Liverpool are closing in on the signatures of Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez after cruising to the Premier League title during Arne Slot’s maiden campaign at the helm. And the Reds boss could oversee a mass clearout during the summer transfer window as he looks to reshape his squad and take his side to the next level next season.
Liverpool have reportedly agreed a five-year deal with Wirtz after the Bayer Leverkusen attacker was linked with Bayern Munich and Manchester City. The Merseyside giants are also said to be holding a final round of talks with Bournemouth left-back Kerkez, who will likely arrive at Anfield aiming to instantly climb above Andy Robertson in the pecking order. Slot will also be targeting other signings this summer after a quiet transfer window a year ago. And he could sacrifice a host of stars to make room for new additions.
Darwin Nunez has had plenty of time to stamp his mark in a Liverpool shirt but still can’t be relied upon to finish his chances at the critical moments. And he could net the Reds a huge transfer fee if they sell him, with Saudi Arabia a potential destination.
Diogo Jota could follow the Uruguayan through the exit door after an underwhelming contribution in front of goal under Slot.
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz is said to be attracting interest from Barcelona and Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and may be enticed by a fresh challenge. He could leave Anfield alongside fellow winger Federico Chiesa, who has struggled to command a regular starting place since moving to England from Juventus last year.
Liverpool will be in no rush to sell Cody Gakpo given the fact he bagged 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season. But Bayern Munich are said to be circling after missing out on Wirtz. And if the right offer comes in, the Reds may be unable to it turn down.
At the age of 22, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton may now want regular starts in the Premier League after being starved of them in a Liverpool shirt. And they may be targeted by mid-table teams in the coming months.
Teenage winger Ben Doak may also be desperate for a move after featuring 24 times for Middlesbrough in the Championship last season. Everton are keen on him.
Liverpool may want to keep hold of the majority of their central midfielders so they can rotate in a position where players clock up plenty of kilometres across the season. But Wataru Endo may jump at the chance to move on as he would only be a bit-part player if he stuck around next season.
Further back, Liverpool may want to trim their numbers in defence, with Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay unlikely to ever establish themselves in the first team on Merseyside. So Slot is likely to approve of permanent exits for the duo.
Meanwhile, the Dutchman could be forced into selling first-team regular Ibrahima Konate, with the Frenchman out of contract next season.
The club are also said to be willing to allow Joe Gomez to leave, while fellow centre-back Jarell Quansah is believed to have several teams pursuing him. And Kostas Tsimikas may not want to stick around if he’s going to be the third-choice left-back.