Right now, talking transfers feels insignificant as the adjustment to life without Diogo Jota continues. In time, though, things will return on that front — and the rumor mill has carried on in overdrive.
While news that Hugo Ekitike could be heading for Newcastle United has led many to the conclusion that Alexander Isak could be on the move, Liverpool will have to sell players as well as buy. Center-back and center forward look like obvious places to strengthen, but the Reds have a few options to generate funds too.
Ben Doak, for instance, is one whose future has been much talked about. With Mohamed Salah for competition down the right flank for Liverpool, it is unlikely that anyone — let alone someone still trying to find consistency and fulfill their potential — will get a chance to play there consistently.
Salah will be away for AFCON for a period, yes, but Jeremie Frimpong can operate on the wing too. As a result, when it comes to Doak, a move away — either permanently or on another loan — would make the most sense.
Not turning 20 until November, there is plenty of time for him to develop further. That feels more realistic elsewhere, however.
Everton has been credited with holding an interest in Doak in recent months, while Nottingham Forest, flush with the Anthony Elanga cash, has been suggested as a landing spot this week.
Liverpool valued Doak at around $34 million (£25 million) in January when Crystal Palace was sniffing around him. It remains to be seen who might be willing to put down that sort of money.
Ben Doak Liverpool
(Image: Getty)
With a higher chance of their valuations being met, perhaps, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton have both been named as featuring on West Ham's radar this summer by The Guardian. Both should be looking to move on in search of regular minutes.
Elliott has a huge amount of talent, but he needs a platform to show that. The arrival of Florian Wirtz at Anfield will only further restrict his chances, and they were already pretty limited.
In a season where Elliott should be looking to break into the senior England squad in time to play at next summer's World Cup, he should be seeking guarantees of game time. Most Premier League clubs could offer that, as could some in Germany.
And in terms of a price tag, if Elanga is worth $70 million (£55 million), then Elliott should be pitched at something similar, albeit that would rule out a move anywhere other than elsewhere in England.
Morton, meanwhile, wanted to move and get regular game time last year. He showed what he can do during the U21 European Championship and, like Elliott, would start frequently for most top-flight teams.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
The 22-year-old is very good, but he isn't going to get into the Liverpool midfield ahead of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. He should, though, fetch a fee of at least $27 million (£20 million).
At left-back, the arrival of Milos Kerkez means Liverpool has three players for one position. For one of Kostas Tsimikas or Andy Robertson, it might make more sense to move on, though the former hinted this week that he would be staying. There is plenty of time left to make that decision.
Finally, as with Elliott, Federico Chiesa needs regular game time ahead of the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. The Italian barely featured last season, and there is interest in Italy in taking him back. That would be logical for a similarly small fee as the one that he cost to snap up from Juventus a year ago.
And Darwin Nunez moving on feels like the right thing, too. He is going to cost more than $70M, however, and it remains to be seen if Napoli (or anyone else) will be willing to spend that.
Between those five or six names, Liverpool should be able to recoup a huge chunk of money in the market — something close to $200M. For that reason, more big arrivals shouldn't be ruled out.