Latest Liverpool transfer news and rumours as the Reds have a growing to-list before the window closes on September 1
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool began their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over Preston North End on Sunday afternoon. It was an emotional day for the club as they paid a fitting tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Over the coming weeks, the Reds will look to regain some sense of normality as they travel to Hong Kong and Japan for their pre-season tour. Following their final two friendlies at Anfield next month, they’ll take on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield before kicking off their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth.
In addition to the work being done on the training pitch, Liverpool must also re-enter the transfer market, with a number of players still facing uncertain futures. The summer has already brought some impressive arrivals, with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez through the door, but the club will be well aware that there is still more to be done.
Here, Echo Sport takes a look at the issues Liverpool must look to address this summer...
Nunez future decision
Striker Darwin Nunez continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield, with Serie A champions Napoli reportedly pushing for his signature. It remains to be seen whether the Azzurri can meet Liverpool’s asking price, or if interest from elsewhere will materialise.
Liverpool have been linked with forwards such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike this summer, but having already spent heavily - most notably on Wirtz - any further investment will likely hinge on player sales, including a potential departure for Nunez.
Reports in Italy over the past week suggest Liverpool are standing firm on their £52m valuation, meaning this could just be a waiting game as the market unfolds.
Defensive reinforcements
A more pressing concern for Liverpool and Richard Hughes at present is the thinning depth at centre-back. The club sanctioned the £35m sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the summer, leaving just three senior centre-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez.
With Konate’s long-term future uncertain - as he’s entering the final year of his contract and continues to be linked with Real Madrid - Liverpool would be wise to pursue both an experienced ready-made replacement, as well as a younger prospect to develop.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been the name most strongly linked, largely due to his own contract situation at Selhurst Park, but beyond early reports of interest, there’s been little movement. What is clear, however, is that Liverpool cannot afford to head too far into pre-season without strengthening their back line.
Further exits
Alongside Nunez, several other players face uncertain futures at the club. Both Tyler Morton and Ben Doak are attracting interest from elsewhere, but Liverpool still have time on their side to secure the right deals at the right price.
Luis Diaz remains a target for the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and clubs in Saudi Arabia, but Liverpool continue to stand firm in their stance that he is not for sale. As a key player who would require a significant replacement, the Reds cannot allow any transfer saga to drag on deep into the window.
Elsewhere, decisions must be made about trimming the squad. With the arrival of Kerkez, Liverpool now have three senior left-backs, but speculation around the futures of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas has quietened in recent weeks.
Harvey Elliott’s standout performances for England at the U21 Euros have understandably caught the eye of several clubs both in the Premier League and abroad. Liverpool - and Elliott himself- face a difficult decision this summer on whether now is the right time for a move, or if he remains determined to fight for his place.