Liverpool have endured a challenging 2025/26 season, and could look to make significant changes in the summer
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Liverpool may need some new stars this summer(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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With the enormous investment made during the summer transfer window, Liverpool supporters had anticipated a robust title defence alongside deep runs in cup competitions. Yet the Reds have failed to string together any sustained period of form and will lose their Premier League crown before the season is out.
Arne Slot splashed a staggering £446million last year strengthening his squad, bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. Yet despite that extraordinary outlay, the reigning Premier League champions look set to finish no higher than fifth - just enough to secure Champions League football.
Their European adventure ended at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, with a 4-0 aggregate defeat. Crystal Palace got the better of Liverpool in both the Community Shield and the Carabao Cup, while Manchester City delivered a crushing 4-0 victory to dump the Reds out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.
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With certain areas of the squad in need of rebuilding and a string of injuries hampering key players throughout the campaign, Liverpool will be desperate for the 2026/27 season to deliver far more memorable moments.
Here, the ECHO has all the latest on where Liverpool could look to trim their squad this summer.
Between the sticks
Alisson has endured an unfortunate injury-plagued season, sustaining a concussion and several hamstring injuries. This has resulted in him missing 18 fixtures to date. Despite this, the experienced shot-stopper has delivered impressive displays for Liverpool and remains a cherished member of the squad, making him a probable candidate to remain despite recent speculation linking him with Italian side Juventus.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has proven an excellent stand-in for the goalkeeping role, featuring 16 times between the posts before a knee problem ruled him out towards the campaign's conclusion. With Alisson advancing in years at 33, the Georgian is expected to be retained and developed into Liverpool's new first-choice keeper.
With two elite goalkeepers managing injuries this term, Freddie Woodman rose to the occasion to lead the side from the rear in his debut year with the Reds. The 29-year-old arrived at Liverpool on a free transfer from Preston North End and was thrust into action following Mamardashvili's setback. He has provided an excellent temporary solution during the unfortunate injury spell and is expected to remain beyond this campaign as a highly-regarded backup option.
Across the back line
Joe Gomez
Gomez is a likely departure(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Joe Gomez is another player who has battled injury this season, sitting out eight matches so far due to various issues. Given his limited starts in the first XI and his lengthy tenure at the club, it is likely the defender will be sold to make way for fresh talent.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk has been a pivotal figure, helping to carry the team through a challenging campaign. Reports indicate that Liverpool are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for the Dutchman this summer, though it remains most probable that he will be retained to assist in settling new arrivals into the squad.
Ibrahima Konate is another name persistently linked with a departure from Anfield. The Frenchman is currently on course to become a free agent this summer, though the club is working tirelessly to tie him down to fresh terms. Real Madrid have been touted as potential suitors, yet he recently confirmed that a contract extension is within touching distance.
Milos Kerkez is among Slot's summer recruits who is yet to truly hit the ground running at Liverpool. The left-back has displaced club legend Andy Robertson from the starting line-up but has faced criticism for errors in recent matches. He remains a player the Reds hope to see flourish in the coming seasons.
Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley had been impressing under Slot before a serious knee injury brought his season to a premature end. The 22-year-old should undoubtedly be kept, possessing every attribute needed to become a future Anfield hero.
Conor Bradley.
Conor Bradley will hope to return to the squad to make an impact soon(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Giovanni Leoni had barely settled into life at Liverpool before an ACL injury curtailed his debut campaign. He is one player who is certain to remain at the club, with supporters hopeful he can return to the promising form he displayed back in September.
Vice-captain Andy Robertson has confirmed his departure from Liverpool as a free agent this summer following nearly a decade at Anfield. The Scotland international has attracted interest from numerous clubs, including Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Liverpool during the summer and has established himself as a regular fixture in the starting XI this season. He will look to continue his pursuit of silverware in England.
Young defender Calvin Ramsay has featured on just two occasions this season for Liverpool in cup competitions. A loan move could provide him with more consistent game time and potentially enable him to make an impact down the line.
In the heart of the park
Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo faces a battle against time to be included in Japan's World Cup squad, though his contributions at Liverpool this term have been underwhelming. The 33-year-old has featured in only 12 matches so far this season and appears to be another name set for the exit door.
Florian Wirtz has struggled to adapt during his opening spell at Liverpool, facing considerable criticism throughout his maiden campaign. The German has fallen short of the spectacular standards anticipated following his performances at Bayer Leverkusen, but will remain to fight for his position under Slot next season.
Dominik Szoboszlai.
Dominik Szoboszlai will hopefully be a mainstay(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Star performer Dominik Szoboszlai may have been subject to transfer speculation linking him with Real Madrid this summer, yet Liverpool will be determined to retain the energetic playmaker at Anfield. The Hungary international has been outstanding in the centre of midfield and represents a cornerstone for the next campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister is another high-profile name being linked with a departure from Anfield this summer. The Argentinian has failed to hit the heights anticipated this campaign and has struggled alongside the rest of the squad. However, no concrete discussions with rival clubs have taken place, and the 27-year-old remains contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2028.
Negotiations over a fresh deal for Curtis Jones have reportedly been stalled for several months, with the midfielder attracting interest from a number of clubs ahead of a potential summer exit. The 25-year-old has racked up a remarkable 46 appearances for Liverpool so far this season and has been a key figure - yet he could find himself on his way out within a matter of weeks.
Ryan Gravenberch put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Liverpool earlier this year, tying him to Anfield until 2032. Following this commitment, he is unlikely to feature among the summer departures and will be retained as a cornerstone of the side alongside Szoboszlai.
Teenage talent Trey Nyoni broke into the first team this season, clocking up 13 appearances for the senior squad across domestic and European competition. The 18-year-old has caught the eye and is regarded as a star of the future, with potential summer recruitment suggesting a loan move may be on the cards to further his development.
Stefan Bajcetic has not featured for Liverpool in two years due to injuries and loan spells. With the 21-year-old barely registering in the club's plans, another temporary move or a permanent sale this summer appears the most probable outcome.
Up top
Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak is hoping for a better season next year(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak arrived as Liverpool's marquee summer acquisition last year, with his deadline-day transfer for £125m capturing widespread attention. He is expected to remain at the club and will be hoping for a far more productive second season, having seen his debut campaign disrupted by a broken leg.
Summer recruit Hugo Ekitike had been one of Liverpool's standout performers this term, registering 23 goal contributions before sustaining a devastating injury against PSG. The 23-year-old faces up to 12 months on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles tear, ruling him out of part of next season and the forthcoming World Cup. The Reds will support the distraught forward as he works towards recovering from the significant blow.
Mohamed Salah will leave Anfield as a legend following a nine-year spell with the Reds. The Egyptian has achieved iconic status, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League, while becoming the club's third-highest scorer of all time.
Mohamed Salah.
Mohamed Salah has confirmed his exit (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Federico Chiesa became Slot's maiden Liverpool signing in 2024 and was celebrated as a £10m steal from Juventus. Yet the Italy international has since slipped down the pecking order at Anfield and attracted transfer speculation in January. The 28-year-old looks set to be offloaded to facilitate fresh arrivals this summer.
Cody Gakpo appears likely to feature in Liverpool's squad plans for next season following a consistently reliable campaign. The Dutchman provided one of few bright spots during the Reds' loss to Manchester United at the weekend and has proven himself capable of operating across the attacking positions.
Rising star Rio Ngumoha may be just 17 years old but he has already demonstrated his capacity to cope with the demands at Anfield. The youngster became Liverpool's youngest ever goalscorer at 16 years and 361 days, clinching a 3-2 victory away to Newcastle. He will be one for the future under Slot but is expected to remain and work towards earning his spot in the starting XI.