Liverpool are preparing for a new era under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, with the upcoming pre-season offering supporters their first glimpse of life after Mohamed Salah and several other senior departures.
The Reds return to Kirkby next week to begin preparations for the new campaign, and there will be plenty of change to navigate.
Not only will the players be introduced to a brand new head coach, but the departures of key figures in the squad will also be felt for the first time after Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all moved on.
The transfer window provides Liverpool with a huge opportunity to ignite a rebuild that can get the club back on track after a disappointing 12 months, and finding Salah’s successor remains the club’s biggest priority.
What’s the latest on Liverpool transfer news?
The Athletic’s James Pearce has given an insight into Liverpool’s transfer plans in today’s dealsheet, covering Richard Hughes’ expected exit and identifying the club’s priorities in the market.
Pearce claims that replacing Egypt international Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s primary objective this summer.
After seeing an £85m package rejected for RB Leipzig talent Yan Diomande, Liverpool now appear set to move on after it emerged that the Ivory Coast international favours a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh, Koln ace Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo all feature on the Reds’ shortlist of attacking targets.
Who can replace Mohamed Salah?
There is no doubt that replacing Salah’s consistent contributions in the final third at Anfield will be incredibly difficult, but Liverpool must find a solution if they are to compete for silverware once again.
Scoring 257 goals and registering 123 assists over his nine-year stint on Merseyside, the Egyptian winger earned legendary status through his influence on Liverpool’s success over the last decade and his contribution to multiple trophy-winning campaigns.
Salah was a once-in-a-generation signing for the Reds, and moving on from his powerful presence was never going to be easy.
Liverpool must now focus on the future and identify players capable of softening the blow left by one of the greatest players in the club’s modern history.
Bradley Barcola appears to be the standout candidate and would be a popular choice for supporters thanks to his back-to-back Champions League victories.
The France international already possesses the elite-level experience required to improve Liverpool’s forward line, while his winning mentality could prove to be equally valuable in the dressing room.
What else does Liverpool need?
Pearce also revealed that Liverpool could look to add depth in midfield and at right-back before the transfer window closes.
The midfield struggled for consistency last season, although pre-season could provide both Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott with an opportunity to stake their claim for a regular starting place under Iraola.
While Elliott endured a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa with limited opportunities, Jones also found himself out of favour under Arne Slot as the campaign progressed.
Neither player’s long-term future appears certain, so it would come as no surprise if Liverpool sanctioned another midfield signing should one of them depart.
On the right side of defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure last summer left a huge void.
Jeremie Frimpong endured a difficult first season through injury, while Conor Bradley continues his recovery from knee surgery after suffering a serious injury in January and is unlikely to enjoy a full pre-season.
Should the opportunity arise to strengthen at right-back, Liverpool would be wise to take it rather than risk relying on makeshift solutions if injuries become an issue once again.
With the search for Salah’s successor leading Liverpool’s recruitment plans and further reinforcements under consideration in midfield and defence, the coming weeks could define Iraola’s first transfer window.
Missing out on Diomande may have forced the Reds to rethink their approach, but the extensive shortlist already identified suggests there is no shortage of high-quality alternatives as preparations for a new era continue.