Arne Slot could be forced to pick from a pool of talent looking to leave relegated Premier League clubs this summer, a tactic that Liverpool has benefitted from in the past
13:54, 01 May 2026
Liverpool could once again look to poach elite talent from relegated teams
Liverpool could once again look to poach elite talent from relegated teams(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Liverpool may be heading in a new direction under head coach Arne Slot, but the club could repeat an old transfer strategy that worked so well for Fenway Sports Group under Jurgen Klopp.
It's set to be another busy summer for Liverpool, after Mohamed Salah announced that he would be leaving the club one year before his contract expires. Reinforcements will be needed to cover for Salah, and also in defense, with veteran Andy Robertson departing.
Several positions will be reviewed during the upcoming transfer window, but while most clubs attempt to punch up, Liverpool could look further down the table. There is talent spread across the rosters of relegated teams, with reduced price tags on those heading to the Championship.
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Klopp could only dream of being given the transfer budget that Slot received last summer, and his windows often consisted of skimming through bargain deals. During his nine-year tenure at the club, Klopp added considerable value when making relegated stars useful squad players.
Robertson was acquired from Hull City when the club was relegated in 2017, and Liverpool paid approximately $13 million, while also receiving a similar amount for Kevin Stewart. Robertson has made 376 appearances and won nine trophies, becoming a club legend.
Liverpool also signed Georginio Wijnaldum for $34 million from Newcastle after its shock relegation, and spent $18.5 million on Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City. Danny Ings was also signed from Burnley, but injuries impacted his Liverpool career.
Andy Robertson is seen as one of Liverpool's best value-for-money signings
Andy Robertson is seen as one of Liverpool's best value-for-money signings(Image: Getty)
FSG's strategy previously was to monitor contract situations and secure players at below-market value, though last summer was an exception. Liverpool may have received a large sum for Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, and others, but broke the bank to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
While the club will continue to search across Europe, Liverpool has already faced Wolves and Burnley, both of which have been relegated. Burnley may not boast the profile of a player that Liverpool is looking for, but Wolves have several players who have caught the eye.
Prospect forward Mateus Mane is rapidly gaining interest, and midfielder Joao Gomes is expected to leave the club with links to Atletico Madrid and Crystal Palace. Andre, another Wolves midfielder, has also been previously linked with Liverpool.
Wolves prospect Mateus Mane has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool
Wolves prospect Mateus Mane has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool(Image: (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images))
One final relegation place has yet to be confirmed, with Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and West Ham all battling to stay up. West Ham and Tottenham are the most likely candidates.
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Liverpool has been linked with England winger Jarrod Bowen for several windows, and the 29-year-old could be a much-needed addition on the right-hand side. West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and winger Crysencio Summerville have also been subject to transfer interest.
Leeds are likely to be safe from relegation, and Forest are unlikely to be dragged back into the fight. Tottenham, however, are far from safe and could face a summer exodus with players on Champions League wages.
Young stars Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are highly rated, but Mohammed Kudus could be a replacement for Salah. Though he wouldn't be cheap, center-back Micky van de Ven could be the priority after Liverpool fumbled signing Marc Guehi.