Liverpool's defence of the Premier League title has been lacklustre to say the least this season with Arne Slot feeling the pressure
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray
Liverpool have endured a tough season so far(Image: Getty)
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Liverpool have failed to put up a fight in their bid to defend the Premier League crown. They could turn to the transfer market this summer to rejuvenate their squad.
Arne Slot's first season in charge of the Reds almost seemed too good to be true and perhaps it was. The Dutchman slipped into the shoes of the departing Jurgen Klopp with ease and sauntered to a top-flight title.
This campaign has been an entirely different story, with the club going on a run of nine defeats in 12 games late last year. Liverpool currently sit fifth in the league table with a battle on their hands to qualify for the Champions League. Slot's squad was significantly bolstered last summer with the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz all added, among others.
Keep or Sell
Alisson blossomed into one of the world's best goalkeepers at Anfield and while he has turned 33, selling him in the summer does not appear wise. His contract expires in 2027, so a decision should be made then.
It seems too early to write off Mamardashvili. He hasn't exactly set the world alight when filling in for Alisson but at 25 he has room to grow and he's only made 13 appearances so far.
Gomez is the definition of a loyal servant. Like some other members of the squad, he isn't getting any younger, but a player so versatile is hard to come by and he should remain a part of the first-team rotation. It would be a shame for him to score his first senior goal for a different club.
Liverpool's captain may have shown signs of regression this season but he remains a crucial puzzle piece both on and off the pitch. Much like Alisson, the club should wait until 2027 when his deal expires to make any decision.
Galatasaray chief Eray Yazgan has taken aim at Liverpool in a sordid statement.
Konate's contract expires this summer(Image: Getty)
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Konate is out of contract this summer but the club should let him depart. He is 26, has shown some frailties and for the wages he'll request, Liverpool would be better off nurturing another centre-half alongside Van Dijk. Jeremy Jacquet's imminent arrival from Rennes is another reason to let Konate leave.
Kerkez's first season with the Reds has not lived up to expectations. But the club should allow him time to adjust to playing for a team of Liverpool's calibre.
This season came to a premature end for Bradley after he picked up a long-term knee injury in a clash against Arsenal. Once he returns from the sidelines, he can remain a valuable defensive option and is still only 22.
Like Bradley, Leoni has also spent a large chunk of this campaign on the sidelines. He can be the one to challenge Jacquet for a first-team berth next season.
Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool plays during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton
Leoni has been out with an injury this season(Image: Getty)
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The Scotsman has become a cult hero on Merseyside during his tenure but his deal expires this summer. As is the case with Konate, the club should let him leave with his head held high and allow him to choose his next destination.
Frimpong is another new signing plagued by injuries but his rapid pace and threat going forward mean he should remain a key first-team player next term.
Tsimikas is currently on loan with Roma and his performances have been a mixed bag. He is under contract until 2027 so the club should look to offload for a fee this summer.
Endo is also contracted until next year, so Liverpool should not let him walk and try to sell him when the window opens.
Wataru Endo of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool
Endo should be offloaded(Image: Getty)
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The German struggled during his early outings as a Liverpool player but has since come into his own. His creativity will be key for the Reds' next campaign.
There is no doubting that Szoboszlai has been Liverpool's standout player this term. His goals from set-pieces and his willingness to play in defence make him untouchable.
In contrast to Szoboszlai, Mac Allister has not enjoyed the best of seasons. But he will simply have to adapt to Wirtz taking on some of the attacking burden and it is too soon to sanction an exit.
One player who can be let go is Curtis Jones. While it may be painful to say goodbye to an academy graduate, any fee generated would count as pure profit and others appeal more in the midfield.
Curtis Jones of Liverpool gestures during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion
Jones has been linked with a transfer away from Liverpool(Image: Getty)
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Slot managed to get some tune out of Gravenberch as a holding player last year, but he has shifted slightly further forward this term and it has cost Liverpool at times. He should not be sold as he can be a valuable squad player, but it may be time they take the plunge on a bona fide No. 6.
Nyoni has shown great potential when he has appeared for Liverpool and while they could look to loan him out, he could learn more by staying put.
The young Englishman's loan spell at Aston Villa has been abysmal and the club may be able to offload him for a fair fee in the summer.
The Swedish striker has been out since suffering an injury in a win against Tottenham earlier in the campaign. He is the most expensive British signing in history.
The iconic Egyptian has announced he will leave Liverpool this summer.
Chiesa hasn't cracked Slot's starting XI yet and might never do so but he can still provide the Dutchman with a solid option off the bench.
While it may seem far-fetched to sell Gakpo, he is one of the club's highest earners but doesn't perform as if he is the long-term solution on the left wing. He could fetch a fair fee, which could be invested in a star winger.
Cody Gakpo of Liverpool
Gakpo has been poor this season(Image: Getty)
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In Isak's absence, Ekitike has proven to be an exceptional signing. He is one of the first names on Slot's teamsheet when fit.
If Szoboszlai has been the star of the season, Ngumoha has been the uncovered diamond. The teenager shapes as though he has a bright future at Anfield and can be the Salah successor the club need.
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Next season's XI
If Liverpool do not qualify for next season's Champions League then they can kiss goodbye the possibility of meaningful summer spending. But there are three key areas the club should look to bolster.
The first is at centre-half. The arrival of Jacquet and the promise of Leoni need to be taken into consideration but another more experienced defender should be purchased. Nico Schlotterbeck fits the mould perfectly.
Nico Schlotterbeck gestures
Schlotterbeck has been linked with the Reds(Image: Getty)
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Next, a holding midfielder should be signed. The impact a stellar No. 6 can make is endless, as seen with Declan Rice at Arsenal and Rodri at Manchester City. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga is supposedly seeking an exit.
A new superstar winger is the final puzzle piece with Salah's exit nearing. The young Yan Diomande is reportedly on the club's radar and could form a deadly partnership with Ngumoha for years to come, rounding off what would become a very aggressive starting XI.
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