**Liverpool are hoping to sign three more players this summer, while likely to sell Cody Gakpo to offset the costs involved.**
Reporting in [the Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/liverpool-transfers-andoni-iraola-bradley-barcola-alex-scott-b3039082.html), chief football writer Miguel Delaney reports that the Reds find themselves in an impossible situation trying to sign the players they need while staying onside of financial constraints.
Delaney writes: _“Liverpool have a customary management meeting at the start of September, just after the transfer window closes, and the tone of it is currently subject to one main aim._
_“There are multiple areas to focus on, without that much money to spend. This is a strangely thin and lopsided squad. As one source says, “it’s like they’re in a boat with six different leaks but which one do you plug?” If they spend the available budget in one or two areas, they’re short in another._
_“Such circumstances have nevertheless raised surprise that Liverpool have been so intent on Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, given that the Qatari-owned project want well in excess of £110m. It was that price which put Arsenal off._
_“Such a deal could be offset by the sale of Cody Gakpo, in one of many situations in this market that almost resembles a housing-market chain. Manchester City remain interested._
_“Reflecting some of the wider issues, however, Liverpool do actually have a top target for defensive midfield. Multiple sources say that is Iraola’s hinge player at Bournemouth, Alex Scott._
_“Right now, Liverpool arguably need around six players, for a best-case scenario. The current thinking from various sources is that they’ll end up with a net addition of two, potentially meaning three incomings and one sale._
_“There’s a hope that would be enough to make “a huge difference”. Otherwise, in the words of one source, “there’s going to be a lot of concerned faces” at that September meeting.”_
Whichever way you spin things, Liverpool only have themselves to blame
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The issue that many supporters, myself included, are taking with the current summer transfer window is that there was ample time to prepare for the changes made since Arne Slot was sacked.
The Dutchman – while publicly supported by FSG and journalists – was always going to be let go at the end of a season in which Liverpool set a new record for the number of defeats in all competitions (21).
Liverpool also had several months to plan for the departure of Mohamed Salah, who gave his notice in March. Yet, we find ourselves just days from the end of the 2026 Premier League transfer window with no heir in sight. Liverpool have gone from Ibrahim Mbaye to Yankuba Minteh to Ismaila Sarr in a matter of days, highlighting the poor planning this summer was subject to.
Barring a miracle, Liverpool will end the summer with unsatisfactory work done to a squad that has been begging for new signings ever since the club spent £445m on new signings last summer.
The club can blame the market, point to lack of ideal targets or whichever other excuse pleases them, but there are serious and valid questions to be asked of the men in charge of what has quickly become an embarrassing situation.