Liverpool will need to make several changes to its squad this summer, with established names set to leave and plenty of areas for Arne Slot to address in the transfer window
10:47, 09 May 2026
Michael Olise of Bayern Munich celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Bayern Munich
Michael Olise has been linked with Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images))
There's significant work ahead for Liverpool this summer. The reigning Premier League champions have dramatically underperformed this campaign.
It will be a tough reality to accept watching either Arsenal or Manchester City claim the trophy that Arne Slot's team fought so hard to win last year. Substantial changes to a squad set to lose several key figures will be necessary.
Should the Reds qualify for Champions League football next season, which appears probable, the club's finances should be in a sufficiently strong position to facilitate any reconstruction. Here, we examine Liverpool's ideal first XI for next season, should it successfully navigate the summer transfer window, with five new signings fitting in, including new arrival Jeremy Jacquet.
READ MORE: Arne Slot responds to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk's comments on Liverpool standardsREAD MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai shares Liverpool locker room stance on Arne Slot being fired
Goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili and Lucas Chevalier
One of the biggest challenges Slot will face is the goalkeeping position. Alisson has a valid claim to being Liverpool's finest ever keeper and still has a year remaining on his current deal, reports the Liverpool Echo.
However, his 2025/26 campaign has been severely affected by injuries and his difficulties could indicate the conclusion of his spell on Merseyside. Juventus has emerged as a serious suitor to sign him.
PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier
PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Giorgi Mamardashvili will likely succeed Alisson, with Freddie Woodman serving as a capable understudy when required this summer. However, PSG's 24-year-old Lucas Chevalier could prove an astute acquisition to challenge Mamardashvili.
Although the Frenchman was dropped by Luis Enrique mid-season, he has demonstrated sufficient quality and may benefit from a fresh start to revive his career.
Full-backs: Pedro Porro and Milos Kerkez
Liverpool have simply failed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who departed for Real Madrid last summer. Conor Bradley has displayed glimpses of his capability at full-back but has struggled with a number of injuries, while Jeremie Frimpong is yet to make the position his own.
While Tottenham has been repeatedly exposed defensively this season, Pedro Porro stands out as a Premier League-proven defender who shares many of Alexander-Arnold's qualities. Under former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, Porro excelled at winning the ball back high up the pitch, delivering incisive passes and holding his own in individual duels.
Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace
Pedro Porro could be a right-back option for Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
A move to a club with a well-organised back four could elevate the Spanish star to greater heights. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez has improved considerably since arriving from Bournemouth last summer, and with Andy Robertson's exit, the left-back berth is now his to lose.
Center-backs: Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet
It goes without saying that with so many experienced names leaving Liverpool, retaining Virgil van Dijk at the heart of their defence is essential. The Dutch captain's leadership qualities will prove crucial for Slot as his squad integrates several younger players.
While Ibrahima Konate could put pen to paper on a new contract to remain at Anfield, incoming 20-year-old center-back Jacquet, who agreed a deal to join the Reds back in January, will most likely be earmarked to partner and develop under Van Dijk.
Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai, Elliot Anderson and Florian Wirtz
There will be a fierce battle to secure Nottingham Forest's Anderson this summer. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who is reportedly valued at as much as £120 million (£164M), would inject a much-needed element of steel into Slot's midfield, something that has been sorely absent this season.
Alexis Mac Allister has endured a difficult campaign and could be offloaded to raise transfer funds this summer. Curtis Jones appears to have fallen out of favor under Slot, while Wataru Endo looks set to depart the club.
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Although Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is also in contention for a place in Liverpool's midfield, it is Anderson who could form a double pivot alongside Ryan Gravenberch or shoulder defensive responsibilities alone, with the consistently impressive Szoboszlai providing support.
Wirtz, despite finding it difficult to justify his big price tag thus far, should be afforded a free role to demonstrate his undeniable ability.
Front three: Michael Olise, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike
On paper, it looks an enticing prospect. Olise, with 41 goals in 104 appearances for Bayern Munich, appears to be a natural successor to Mo Salah, who is departing the club this summer. The mere image of the Frenchman charging down the right flank this season, tormenting defenders and probing with his lethal left foot, will have set Liverpool supporters' pulses racing.
Alongside Olise, should Liverpool manage to lure him away from Bayern – one report has even put his price at £173M ($236M) – is Ekitike cutting in from the left. The Frenchman's campaign has been cruelly curtailed by a serious Achilles tendon injury, yet his 17 goals in his debut season demonstrate that the 23-year-old is more than capable of rising to the challenge.
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Completing the trio is Alexander Isak. While it has been far from a flawless debut season for the British record signing, the Swede remains one of the most lethal strikers on the continent, and it surely won't be long before he finds his stride and forges a strong understanding with his new teammates.