Arne Slot is on the verge of delivering the Premier League title in his first Liverpool season but the Reds could be required to strengthen some more in the summer
Liverpool have made progress on what some might call the most important parts of their summer transfer business but there’s more to come. Mohamed Salah has signed a new deal and Virgil van Dijk is set to be next, but the captain has called for more.
“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” Van Dijk said after Sunday’s win against West Ham. “I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board, as a Liverpool-connected fan, to do the right job. I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years.”
Different fans will have different preferences when it comes to what’s urgently needed. However, manager Arne Slot has pledged to “Make this team very strong next season”.
One area of concern is at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold still expected to join Real Madrid when his contract expires. There is also a feeling from some that reinforcements are needed up front, especially if Darwin Nunez is allowed to leave.
So, how might Liverpool find themselves lining up next season if all goes to plan over the summer? Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at some of those being linked.
READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk explains why he’s signing Liverpool deal as he follows Mo Salah exampleREAD MORE: Liverpool’s unnoticed absence says it all as Arne Slot’s transfer priority even clearer
Goalkeeper and defence
Alisson’s performance against West Ham on Sunday was yet another reminder of how important he is to the Reds. Giorgi Mamardashvili will arrive from Valencia to provide competition to the Brazilian, but that might spell the end for Caoimhin Kelleher with West Ham themselves among those keen on the Irish international.
In front of the keeper, the search for an Alexander-Arnold replacement could see Jeremie Frimpong return to England. The Bayer Leverkusen star spent time in Manchester City’s academy as a teenager, and a bid from Liverpool could allow him to take care of unfinished business in the Premier League.
The need for a long-term Andy Robertson successor at left-back has been well-documented, with Milos Kerkez still tipped to join. He might not be the only Bournemouth star winging his way to Anfield, though.
Dean Huijsen’s £50million release clause is due to kick in over the summer, and Liverpool are expected to battle Real Madrid for his signature. The Spanish international could end up as a short-term partner and a long-term successor for Van Dijk, with questions remaining over Ibrahima Konate until the Frenchman extends a contract currently due to expire in 2026.
Midfield
In the early part of the season, there were questions over whether Liverpool would rue missing out on Martin Zubimendi. A title win provides a decisive answer there, with Ryan Gravenberch thriving in a new deeper role.
Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the Reds’ most consistent performers this term, while Curtis Jones’ form might even leave some wondering what Liverpool could have achieved if he was fully fit last season. A new face might be helpful in terms of depth, if nothing else, though – especially if Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott are both allowed to leave.
Endo and Elliott have both found league minutes very hard to come by this season. There’s quality in the academy, but Slot will need to decide how many of those young talents are ready, and reports in Italy this month have suggested efforts might be made to test Inter Milan’s resolve over Nicolo Barella.
Attack
Liverpool’s primary target was keeping Mohamed Salah on board, but the supporting cast could use some sprucing up. Luis Diaz showed on Sunday that he deserves to remain a starter – providing he stays amid murmurings of renewed interest from Spain – but there are questions elsewhere.
Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have flattered to deceive in front of goal, while injuries and a lack of momentum have derailed Cody Gakpo’s season after a fast start. Nunez appears the most likely to leave, and a new central striker looks like the main priority.
Alexander Isak has plenty of admirers, including Liverpool, but the Reds are likely to be priced out of a move for the Newcastle star this summer. A more realistic play might be a move for Canada and Lille star Jonathan David, who is available on a free and would come with Champions League pedigree.
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