Liverpool are bracing for a significant squad overhaul this summer, with multiple key players potentially heading for the exit.
While the club hopes to retain Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, uncertainty surrounds several first-team stars, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Diogo Jota.
The biggest departure could be Trent Alexander-Arnold, with reports linking the England international to a move to Real Madrid. While Liverpool remain hopeful of securing a contract extension for their vice-captain, the looming threat of a blockbuster switch to Spain persists.
Luis Díaz’s long-term future at Anfield is also in question. The Colombian winger’s current contract runs until 2027, but with Liverpool unlikely to offer a renewal due to his age (28), the club may look to cash in this summer.
Diogo Jota’s situation remains unclear, with the Portuguese forward struggling with injuries in recent seasons. Additionally, Harvey Elliott, who was the subject of interest from multiple clubs last summer, could reconsider his role under Arne Slot after limited game time.
Darwin Núñez pushing for exit amid Saudi interest
Another major talking point is the future of Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker was the subject of a £62.5m bid from Al-Nassr in January, which Liverpool rejected. However, fresh reports suggest that both the club and the player are now open to a summer transfer.
According to The Transfers Podcast, Saudi Arabian clubs are keen to make another move for Núñez, following their strategy of targeting younger established stars, as seen with Jhon Durán.
Journalist Duncan Castles claims Liverpool would “encourage a move” for Núñez and hope to recoup the majority of the £62.5m (€75m) they paid Benfica three years ago.
“Liverpool would be happy if the Saudis came in and would encourage a move for Nunez. They would like to get some kind of significant return on the initial £62.5m (€75m) that they paid Benfica three years ago,” Castles said.
“From the Saudi perspective, [Nunez] still has that ability to be a name within the Saudi game and to deliver goals with his physicality.
“Interestingly, I’m told that his girlfriend, Lorena Manas, who is the ex-wife of former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal, has been working with agents to explore opportunities elsewhere.
“So it looks like this is both sides pushing against the same door with Nunez, or at least Nunez’s partner, encouraging him to look for a move and Liverpool happy to sell the player with a strong, affluent potential buyer in Saudi Arabia.”
Liverpool targeting Alexander Isak as Núñez’s replacement
Should Liverpool offload Núñez for a substantial fee, those funds would likely go toward securing his replacement. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has emerged as the club’s top target, though the Magpies are expected to demand over £120m for the Swedish international.
Dean Huijsen, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, has described Isak as a “complete forward” – a player who would be a better tactical fit for Arne Slot’s system than Nunez.
Beyond a new striker, Liverpool are also prioritizing reinforcements at left-back, centre-back, and midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season. The funds from Núñez’s sale could play a crucial role in financing these upgrades as the club enters a new era under Slot.
With high-profile departures and ambitious recruitment plans, Liverpool’s upcoming summer window could be one of the most transformative in recent history.