The dust has settled on the winter transfer window - but the overhaul might not be over yet
Liverpool's transfer summer 2026: will the Reds strengthen and who could leave?
Liverpool could be set for a busy summer
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Liverpool underwent a massive overhaul of the first team squad in summer 2025 after capturing a 20th league title the previous season.
Regular starters Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all moved onto pastures new, with big signings drafted in to strengthen the starting lineup: Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool also snapped up Parma wonderkid Giovanni Leoni and shuffled their goalkeeping ranks with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman brought in as backup options to Alisson Becker, while squad options Jarell Quansah, Ben Gannon-Doak, Caoimhin Kelleher and Tyler Morton all left on permanent deals.
Of course, the club was also shook by the death of Diogo Jota, a core member of the title-winning squad, in July.
The upheaval of the 2025-26 season resulted in a major drop-off in results and performances for the Reds, the causes and consequences of which will continue to be unpacked for the remainder of the season - and possibly beyond.
But with several first-team players' contract situations up in the air, key players entering the twilight of their careers, and plenty of new faces linked ahead of the summer, supporters can expect plenty more changes to come.
Liverpool's recruitment team will already be hard at work, but who will follow Jeremy Jacquet through the door at Kirkby - and who could leave?
We'll cut through the noise and assess the most talked-about potential transfers that could happen this year.
IN:
Defence
Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool next summer
Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool next summer(Image: Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Liverpool wrapped up a £55+5 million deal for Jeremy Jacquet on deadline day, pipping Chelsea to the 20-year-old Parisian centre-back, who has made a name for himself at Europe-chasing Stade Rennais in Ligue 1.
Jacquet will join his new teammates in the summer, with a view to forming a partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk. But with no new updates on the contract of Ibrahima Konate, which is set to expire in the summer, Liverpool are currently expected to head into pre-season with just one peak age centre-back in Joe Gomez.
Gomez is capable of turning in reliable performances anywhere in the defensive line when in the rhythm of playing regular games, but injury issues remain a perennial concern for Liverpool's longest-serving player, who will turn 29 in May.
As such, there's every chance Liverpool find themselves back in the market for another defender in the summer - and a few names have already been the subject of substantial links.
Liverpool tried to sign RB Leipzig right-back Lutsharel Geertruida in the final days of the winter window, but the deal was deemed too complicated with current loan club Sunderland unwilling to let the 25-year-old leave without finding a suitable replacement.
Geertruida is Arne Slot's most-used player throughout his managerial career to date, having made 127 appearances during Slot's time at Feyenoord - and was linked with a move to Liverpool as soon as the Dutch coach announced his appointment as Jurgen Klopp's replacement.
He was even pictured in the away end as Liverpool drew 2-2 with West Ham at the London Stadium in April 2024, and was believed to be very open to a reunion with his former boss when Liverpool expressed interest in taking him on loan last month.
With the ability to play across the back line, and known for his composure on the ball, Geertruida could fill a valuable squad role similar to the one Gomez currently occupies at Liverpool, making a return for the Dutchman in the summer plausible - but at 25 and with minimal exposure at the top level of European football, he's unlikely to be a priority target.
Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur
Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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One player Liverpool were linked heavily with in January, without a move coming to pass, was Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven.
Van de Ven is a rapid centre-back who plays regularly at left-back for the Netherlands, with Virgil van Dijk occupying his regular position at Spurs when on national team duty.
This could cast doubt on Liverpool making a summer move for the defender, but van Dijk will turn 35 in the summer and cannot be expected to maintain his elite levels indefinitely.
Van de Ven would, however, provide Liverpool with depth in two positions, which would be especially useful if both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas move on to new clubs in the summer - but with over three years left on his contract at Spurs and the north London side unwilling to sell, any successful transfer would likely require a world record fee for a defender.
The prevalence of left-footed centre-backs linked with Liverpool in the rumour mill suggests this is a position Liverpool are considering strengthening, with Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck also linked.
Bastoni has been rumoured to be entering a make or break year at Internazionale, where the defender has made 286 appearances and clocked up an impressive 30 assists since 2019 - though he admitted he would "probably" stay put back in December.
Links haven't yet emerged from reliable sources, but if Bastoni is considering his future at Inter, Liverpool should be right in the mix. He would not come cheap, but signing Bastoni - who is comfortable in a back four or back three - would secure the left side of defence for years to come.
Schlotterbeck, meanwhile, has openly spoken about his uncertainty around his future at Borussia Dortmund. At 26 - the same age as Bastoni - he is two years van de Ven's senior, and has made 149 appearances for Jurgen Klopp's former club, scoring 14 times and providing 15 assists.
The 23-time German international admitted in January he has set a "personal deadline" to make a decision about his future - which he is set to announce before the end of the season - amidst links to Liverpool and Bayern Munich, with his contract expiring in 2027.
With Bayern having recently agreed a new contract for Dayot Upamecano, reported to include a release clause which will come into effect the same summer, Schlotterbeck may choose to run down his current deal - with homewreckers Real Madrid also having been named as potential suitors.
Midfield
Adam Wharton runs on the pitch in Crystal Palace home colours.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has been linked with a move to Liverpool - but the ECHO understands the rumours are wide of the mark.(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
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Social media blew up in the final week of the winter transfer window with the reports that Liverpool were poised to make an imminent bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
Reliable sources (including the ECHO's Paul Gorst) quickly quashed the rumours, which claimed personal terms had already been agreed, with Wharton understood to be "not an active target" despite claims he was keen on a move to Anfield.
However, it stands to reason that Liverpool should remain attentive to Wharton's availability, with the 21-year-old one of the most sought-after English homegrown talents in the game.
Nevertheless, with Wharton's price tag reported varyingly between £65 million and £100 million, it would probably take a major exit from the current midfield ranks for Liverpool to make a move, while links to Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have been unsupported so far.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is believed to be on the Reds' radar, though there have been no suggestions that a move for the 20-year-old Dutchman is in the works any time soon.
A host of top clubs including the Reds are said to be tracking Smit, with no clear front-runner at this stage. Newcastle were said to have been discouraged from making a January move for the youngster, who has made 62 appearances since breaking into the first team at AZ.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team's first goal
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the team's first goal(Image: Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock)
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Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is one of the more interesting midfield links. The reliable David Ornstein recently named the 23-year-old as "one to watch" for the summer, with suitors "not expected to be dissuaded" by Villa's resistance to sell, nor the contract Rogers signed last year to keep him at Villa Park until 2031.
Rogers has been linked with Liverpool for years, and has cemented himself this season as one of the Premier League's standout players - hiking up his value, meaning he would probably cost over £100 million.
But with Rogers favouring the tip of midfield or the left flank - areas of the pitch currently occupied by standout signing Florian Wirtz - it's hard to see where Rogers would fit in Liverpool's best XI.
And if Villa qualify for the Champions League at Liverpool's expense, any chance of a deal taking shape would almost certainly vanish.
Attack
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.(Image: Ronny HARTMANN / AFP via Getty Images)
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Yan Diomande is the name that generated the most traction as a potential recruit in Liverpool's attack during the rumour frenzy in January, with the 19-year-old Ivorian having lit up the Bundesliga since joining RB Leipzig from Leganes last summer.
Bayern Munich were also credited with an interest in Diomande as competition for Luis Diaz, but were said to have been put off by his price tag and Leipzig's reluctance to sell so soon after buying.
The Red Bull model is based on developing young players and selling them for a profit, however, and a bid of €100 million (£87 million) would be enough to test Leipzig's resolve according to some reports.
Diomande admitted in November that his "dream" is to play for Liverpool, the club his father supports, and with Mohamed Salah likely to move on this summer or next, the club will already be making plans for the future of the attack - plans which, if he continues his development at the frightening rate he is doing currently, could well include Diomande.
Liverpool are not expected to be interested in a central striker this summer, having only just acquired Ekitike and Isak, but other names than Diomande's have done the rounds as versatile attacking options.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 05: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool (R) tackles Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at Parc des Princes on March 05, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool (R) tackles Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain last season (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Reports in France have claimed Bradley Barcola of PSG could leave the European champions this summer, having been reported as under consideration at Liverpool after Diaz's departure last year.
Ultimately, Liverpool chose not to sign a left winger so as not to block Rio Ngumoha's progress, but with the exciting 17-year-old still very raw and Slot unwilling to throw him into the pressure cooker of a disappointing season, a loan move next season may end up being the best option for Rio to make up for lost time.
If this is the case, Liverpool could do a lot worse than to revive interest in Barcola, though the Frenchman has been a starter more often than not this season and it remains to be seen if he would consider leaving the Parisian outfit.
This would certainly be off the cards - as would many of the other names mentioned - if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League, while this would also apply to Real Madrid's Brazilian attacker Rodrygo.
The 25-year-old, who isn't a regular starter in Madrid, admitted he received offers from other clubs last summer - when he was mentioned in the same conversations as Barcola in regard to Liverpool - but indicated he would stay "as long as Real Madrid wants me".
Rodrygo's availability will depend on the outcome of Real's messy internal political situation, which may hinge on their next permanent managerial appointment - but Liverpool will certainly face competition if their previously reported interest resurfaces.
OUT:
Defence
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Ibrahima Konate is the headline name, with the 26-year-old France international currently expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season on the expiry of his current contract.
Liverpool remain determined to tie Konate down to a new deal, but reliable reporters have confirmed that there has been no progress and many supporters have already steeled themselves for the defender's exit.
The signing of Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the new season would indicate the club have done the same, and at this stage a renewal should be treated as a bonus rather than an expectation.
Andy Robertson is another who Mo Salah would probably describe as "more out than in", after nearly joining Spurs towards the end of the winter transfer window.
The left-back has enjoyed a stellar Liverpool career and remains the model professional, but has never hid his desire to play more regularly following Milos Kerkez's arrival last summer.
Andy Robertson. Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Andy Robertson could be leaving Liverpool soon(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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With Spurs currently navigating a string of defensive injuries, it is unlikely Robertson would find himself with such a clear path to the starting XI in north London next season, but with his contract set to expire in the summer, he should have no shortage of suitors - including his boyhood club, Celtic.
Robertson's final decision is likely to come down to whether he wants to continue competing at the highest level - in which case, Liverpool may remain his best option - or whether he is willing to sacrifice battling for the top trophies in order to find a club that can still guarantee him regular starts.
If Robertson does stick around, then Kostas Tsimikas may have already played his last game in red. The Greek Scouser was the would-be kingmaker in Robertson's failed Spurs move, with Liverpool hoping to recall him from his loan spell at Roma to provide cover for Kerkez, but the Giallorossi were unable to find a suitable replacement.
Joe Gomez is another who could be on the move, but the man Liverpool bought from Charlton for £3.5 million in 2015 has a habit of sticking around.
Ultimately, Gomez's value to Liverpool far exceeds what could be garnered from a transfer fee, with the 28-year-old able to perform reliably across the back line and in defensive midfield.
It has long been expected that Gomez would ultimately move on in search of more regular minutes, having failed to reach the limits of his world-class potential (no thanks to a chequered injury record), but a move has never come to pass.
AC Milan were credited with interest in January having prepared a bid ahead of Marc Guehi's proposed move to Liverpool last summer, while Crystal Palace and Brighton were also reported to be interested in Gomez at the time.
Midfield
Harvey Elliott is spending the season on loan at Aston Villa
Harvey Elliott is spending the season on loan at Aston Villa(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Harvey Elliottremains stranded on a disastrous loan at Aston Villa, with no reprieve in sight as Liverpool are believed to be demanding a penalty fee for Unai Emery's side to cut the deal short.
There was surprise in some quarters that Liverpool did not facilitate a smooth recall, but Slot refuses to speak about Elliott, who he considers an Aston Villa player.
Villa did sign Elliott with an obligation to buy for £35 million, but that was contingent on the player making 10 appearances - which Emery has no desire to see him fulfil.
As long as Slot remains in charge at Anfield, it seems impossible that Elliott could revive his Liverpool career but, with what is effectively a wasted season behind him, it is equally unlikely Liverpool would be able to attract the same fee for a player many originally felt had been let go on the cheap.
Liverpool supporters got a nasty surprise when news of Inter's interest in Curtis Jones broke late in the winter window, and Slot did not exactly play down the reports when asked about them in his most recent press conference ahead of the clash with Manchester City at Anfield.
Jones is in the final 18 months of his contract and, despite indicating his desire to one day captain Liverpool earlier in the season, is believed to have been open to the move to Serie A having still not managed to nail down a starting berth for the Reds.
A prolonged run in the starting lineup could still change his mind, and would arguably be well-deserved after some influential performances in deeper areas of the midfield this season as Alexis Mac Allister has struggled to find his previous levels.
It is worth remembering that, despite a season with no goals and just one assist, Jones has made over 200 appearances for his boyhood club and has averaged a goal contribution once every five games.
Along with his profile as a strong, tall, technical player capable of dictating the rhythm of Liverpool's midfield, those numbers are elite and to let Jones go would mean losing a player on the verge of entering the world class bracket - not to mention the only Scouser left in Liverpool's team after the departure of Alexander-Arnold.
Alexis Mac Allister in action during the Champions League game between Liverpool and Qarabag.
Alexis Mac Allister in action during the Champions League game between Liverpool and Qarabag.(Image: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Fresh reports have covered Real Madrid's long-term interest in Alexis Mac Allister, who is said to have given "positive feedback" to a potential move to the Spanish capital during Carlo Ancelotti's time in charge.
Ancelotti was replaced by Xabi Alonso last summer, and another former Red in Alvaro Arbeloa currently occupies the hotseat, but Los Blancos' transfer policy is essentially dictated by one man: Florentino Perez.
It stands to reason that Real would retain their interest in Mac Allister, who is very much world class at his best, and previously admitted he would "definitely like to play in Spain one day".
Mac Allister's contract expires in 2028 and, if is heart is set on a move, this summer would be a prudent time for Liverpool to cash in - particularly if the Reds miss out on the financial cushion of Champions League qualification.
Wataru Endo is another whose future is uncertain, with the Japan captain unfavoured in Slot's midfield. However, the Dutch coach has utilised Endo's versatility at centre-back and right-back this season, and Liverpool's current injury crisis is likely to see him pick up plenty more minutes over the coming weeks and months.
Ajax were briefly rumoured to hold an interest in signing Endo during the winter window, but these links were not backed up by reliable sources.
While his warrior spirit and professionalism are intangible qualities that are difficult to replace, Endo's skillset is definitely an area where Liverpool could look to upgrade in any case, particularly given he occupies one of just 17 non-homegrown player slots in FA and UEFA squad rules - all of which are currently filled at Liverpool.
Endo turns 33 next week and will enter the final year of his contract in the summer.
Attack
Where else to start but Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian King left supporters, his teammates and Arne Slot in no doubt as to his feelings about being benched three games in a row in an explosive outburst before Christmas.
But in truth, Liverpool's third all-time top goalscorer can have few complaints as he has endured a dramatic drop-off from the astonishing heights he reached as Liverpool romped to the Premier League title last season.
His suggestion that "someone at the club wants me gone" carried little weight just eight months after Liverpool made Salah their highest earner of all time, and read as a thinly-veiled attack on the manager's authority as the team endured a wretched run of form.
Though Salah has acted with commendable professionalism since his return from AFCON, and the jury remains out on whether his diatribe was an opportunistic bid to force the club into choosing between him and Slot or just a spontaneous release of emotion, the contract Salah was given last season carried with it a responsibility to represent the club and maintain his levels of output.
For as much as Salah is rightly lauded as a hero and a modern legend of the club, it is hard to argue that he has fulfilled either of those responsibilities this season.
On his best days, Salah is still an immense threat, but with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) circling, it seems increasingly likely that this will be Mo's last season as Liverpool's No. 11.
Al-Ittihad are currently considered the most likely destination after Karim Benzema moved to fellow PIF-owned club Al-Hilal in January.
Finally, Federico Chiesa will almost certainly move on at the end of this season, having failed to leave a mark on Liverpool (in a sporting sense, at least) since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024.
While his song will be sadly missed, most supporters would likely agree that a transfer to a club where he can be one of the main men would be the best outcome for Chiesa and for Liverpool, as the Reds go into another summer where better options in attack are required.
Juventus sniffed around a return for their former player in January, but turned their noses up at Liverpool's asking price. A compromise seems the most likely resolution in the summer window.