Liverpool's $606 million summer spending spree has not been enough to mount a Premier League title defence this season and Arne Slot must consider key changes going forward in the 2026/27 campaign
08:20, 07 May 2026
Liverpool look set for another busy summer after a disappointing campaign
Liverpool looks set for another busy summer after a disappointing campaign(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Following the substantial investment during the summer transfer window, Liverpool fans anticipated a strong title defence coupled with impressive runs in other competitions. However, the Reds have been unable to maintain any consistent run of form and will surrender their Premier League crown before the campaign concludes.
Arne Slot spent an eye-watering £446million last year strengthening his squad, securing the signatures of players such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. Despite such remarkable outlay on new additions, the defending Premier League champions appear destined to finish no higher than fifth, barely securing a Champions League spot. With numerous areas of the squad requiring rebuilding and injuries impacting crucial players throughout the season, Liverpool will be hoping the 2026/27 campaign brings about a significant reversal of fortunes.
Here's an examination of where Liverpool might look to restructure their squad this summer...
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Goalkeepers
Alisson has suffered an unfortunate season plagued by injury setbacks, enduring concussion as well as several hamstring issues, reports the Express.
Nonetheless, the experienced goalkeeper has produced impressive performances for Liverpool and continues to be a hugely popular figure within the squad, making him a strong candidate to stay despite recent speculation linking him with Italian outfit Juventus. Giorgi Mamardashvili has demonstrated himself as a capable deputy in the goalkeeping position, making 16 appearances between the sticks before a knee injury sidelined him towards the end of the campaign.
With Alisson now aged 33, the Georgian is anticipated to be kept on and groomed as Liverpool's new number one goalkeeper.
Freddie Woodman, in the meantime, is expected to stay beyond this season as a highly-rated backup choice.
Defenders
Joe Gomez is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool
Joe Gomez is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Joe Gomez is another player who has endured fitness setbacks this term, missing eight matches due to different problems.
Given his restricted chances in the first team and his extended spell at the club, the defender seems set to be sold to make way for new signings.
Club skipper Virgil van Dijk has been an imposing figure, helping to guide the club through a challenging campaign. Reports suggest that the Reds are pursuing a long-term successor for the Dutchman this summer, although it is broadly anticipated he will stay to help bed in fresh recruits.
Ibrahima Konaté is another star consistently linked with an exit from Anfield. The defender is presently set to become a free agent this summer, although the club is striving relentlessly to secure him to a new contract.
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Real Madrid have been associated with an interest, though he recently revealed that an extension is nearing completion. Milos Kerkez is amongst Slot's summer signings who has struggled to make an immediate impact at Liverpool. The left-back has taken Andy Robertson's starting berth but has come under fire for mistakes in earlier fixtures. He remains a player the Reds will be keen to see progress moving forward.
Conor Bradley had been performing well under Slot before a severe knee injury ended his campaign prematurely. He is anticipated to remain at the club, with the scope to become another Anfield favourite in the years ahead.
Giovanni Leoni had scarcely begun his Liverpool journey before an ACL injury brought his maiden season to an untimely conclusion. He is one player almost guaranteed to stay and hopefully return to action showing the same calibre he displayed back in September.
Vice-captain Robertson has confirmed he will depart Liverpool as a free agent this summer after spending the better part of a decade at Anfield. The Scotland international has drawn interest from several clubs keen to acquire his services, including Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Liverpool in the summer and has become a consistent presence in the starting eleven this season. He will be aiming to continue his quest for silverware in England. Young defender Calvin Ramsay has managed just two outings this season for Liverpool in cup fixtures. A temporary switch could be under consideration to guarantee more consistent first-team action and potentially establish himself further along the line.
Midfielders
Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid
Dominik Szoboszlai has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid(Image: Getty)
Wataru Endo is facing a battle to be fit for Japan's squad at the World Cup, yet his displays at Liverpool this term have fallen short of expectations. The 33 year old has featured in merely 12 fixtures so far this season and looks to be another player destined for the exit door.
Florian Wirtz has endured a challenging introduction to life at Liverpool, attracting substantial criticism throughout his maiden campaign. The German has failed to reproduce the electrifying form he showcased during his spell at Bayer Leverkusen, but will stay at the club to demonstrate his worth under Slot next season.
Standout performer Dominik Szoboszlai may have been linked with a summer transfer to Real Madrid, but Liverpool will be resolute in keeping the dynamic playmaker at Anfield. He has been exceptional in the centre of midfield and represents a foundation upon which to construct for the forthcoming campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister is another prominent name being linked with a departure from Anfield this summer. The Argentine has failed to reach the standards expected this season and has struggled alongside the remainder of the squad.
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Nevertheless, no firm discussions with rival clubs have occurred, and the 27 year old remains under contract to the club until the summer of 2028. Talks regarding a fresh contract for Curtis Jones have reportedly stalled for several months, with the midfielder drawing attention from a number of clubs ahead of a possible summer departure.
He has amassed an impressive 46 appearances for Liverpool this season and has been an integral figure - yet he could be heading elsewhere within weeks.
Ryan Gravenberch signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool earlier this year, committing him to Anfield until 2032. After this extension, a summer departure seems extremely unlikely, with the club anticipated to construct their midfield around him alongside Szoboszlai.
Teenage prospect Trey Nyoni made his breakthrough into the first team this year, making 13 appearances for the senior squad in domestic and European fixtures. He has impressed and is regarded as a future star, with potential summer signings suggesting a loan spell may be arranged to aid his progression.
Stefan Bajcetic has not played for Liverpool in two years due to injuries and loan periods away from the club. With his name rarely mentioned in the club's future strategy, the 21 year old appears destined to either head out on loan again or be transferred this summer.
Forwards
Alexander Isak will be hoping for a much better second season at Anfield
Alexander Isak will be hoping for a much better second season at Anfield(Image: Getty)
Alexander Isak was Liverpool's headline acquisition last summer, with his deadline-day signing for a £125m fee generating considerable attention.
He is anticipated to stay at the club and will be aiming for a more fruitful second campaign, after a broken leg hampered his debut season. Fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike had been a shining light for Liverpool this season, contributing 23 goal involvements before suffering a devastating injury against PSG.
The Frenchman now faces up to 12 months on the sidelines after sustaining an Achilles tear, ruling him out of part of next season as well as the forthcoming World Cup. The Reds will rally behind the crestfallen forward as he embarks on his recovery from the serious setback.
Mohamed Salah will depart Anfield as a true legend after a nine-year association with the club. The Egyptian is a modern-day icon, having claimed two Premier League titles and the Champions League, while cementing his place as the club's third-highest scorer of all time.
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Federico Chiesa became Slot's first Liverpool signing in 2024 and was widely praised as a £10m bargain from Juventus. However, the Italy international has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield and had been linked with a January exit. He is likely to be sold to make way for new recruits this summer.
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Cody Gakpo is expected to retain his place in Liverpool's squad next season, having proven his worth this term. The Dutchman provided a rare bright moment during the Reds' defeat to Manchester United at the weekend and could prove a valuable asset across the forward positions.
Rising star Rio Ngumoha may be just 17 years old, but he has already shown he has the quality to meet the demands of playing at Anfield. The youngster etched his name into Liverpool history as the club's youngest ever goalscorer at just 16 years and 361 days, netting the decisive goal in a 3-2 triumph away at Newcastle. He is undoubtedly one for the future under Slot, though he is anticipated to stay put and cement his position in the starting line-up.