Liverpool’s Champions League campaign ended in disappointment against Paris Saint-Germain last week, exposing many weaknesses that must be addressed this summer.
Despite securing a minimal victory at Parc des Princes, the lack of a clinical striker, a true holding midfielder, and a reliable left-back left the team struggling for more than 160 minutes across both legs.
Just looking at xG, it’s clear that Liverpool had everything needed to advance, but their final touch and wasteful finishing at Anfield made all the difference.
Expected Goals and Performances
Despite creating so many chances, Liverpool’s finishing let them down, especially in the second leg, where they registered an xG of 1.64 compared to PSG’s 2.56. And while they managed 19 shots, PSG dictated the tempo from the start, setting the tone with an early goal.
After that moment, many non gamstop bookmakers adjusted their odds accordingly, with PSG’s qualification price dropping to 1/4, while Liverpool’s odds stretched to 7/2.
Before the match, PSG to qualify was available at around 5/6, making it one of the tightest betting markets of the round. With better odds, flexible betting limits, and bigger bonuses, these platforms provided a top option for those looking to make the most of their bets.
Strength in Every Position
The PSG defeat was a clear reminder of just how important balance is in football—something Roy Keane once described as “boys against men.” Vitinha ran the show in midfield like a prime Zidane, barely breaking a sweat, with Liverpool offering no real resistance.
Every second ball seemed to fall his way, showing exactly why Liverpool need a guy like Fabinho sitting in front of the defence—someone to break up play, win duels, and stop elite midfields from running the game on their terms.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Liverpool can’t afford to miss out on top-quality signings for these key positions.
Julian Alvarez
Liverpool’s need is obvious—a striker who guarantees 20+ goals and presses relentlessly. La Araña fits the bill perfectly.
He’s been shining at Atletico, but let’s be real—when Liverpool call, you pick up. Everything about him is elite, his movement, finishing, and a will to press defenders, making him a dream fit for Arne Slot’s system.
A front three of Salah, Díaz, and Alvarez would bring the kind of fluidity and intensity that Liverpool have lacked all these years. He’s proven on the biggest stage—a World Cup winner, a Champions League star performer, and a player who delivers when it matters most.
If Liverpool want him, they have the pull to make it happen.
Jorrel Hato
Defensive depth has been a major concern, and with questions over Andy Robertson’s long-term fitness, Liverpool need a left-back who can lock down the position for years to come.
Many were talking about Milos Kerkez, but Slot’s likely choice would be Hato, a teenage sensation at Ajax, who has already shown maturity way beyond his years.
Strong in duels, composed on the ball, and versatile enough to slot in as a left-sided center-back, he could provide the defensive security Liverpool have lacked in big games.
Florian Wirtz
Creativity in midfield has been an issue, especially when breaking down compact defenses. Salah staying or leaving changes nothing—Wirtz is the kind of player Liverpool must bring in.
The German international thrives in tight spaces, has the ability to carry the ball forward, and consistently delivers killer final passes.
Whether playing as an attacking midfielder or drifting wide to create overloads, he would give Liverpool a new dimension in attack—something they’ve been missing since prime Coutinho days.
The only potential dilemma is Harvey Elliott, as both he and Wirtz are left-footed and favor similar positions. However, with Salah eventually moving on, that overlap becomes less of an issue, making Wirtz an even more logical addition to Liverpool’s attack.
Resolving Midfield Crisis
Liverpool’s midfield lacked stability against PSG, showing once again that the club needs a true defensive anchor. While names like Morten Frendrup, João Gomes, and Martín Zubimendi have all been linked, it’s unclear if any of them would truly solve the problem.
Frendrup has energy, Gomes adds grit, and Zubimendi offers composure, but none are proven at the very top level.
If Liverpool want to control games instead of chasing them, they need a midfielder who can win duels, dictate play, and stop top teams from running the midfield.
But, finding a player of that caliber won’t come cheap, and knowing Liverpool’s board, this saga could drag on longer than it should.
Defensive Uncertainty and Van Dijk’s Decision
With both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk still weighing their options, Liverpool’s defensive stability is in question.
Finding a true replacement for Van Dijk is nearly impossible—there’s simply no one on the market with his mix of leadership, composure, and dominance. Even if he stays, he’ll be 33 next season, and the club must start planning for the long term.
Jarell Quansah has shown promise, but throwing him into a full-time starting role without an experienced partner is a risk. A commanding sweeper who can lead from the back is essential, especially if Van Dijk leaves or his physical levels drop.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is still considering Real Madrid’s interest, making things even more complicated. Liverpool have identified Jeremie Frimpong as a potential right-back solution, but committing to a full rebuild under Arne Slot requires careful planning.
The Dutch market will likely be under the radar, given Slot’s background, but Liverpool must approach it wisely. Klopp’s team built a squad that dominated Europe, and maintaining that level will require the same level of precision in scouting and transfers.
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