Andoni Iraola has made one thing clear about Liverpool’s summer transfer business: replacing Mohamed Salah cannot be treated as optional.

Liverpool have already started reshaping their squad ahead of Iraola’s first season at Anfield, but the departure of one of the most productive attackers in the club’s history has created an obvious hole. Salah is preparing for the next chapter of his career after nine years on Merseyside, with a move to Besiktas appearing to be his likely destination.

For Iraola, the challenge goes beyond finding another talented attacker. Liverpool are losing a player who delivered goals, assists, experience and a reliable threat from wide areas season after season.

The Reds have already brought in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz this summer, but neither arrival removes the need for a proven senior attacker who can immediately take responsibility in the final third.

Liverpool know replacing Salah like-for-like may be impossible. What they cannot afford to do is enter the new campaign without addressing the enormous amount of attacking production that has just walked out the door.

Iraola has not attempted to hide where Liverpool need reinforcements.

Speaking during the club’s preseason tour in the United States, the Spanish coach admitted that predicting exactly how many players will arrive is difficult because opportunities can develop throughout the transfer window.

When it comes to a winger, however, there is considerably less ambiguity.

“We definitely need to sign a winger,” Iraola said while discussing Liverpool’s remaining business.

That statement gives supporters a good indication of what sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment department will be working on over the coming weeks.

Salah scored 257 goals during his Liverpool career. Asking one new signing to immediately reproduce those numbers would create unrealistic expectations, but Iraola still needs someone capable of becoming a major part of his attack.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has emerged as one of the most interesting possibilities.

The French international possesses the pace and one-on-one ability that could suit the aggressive football Iraola is expected to implement at Anfield. However, any potential deal remains connected to developments elsewhere in the European transfer market.

Liverpool had also made progress in their pursuit of Yan Diomande earlier in the summer, although the RB Leipzig attacker reportedly prefers a move to PSG.

That situation could ultimately work in Liverpool’s favor. Should Diomande arrive in Paris, Barcola could become more accessible as competition for attacking positions increases.