Liverpool were beaten by Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon and Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that the Reds need to sign a new striker amid Alexander Isak's bombshell
10:30, 12 Aug 2025
Arne Slot
Arne Slot has added to his Liverpool squad(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's revamped squad made their competitive debut on Sunday but fell short in the Community Shield as they were defeated by Crystal Palace at Wembley.
The Reds have splashed significant cash in a bid to stay at the pinnacle of English football, but Arne Slot has acknowledged that their lineup still requires tweaks. Following their defeat, the Dutchman remarked: "We have four new players - we need time to adapt."
Alexander Isak has been strongly tipped for a switch to Anfield after indicating to Newcastle his desire to leave. An initial offer of £110million was turned down and Isak has since made it clear to Newcastle he considers his Magpies future over, according to The Athletic.
This leaves the Reds with a choice to make about their next step, but the recent departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz mean the squad lacks depth in attack.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool transfer news.
Eagles ready to offload Guehi
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace
Marc Guehi could leave Crystal Palace in the coming weeks(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish conceded the club might be compelled to sell captain Marc Guehi this summer. His deal runs out at the end of this season and Liverpool are believed to be leading the race should the England centre-back depart.
When questioned whether he would genuinely entertain offers for his captain, the Eagles chief admitted: "Yes. I mean, we'd have to, of course. For players of that calibre to leave on a free, it's a problem. No doubt about it, unfortunately.
"We had one bid (last summer), but Joachim (Andersen) went (to Fulham ) and we couldn't afford to lose both of them. We then had another bid in January, but that was a difficult situation as well, and the player had a point of view on that one. So we just have to see what happens, but it needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind."
Van Dijk backs striker signings
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has called for Liverpool to sign a new striker
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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has hinted at the need for more attacking prowess in the squad, seemingly urging the club's management to bring in additional firepower. The Reds' aspirations of signing Isak have been thwarted by Newcastle's refusal to sell.
Slot has secured Hugo Ekitike to spearhead the attack, who netted a debut goal at Wembley, while Florian Wirtz adds an extra creative spark. However, the exit of some high-profile attackers leaves gaps in the squad, which the captain would gladly see filled.
Speaking to TalkSPORT after Liverpool's Community Shield defeat on Sunday, Van Dijk said: "Well we just lost Darwin, he went to Saudi and we lost Lucho, obviously he went to Bayern. I think there's always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let's see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team."
Tsimikas poised for exit
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: liv21 during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on May 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Kostas Tsimikas could be sold in the summer(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
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Kostas Tsimikas is reportedly on the brink of leaving Liverpool after being omitted from their squad for the Community Shield loss. The Echo suggests that Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are keen on signing the Greek star before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
The Reds purchased Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer and also have Andy Robertson as backup in that position, which means Tsimikas is set to fall further down the pecking order. His potential sale would help the club offset their spending.