Last season, Liverpool shocked everybody as they won the Premier League against all odds. The Reds had been tipped to struggle during preseason, especially considering the fact that they were embarking on the post-Jurgen Klopp era and their only major signing was the injury-riddled Federico Chiesa. However, new manager Arne Slot managed to hit the ground running, racking up an almighty lead in the title race that ultimately turned out to be insurmountable.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, however, online sports betting sites don’t consider the Merseysiders outsiders for the title anymore. The latest odds from Bovada’s sports betting site make the reigning champions a 2/1 favorite to defend their crown next season, ahead of both Arsenal and Manchester City, who are priced at 9/4. However, things are looking much different at Anfield this summer.
Following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, the Reds moved quickly to bring in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Unsatisfied with that, they then raided Die Werkself once again to sign the highly rated Florian Wirtz in a British record outlay of £116 million. But manager Slot is also on the hunt for a new striker, and considering his side’s spending already, his hands could be somewhat tied and spending power diminished.
The facilitators
To afford new arrivals, Liverpool will almost certainly need to sell some of their current senior players. The first thought to be on the chopping block is much-maligned striker Darwin Nunez.
Since heading to Merseyside three years ago, the Uruguayan has shown flashes of brilliance but has been far too inconsistent, especially in front of goal. His raw athleticism and direct style of play have, at times, clashed with the intricate, possession-based system at Anfield, while his finishing has left a lot to be desired.
His missed penalty and Liverpool’s subsequent elimination from the UEFA Champions League seemingly put the writing on the wall. Now, the former Benfica man looks set to exit Anfield this summer, with Napoli and Saudi Arabia rumored to be potential destinations.
LIVERPOOL ARE OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 😱
pic.twitter.com/BtLSp06fCB
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) March 11, 2025
Another who could leave is Colombian winger Luis Diaz. The pacey wide man was brought in as a post-Sadio Mane replacement from FC Porto and has earned plenty of plaudits throughout his time at Anfield. However, his potential departure seems increasingly likely, with Barcelona heavily linked to signing him. If he also leaves, then the Reds will have a mighty transfer pot, and here is how they are expected to spend it.
The dream target
Atop Liverpool’s list of potential striker signings is Alexander Isak. The Swedish international has dazzled at Newcastle United since his arrival three years ago, scoring an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances in all competitions, including the winner against The Reds in last season’s League Cup final.
The former Real Sociedad man’s profile fits Arne Slot’s current needs perfectly; he is tall, agile, technically gifted, and tactically versatile. His ability to play both as a lone forward and in a two-striker system could offer several options in attack, while his finishing ability is far more reliable than that of the outgoing Nunez.
Having already proved his capabilities in the Premier League, Isak’s transition would be seamless compared to players arriving from overseas. His movement off the ball and composure in front of the goal make him an ideal candidate to spearhead Liverpool’s attack for years to come. However, Newcastle does not need to sell, and as such, any potential deal could cost an absolute fortune.
The back-up options
Should the transfer fee demanded to secure Isak’s services exceed what Liverpool can afford – or be willing – to pay, then they have a couple of high-rated back-ups already in mind. The first of those Eintracht Frankfurt youngsters is Hugo Ekitike. The young Frenchman stepped into the void left by Omar Marmoush’s departure last season by firing 22 goals in all competitions throughout a breakout campaign,
What works in Liverpool’s favor is its strong financial position in comparison to Bundesliga clubs. Unlike Isak, who could cost anywhere up to – and perhaps beyond – £120m, Ekitike could well be available for around half of that. However, whether he would hit the ground running at Anfield like his Swedish counterpart almost certainly is up for debate.
Another name linked with a move is highly-rated RB Leipzig man Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward has been compared to Erling Haaland for his physical characteristics and goal-scoring instincts, and he certainly has an eye for goal.
However, similar to the aforementioned Ekitike, any potential ‘Bundesliga Tax’ would hit Liverpool hard. Plus, Sesko’s goalscoring exploits slowed somewhat throughout Die Roten Bulen’s disappointing 2024/25 campaign, with the 22-year-old netting just 13 goals in the league last season as Leipzig missed out on European qualification for the first time since their promotion to the Bundesliga.
Both prospects have youth on their side and could well be available for a cheaper price than Isak. Their lack of Premier League experience, however, leaves question marks over any potential additions, and that could scupper any deals being made. As such, Isak remains Liverpool’s number one focus.
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