Liverpool have two weeks to bolster their squad before the September 1 transfer deadline, but Premier League homegrown rules mean any new addition must be a homegrown player
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Andoni Iraola needs more homegrown players at Liverpool(Image: Getty)
Liverpool has just a fortnight remaining to complete further signings ahead of the September 1 deadline. The Reds continue their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, though securing both would require an outlay exceeding $203 million.
The Merseyside club faces constraints on their transfer activity before the window closes due to the Premier League's homegrown regulations. Loan signing Ronald Araujo represents their 17th senior non-homegrown player, meaning they've reached the maximum permitted. The remaining eight spots in a 25-man squad must be filled by homegrown talent.
This creates a 'one in, one out' situation at Anfield. With this in mind, the Express has taken a look at some ambitious homegrown transfer targets Liverpool could pursue to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the deadline....
Ethan Nwaneri
The Arsenal winger, 19, would represent an extremely challenging acquisition. The Gunners hold the England under-21 international in high regard, and while he's anticipated to depart this month, they'd be hesitant to sell to direct competitors.
However, given his expected exit regardless, should Liverpool table a substantial offer, it's worth considering. Nwaneri would provide an intriguing long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, given he operates on the right flank and is left-footed. He's also capable of featuring as a No. 10.
Nwaneri wouldn't immediately feature in Liverpool's 25-man squad owing to his age, but would qualify in future seasons. This becomes particularly significant with both Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones likely to depart within the next 12 months.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 5-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC at Emirates Stadium on February 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri could be an inspired signing for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Ivan Toney
A more short-term option now. Boyhood Liverpool supporter Toney is currently finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia and would represent a substantial improvement on Federico Chiesa as the primary deputy to Alexander Isak.
Given that both Chiesa and Isak have histories of injury problems, Toney would provide valuable cover against their fitness concerns. He is a proven performer in the Premier League having excelled with Brentford.
However, the Saudi clubs may insist on a substantial transfer fee, while his salary demands could also prove problematic. A further complication that might scupper any potential deal is Toney's recent assault charge relating to an incident at a London nightclub.
He is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Archie Gray
A versatile utility player, the multi-functional Archie Gray represents another promising young English prospect. The 20-year-old, who celebrates his 21st birthday in March, has featured in Premier League matches across central midfield, defensive midfield, right-back, left-back and even centre-back.
Tottenham are reluctant to part with the England under-21 international whom they secured for $54 million two years ago. However, their significant investment in midfield reinforcements suggests a transfer could be achievable.
Newcastle have seen offers turned down for Gray this summer and it would almost certainly require $94 million or above to secure his signature now. Nevertheless, he possesses tremendous potential and could justify the outlay.
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 1-0 with Archie Gray during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace
Archie Gray impressed despite Tottenham's struggles last season(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
Adam Wharton
An ambitious target given it would cost £80m or more to acquire him, but Wharton would be a superb addition to the Liverpool midfield with his capacity to thread precise passes into the feet of the attackers. Still just 22 years of age, Wharton possesses the technical qualities to step in for Ryan Gravenberch alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and become a fundamental part of the midfield.
The confidence in Trey Nyoni suggests a transfer appears unlikely at present.
However, Wharton remains a player Liverpool have admired for some time, so a late move cannot be completely dismissed. Such a deal would prove extremely expensive at this point in the window, though.