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Liverpool may kick off pre-season next week, but there’s still a huge amount of work to be done before Andoni Iraola can feel truly comfortable with his squad.
The defence, in particular, remains a glaring area of concern.
Ibrahima Konate’s free transfer to Real Madrid has left Virgil van Dijk as the only established senior option, and there’s a growing acceptance that a new defender is now a requirement rather than a luxury if Liverpool are to navigate another long campaign at home and abroad.
Further up the pitch, the midfield picture looks stable on the surface but is anything but settled behind the scenes.
Alexis Mac Allister’s deal runs only until 2028, and while there is no immediate panic, the lack of clarity over an extension has kept his contract situation in the air.
Dominik Szoboszlai, meanwhile, has openly confirmed that talks over a new agreement are ongoing, stressing that “no decision” has been taken and that his future is “not in my hands,” which hardly reassures supporters when other big clubs are watching his progress closely.
On top of that, reports suggesting sporting director Richard Hughes could depart for Al Hilal in 2027 only add to the unease.
But in the engine room, it’s looking like Liverpool may only act if a senior player is moved on – with the Liverpool Echo now reporting that Galatasaray are keen on Curtis Jones:
“The midfield, too, is an area of intrigue, although Liverpool are unlikely to properly pursue any deals unless one or more of the current senior engine room is moved on, Curtis Jones – in the last 12 months of his contract – the most obvious potential sale with Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray among the clubs interested.”
The academy graduate is under contract until 2027, but it has been reported that Liverpool would be prepared to let him leave on a free at that point if no club comes close to their valuation in the meantime.
Inter Milan have already seen two bids rejected, the Reds standing firm in their belief that the 25-year-old is worth closer to £40 million than the offers they’ve received from Serie A.