Liverpool are set to be busy in the summer transfer window again as the Reds look to replace the irreplaceable Mohamed Salah and are already looking at possible targets
11:20, 07 May 2026
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has transfers on his mind
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Arne Slot must secure Champions League football before turning his attention to the transfer window
Liverpool face Chelsea on Saturday, with the Reds needing maximum points to move closer to securing Champions League football.
While speculation has swirled around Arne Slot's future following what has been a disappointing season by Anfield standards, it seems the Dutch manager retains the confidence of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to steer the club through the summer and into next term. Such backing brings with it a host of transfer considerations.
Should Liverpool manage to secure a top-five finish this campaign, their spending power will receive a considerable boost. It won't be a straightforward summer window either. Finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will depart the club this summer after nine seasons, is almost certain to top their agenda. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool news.
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen in between Liverpool's Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 30, 2025 in London, England
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Jarrod Bowen has been touted as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement
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Mo Salah successor backed
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen reckons West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, could be the man to step into Salah's shoes this summer.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen was quizzed about whether he'd fancy seeing Bowen, who has netted 85 times for the Hammers, at Liverpool should West Ham suffer relegation this season. Reports suggest Bowen is valued around £52million this summer
He said: "How do you know? I have said that to a couple of my mates the other day. I said, if I had one player. Now, obviously, Jarrod Bowen's a legend of a player, West Ham adore the man, and rightly so. But, if West Ham went down, he would fit for me.
"I think he's absolutely brilliant. I was lucky enough to do a striking master class for a TV show we did last season with him, and I couldn't believe it. Honestly, left foot, right foot, bang, bang, corners, pace. I mean, a real top finisher."
"I think he's a brilliant player. I would be taking him to the World Cup. I don't want to upset West Ham fans, but if they went down, then he would be my idea of somebody to replace Salah."
Bowen signed for West Ham in January 2020 and remains tied to the London Stadium until the summer of 2030. Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has also backed Owen's assessment.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, Aldridge commented: "I've looked at Jarrod Bowen for some years now, and I really like the way he plays football, and what he offers West Ham. He would fit the bill whenever Mo was ready to go, and even now, you still get a couple of good years at least out of him."
Van Dijk can help Liverpool secure target
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 27: Denzel Dumfries and Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands look on during the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Norway at Johan Cruijff Arena on March 27, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk could persuade Denzel Dumfries to join Liverpool(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Liverpool could utilise Van Dijk to assist them in landing long-term transfer target Denzel Dumfries. The Reds were believed to hold interest in the Dutch wing-back during the January transfer window, but a move never came to fruition.
According to The Telegraph, Liverpool have been informed of a release clause within Dumfries's contract at Inter Milan. The Dutch international is reportedly a close mate of Van Dijk, which could see the Reds' influential skipper play a role in persuading Dumfries to join the Anfield ranks.
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Dumfries could fill a gap on Liverpool's right flank, a position that has been plagued by injuries this season, with both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong battling fitness issues. He could also step up to a more forward role on the wing in Salah's absence.
The adaptable 30-year-old has had his own fitness troubles this season, having suffered an ankle injury in November and only making a comeback in February.
However, Inter are rumoured to be on the hunt for replacements, potentially clearing the path for the Dutch international's departure.