Liverpool is still working on transfer deals this summer with Andoni Iraola speaking this week on the need to add another forward, but what else is required before the deadline?
06:00, 19 Jul 2026
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a training session(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
With 35 days to go until Liverpool takes on Newcastle on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season and only 44 days until the transfer window closes, the clock is ticking.
So far, sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz — and the importance of the contract extension for Dominik Szoboszlai shouldn't be played down — but more is required.
What should be the next priority in the market, though, and who could Liverpool target? Some of our writers have had their say with Andoni Iraola still getting to grips with his new squad.
Another forward — Matt Addison
Liverpool could probably do with another right-back and I wouldn't say no to signing an experienced center-back to help out Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, but the top priority by some distance has to be the right wing.
Iraola said as much this week, telling Stan Sport: "We cannot expect to sign a winger that is going to replace Mo Salah because otherwise we are preparing him to fail almost.
"I think obviously we need someone in that area but probably will have different skills. He can maybe complement the team in another way and we are working on that, definitely. It's one of the challenges."
Iraola is preparing for the new season
Iraola is preparing for the new season(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola, with Yan Diomande seemingly off the table, would be the ideal option, though he won't come cheap. PSG also wants to keep the player, so he might have to push for an exit.
But if I could (hypothetically) only sign one player before the deadline, it would be a right winger — the one position that Liverpool simply doesn't have any adequate player for as things stand.
Federico Chiesa has shown no signs of being up to the level and Hugo Ekitike will come back from injury at some point. On the right of the Liverpool attack, there is a gaping hole that needs filling.
Another forward — Tom Blow
I'd love to add balance to this argument and say that Liverpool's biggest priority is signing a full-back, but it's not. The Reds must bring in at least one new forward this summer.
Obviously, Liverpool must replace Mohamed Salah. Whether an existing player — such as Alexander Isak — steps up or someone arrives during the transfer window, the Reds need a talisman if they're going to be successful under Iraola.
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Even if Munoz is the man to succeed Salah (not as a direct replacement, but in terms of making up the numbers), the Reds still need to find a replacement for Ekitike. There's talk of him coming back before Christmas, but I find that hard to believe.
An Achilles tendon tear is one of the worst injuries to recover from. It's been three months since the Frenchman went down in agony, and he's still a long way from returning. He was recently pictured using crutches in training and a walking stick at Wimbledon.
There's a chance Ekitike might not play at all during the 2026/27 campaign. Whether it's bringing someone in on loan or making a big-money signing, Liverpool must find a replacement.