Liverpool look all set for a busy summer transfer window as Arne Slot aims to put his mark on the team.
The Reds have done phenomenally well after a remarkably quiet 2024, but are ready to attack the market to make the necessary changes this year.
There’s plenty to look forward to, with additions needed in several areas of the Liverpool squad. And as the Reds gear up for the final international break of the season, plans are already being put into place to ensure those needs are met.
So, with the summer fast approaching, we checked in with Rousing The Kop transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey to get the latest on Liverpool’s preparations for the summer market.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
What positions are Liverpool expected to strengthen in?
Throughout much of the season, the spotlight has been on the rapidly expiring contracts of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah
And according to Bailey, although some of Liverpool’s plans will be shaped by the outcome of contract talks with the trio, the Reds will be busy regardless.
“Much will depend on the big three and their contracts,” he says. “If Trent leaves, then another right-back option is needed and if Mo leaves, someone who can play right. Van Dijk is slightly different as they still want a central defender, if he goes it could be two.
“That aside, they want to bolster their left-back options and in attack, where we will see a central attacker and also possibly a wide-man. Another midfielder can’t be discounted, but they are very happy with how Ryan Gravenberch has progressed along with Curtis Jones.”
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“Then goalkeeper wise, one more will be needed as Kelleher will be going,” Bailey says. “But we are not sure with Alisson’s situation yet which will impact on Mamardashvili too.”
Is Alexander Isak a realistic transfer target
In terms of a central attacking signing, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Alexander Isak.
READ MORE: Liverpool make first move to sign Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final defeat
However, with Newcastle keen to keep Isak and looking for an enormous transfer fee if they do have to sell, is he a realistic target? Bailey says yes, but he’s not the only option.
“He is, Liverpool are fully aware of his progress,” answers the journalist. “They are doing work on a few options, Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Isak are very much amongst them.”
Who are Liverpool’s options at left-back?
Andy Robertson has spoken out this week to declare that he is not yet finished at Liverpool. However, Robertson did admit that he has seen the transfer rumours regarding the Reds looking to replace him this summer.
Milos Kerkez has been installed as the early favourite by some sections of the press, but according to Bailey, Rayan Ait Nouri and Antonee Robinson are still on Liverpool’s radar, along with Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato.
“In terms of the left-back – Liverpool want an improvement on what they have,” he says. “So in the first instance that is Kostas Tsimikas.
“They are aware of the Premier League talent – Robinson, Kerkez and Ait Nouri are players they like and have done major work on.”
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
“Robinson I am told they see as the player with the least risk and the fact he spent his formative years on Merseyside only adds to his appeal, but Kerkez and Ait Nouri are also attractive options.
“Whilst the main options are domestic, they are not restricting themselves and the boy Hato at Ajax is also very much someone they have done work on.”
Are there any other players emerging as genuine targets already?
Although names have been filtering through with regards to forward and left-back targets, who Liverpool could move for at centre-back and other areas has so far remained a mystery.
And according to Bailey, that is likely to be by design at Anfield, with the Reds unwilling to see another Martin Zubimendi situation unfold.
“They don’t want to dive in on anyone,” he says. “They saw that with Zubimendi but they know what they want. I can see some early moves for sure.”
How much are Liverpool likely to spend?
With so much to get done in the window, it feels likely that the Liverpool owners are going to have to prepare for a significant outlay.
And Bailey concedes that while the three contract situations will inevitably play a part in determining how much that is, there is a scenario where Liverpool must spend more than they ever have.
“Again, sorry it is boring but whether the big three stay will have a major bearing,” says the reporter. “But I do see them having to go over £200m easily.”
Stay tuned for part two of our transfer Q&A during the international break!