Liverpool need a fair few additions this summer, and this really will stand as a test of sporting director Richard Hughes' powers in the transfer market.
With Arne Slot set to stay at the club despite overseeing Liverpool's staggering downfall this season, there's no question that the Reds need to get it right this summer. They cannot afford another campaign echoing this one.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot reacts
Mohamed Salah's looming departure marks an obvious need for a high-level replacement on the right wing, but Cody Gakpo has also flattered to deceive this season, and while the Dutchman is staying put, there's no question that an upgrade is needed to settle the equilibrium in Liverpool's attack.
Liverpool in talks to sign £73m Premier League star
With Hugo Ekitike out injured for the long run, Liverpool need their forwards to step up. Sadly, it hasn't happened, with Gakpo struggling out on the left. Too predictable, too preventable, he's nowhere near dynamic or potent enough.
Liverpool Top Scorers (all comps)
Player
Hugo Ekitike
Mohamed Salah
Dominik Szoboszlai
Cody Gakpo
Florian Wirtz
Salah's decline is regrettable, but understandable. He turns 34 next month, after all. However, Gakpo is ostensibly in his prime, and he has performed far below the expected standard.
Bayern Munich might have the lead in the race for Anthony Gordon, but Liverpool are may yet jump on the chance to sign the youth player who they released from their academy when he was only 11 years old.
Isak and Gordon as teammates - Newcastle
That's according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, who has confirmed that the Bundesliga champions have opened talks with Newcastle United as they consider bidding this summer.
Barcelona and Arsenal are also in the running for a winger, as are Liverpool, with Plettenberg suggesting that the trio have been in contact themselves, having been kept 'informed' regarding the England star's price tag.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon applauds fans after the match
Gordon, 25, is one of the most prominent wingers in the Premier League, with Newcastle valuing him at €90m (£78m) initially, albeit with a more realistic target set to be €85m (£73m).
whose dynamism and potency are exactly what Liverpool have been lacking since selling Luis Diaz to Bayern for £65.5m last summer.
Why Gordon could be Liverpool's new Diaz
Diaz is 29, 30 in January, so it's understandable that Bayern Munich are hoping to strengthen their attacking ranks this summer, but the Colombian is firing on all cylinders right now, instrumental throughout his side's title-winning campaign.
He scored 17 goals and provided eight assists for Liverpool last season, but offered much more than just a prolific output, so dynamic and slippery down the left. Of course, he had a second home at No. 9 last year, filling in at centre-forward many times and impressing in a fluid role that accommodated both Salah and Gakpo.
Now, Gordon could pack a similar punch for Slot's side, describing himself as a "nightmare for anyone" he comes up against due to his pace, doggedness and versatility.
Anthony Gordon - Career Stats by Position
Position
Left winger
Right winger
Centre-forward
Attacking midfield
There is definitely something Diaz-esque about the former Everton prospect, and though he is somewhat inconsistent, a return of 17 goals and five assists across 46 games in all competitions this season underlines his potential as a penetrative outlet on Liverpool's left.
Given that Hugo Ekitike isn't going to return from his Achilles rupture any time soon, signing a move-about forward such as this one is doubly important.
Now it's down to Liverpool to consider their options and whether a move would be feasible.
Gordon has played there on occasion, but he is not an out-and-out right winger, so someone else will need to be welcomed in Salah's place.
However, Diaz's absence has been keenly felt on Merseyside, and Liverpool would be negligent in failing to belatedly replace Diaz this summer, especially with Slot set on carefully managing Rio Ngumoha's game time.
anthony-gordon-newcastle-sunderland
Gordon will inevitably star at the looming World Cup over the pond, and Liverpool may want to act swiftly and prudently, before his value skyrockets even higher.
Bayern's hesitance to pay Die Roten's asking price has presented Hughes with a gap. He must pounce now, reviving Liverpool's punch in attack.
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Liverpool need to freshen up their midfield following a wretched effort at defending their Premier League title.