The club had anticipated making another statement signing following Salah's confirmed exit in March, but as the new season approaches, no such acquisition has materialized. Captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the need for squad depth, stating, "We need a squad that is able to compete on all four fronts, that's the only way to try to be successful."

Liverpool's Continued Search for Attacking Depth

More than five months after Salah's move was confirmed, Liverpool's pursuit of a top-class forward continues. They were unsuccessful in signing 19-year-old Yan Diomande, who joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig for up to £120 million. Ekitike's injury has further heightened the priority for another attacker.

Growing confidence suggests a deal for Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola, 23, could be imminent, with the France winger reportedly open to the move. While PSG initially sought around £145 million, Liverpool aims for a fee closer to £100 million. The Reds had previously explored a move for Barcola, who primarily plays on the left, last summer but chose not to block Rio Ngumoha's pathway.

The landscape changed with Salah's earlier-than-expected departure. Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest goalscorer with a memorable 100th-minute winner at St James' Park last August, will sign a five-year deal upon turning 18 next week. He has been trialed on the right flank, Salah's former position, during pre-season, as Iraola values wingers capable of playing on both sides. Liverpool also had a £50 million bid rejected for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh this week and has explored a move for PSG's Ibrahim Mbaye.

Isak and Wirtz Under the Spotlight

The upcoming season will place Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz firmly under the spotlight. Isak, who cost a British record transfer fee of £125 million, had an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield, scoring only four times after netting 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle. Encouragingly, his link-up with Wirtz has shown promising signs in pre-season.

Wirtz, who will mainly operate behind the striker, believes he is better equipped for the demands of the Premier League after a season under his belt. The German scored seven goals and provided 10 assists last season, and there is a strong belief within Liverpool that much more is to come from the 23-year-old midfielder.

Manager Andoni Iraola believes Isak will be "very important" this season and is in "a very good place." Iraola stated, "We know his level and if we can keep him there he will score the goals and give us a lot of things." He also highlighted his focus on Isak's contribution without the ball and his ability to create spaces for teammates when Liverpool is in possession.

High Hopes for Alexander Isak's Resurgence

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler is a "massive fan" of Alexander Isak and expects him to be a "handful" for opposing defenses. Fowler acknowledged Isak's previous Premier League success with Newcastle and suggested his debut campaign at Anfield was hampered by injury.

Fowler praised Isak's all-around ability, saying, "He has everything in the locker, is exciting when he drives with the ball and he makes things happen." He added that Isak "excites the fans which is imperative for a club like Liverpool" and has the capacity to beat players, involve others, and score goals, which is "massive."

The striker's hefty price tag, which set a British transfer record, does not concern Fowler, who believes Isak's focus remains solely on performing. As Liverpool embarks on life without Salah, and with the wait for Bradley Barcola continuing, the opportunity for Isak to step up could not be more fitting than at St James' Park, his former home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is replacing Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?

While no single player is expected to replicate Mohamed Salah's achievements, Liverpool's new attacking burden will be shared among recent signings Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, alongside existing players like Cody Gakpo and young talent Rio Ngumoha. The club is also actively pursuing other forwards, notably Bradley Barcola.

How many goals did Mohamed Salah score for Liverpool?

Mohamed Salah scored an impressive 257 goals for Liverpool during his tenure at the club, making him a central figure in their attack for over a decade. He also holds a Premier League record with 10 goals scored on the opening matchday of the season.

What is the current transfer situation at Liverpool?

Liverpool is actively seeking to sign another top-class forward following Mohamed Salah's departure. They failed in their pursuit of Yan Diomande and are now reportedly close to securing a deal for Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola. The club also had a £50 million bid rejected for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh this week, indicating their intent to strengthen wide attacking positions.

What are the expectations for Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz this season?

High expectations surround Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz after their disappointing debut campaigns. Manager Andoni Iraola believes Isak, who cost £125 million, will be "very important" and expects him to score goals. Wirtz, who contributed seven goals and 10 assists last season, is anticipated to thrive in his role behind the striker, with a belief at the club that much more is to come from the German.