Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting
Liverpool are thoroughly active in the transfer market trying to strengthen Arne Slot's Premier League-winning squad. It seems only a matter of time until one of two stars become the third signing of the summer.
Already the Reds have confirmed the £29.5m arrival of Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong after agreeing to pay his release clause to Bayer Leverkusen. Most recently, from Puskas Akademia, with the £1.5m they've received a club record for the Hungarian outfit.
Now, it is clear who is top of the list. Negotiations continue for Frimpong's now-former teammate, Florian Wirtz and following the rejection of a £113m offer, the suggestion is that Leverkusen will compromise at a British-record £118m - this is now a pivotal week.
Meanwhile , with the left-back the Reds' top target to bolster that position. The Reds will have to reach an agreement with Bournemouth, who are seeking £45m.
Provided Liverpool are successful and they are the next two names through the door, there is still other business to round off Slot's squad for a Premier League title defence.
That will seemingly hang on any exits that are made, with striker Darwin Nunez's future hanging in the balance, winger Luis Diaz recently commenting that he has been in contact with rival clubs and central defender Ibrahima Konate's contract coming to an end next summer.
Here, the ECHO writers make their decision over Liverpool's next summer transfer.
James Quinlan
Liverpool's intent has been nothing short of fantastic, capitalising on their latest success. If they can get Wirtz and Kerkez through the door it is hard to see who can challenge this squad.
But that isn't to say there aren't still weaknesses, or that it is time for Arne Slot to put his feet up.
Konate's contract is an utmost priority because losing him for free, no doubt to a key European rival like Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, would be catastrophic. On top of that, another player in his position should be sought out.
The Frenchman has a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk, then behind them is 22-year-old Jarell Quansah and injury-prone Joe Gomez. It seems long overdue since a central defender was signed.
Amie Wilson
It has been a positive summer so far for Liverpool, especially if they can get deals for Wirtz and Kirkez over the line. A new deal for Mo Salah means that there will always be goals in the team, but I feel that an out-and-out striker could just give Liverpool that extra spark.
With speculation over the future of Darwin Nunez, if he goes it will leave the Reds with just Diogo Jota as their only recognised centre-forward, and he has strugged with injuries the last couple of seasons.
Bringing in an out-and-out goalscorer who would thrive on the service provided by the likes of Salah and Wirtz will add another level of attacking threat to Arne Slot’s team as they look to defend their Premier League title.
Matthew Abbott
Further signings this summer will seemingly be dependent on outgoings. The futures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz will likely decide who arrives next at Anfield.
Diaz, though, seems the more certain South American to stay, with the expectation that Nunez will not. Therefore, the Reds will require a replacement.
Hugo Ekitike could be an option, but there are similarities between the Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward and the player Liverpool signed from Benfica three years ago. The availability of Jonathan David could be one to watch, with Joao Pedro appearing set to sign for Newcastle United.
The latter deal also inevitably springs to mind Alexander Isak. However, the Sweden international will seemingly stay in the North East for at least another season.
Jack Flintham
Liverpool's squad will be looking extremely strong going into next season should Wirtz and Kerkez sign for the club. However, a centre-forward could make them comfortable favourites to retain the Premier League.
with a move to Anfield this summer and his arrival would be a massive statement of intent when both Arsenal and Manchester United want his services. Nunez's form has been ropey and really centre-forward is the only area of the squad that looks particularly weak.
With Wirtz, Salah, Diaz all creating for him, you can imagine that Gyokeres would jump at the chance to move to Anfield. He may not be top of the list right now but he is certainly an option worth exploring.
Kieran King
For me, Liverpool should target a new No.9 after signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez. I don't think Darwin Nunez is good enough to lead the line for Arne Slot next season, and although Luis Diaz has impressed down the middle, I believe that the Reds could upgrade in that position.
Alexander Isak would be my first-choice target, but convincing Newcastle to sell the striker is almost impossible, meaning the Reds need to look at alternatives. Hugo Ekitike is the man that would be second in line following an impressive season at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ekitike scored 22 times in 48 matches in 2024/25 and would cost around £60million to secure his services. It's a deal that I think Liverpool needs to make, as he could become a lethal Premier League forward.