Liverpool exceeded expectations with Arne Slot at the helm last season, winning the Premier League and comfortably at that.
It's been a fruitful start to the transfer window for the Reds, who don't want last year's triumph to stand as a flash in the pan, and are instead packing Slot's squad with enough quality to last for many years to come.
However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for pastures new in the Spanish capital and a few more exits could yet happen.
Trent-Alexander-Arnold-Real-Madrid
For example, Luis Diaz has been courted by Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and with just two years remaining on his current deal, he may be among the sold this summer.
Liverpool don't want to part with the Colombian maverick, something they informed Barca in no uncertain terms, but the transfer window is a long process indeed, and if he does go, the Reds must be ready to pounce on an alternative.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, it seems, is reportedly at the top of the shopping list.
Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon
Liverpool have clearly preempted Diaz's departure for a while, having bid to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January before the Georgian left winger completed a £59m move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.
Anthony Gordon looks dejected for Liverpool
In fact, the efforts to sign Gordon from Newcastle one year ago speak of a longer-running desire to secure a new wideman to serve as Diaz's eventual heir.
Gordon, 24, has come off the back of a frustrating campaign in spite of his side's silver-laden success, but he was immense in 2023/24, picking up 28 direct goal involvements, and has a connection to Anfield given he was released from Liverpool's academy when he was just 11 years old.
But Newcastle reportedly seek at least £80m to part with the Three Lions star, and is this something that Liverpool can justify spending, given the other areas of the field that still need reinforcing?
Should Diaz go, Liverpool will need to replace him. But given that there's a much cheaper alternative on the market, it might be better for sporting director Richard Hughes to shelve the interest in Gordon.
Liverpool open talks for new winger
As per reports in Spain - via Sport Witness - Liverpool have opened talks with Real Betis as they consider a bid for teenager winger Jesus Rodriguez.
Jesus Rodriguez
In direct competition with Aston Villa, Liverpool have learned they will need to meet his €50m (£43m) release clause if they are to bring in one of La Liga's brightest young talents.
Though FSG have made their initial enquiries and indeed have been scouting Rodriguez, it's worth noting little of substance has since emerged, and this is one which could drag into the later stretches of the transfer window.
Why Liverpool should sign Jesus Rodriguez
Rodriguez might only be 19, but he's already proven himself to be one of the most exciting talents in Spain, breaking into Real Betis' first team last season, featuring prominently across the latter half of the term, actually starting 15 times in the Spanish top flight.
The left-sided forward would be a far more astute purchase than Gordon, but one whose natural qualities and fast start to life on the senior stage could see him leapfrog the Englishman, all the while at a cost of less than half what Liverpool would need to pay Newcastle.
Real Betis' Jesus Rodriguez celebrates scoring their second goal
With Cody Gakpo already performing so well on the left flank at Liverpool, does it really make sense to fork out an excessive figure on a player who might not even knock him off his starting perch?
That's why Rodriguez would be perfect, having been hailed for his "explosive" style of play by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
It's such snappy performances that could lead Rodriguez to become Liverpool's own version of Gordon, one whose tactical brain remains malleable in its footballing infancy, and thus could see Slot bend it in whichever direction he pleases.
League Stats 24/25 - Jesus Rodriguez vs Anthony Gordon
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Big chances missed
Pass completion
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Data via Sofascore
Of course, Rodriguez isn't as refined and complete in his skill set as Gordon is right now, but the Betis man is also five years the England international's junior, still in his teenage phase.
What's curious is that he is crisp on the ball and combative in the duel, two staples of Gordon's tactical approach, which have seen him bloom into one of the Premier League's finest.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
Moreover, he's proven on the continental stage his propensity for success: as per FBref, the young Spaniard ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Conference League last year for successful take-ons and the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting both his pace and his willingness to get stuck in.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
His fleet-footedness certainly suggests there's a first-class player in there, and with Liverpool looking to sign a striker as well this season, this might prove the perfect signing to add a bit of depth while maintaining the harmony of Slot's squad.
Slot won't want to upset the tactical togetherness and coherence Liverpool have right now, nor will he want to take a big chunk out of the coffers before a new centre-forward has been brought in.
Rodriguez could be the perfect man to sign, should Diaz leave this summer.
Isak Liverpool jersey Related
He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward
Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward to replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez.