Liverpool could once again need to make a number of changes to their squad in the summer.
Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate’s potential exits could require fresh legs in defence, while work is being done already to replace Mohamed Salah.
It may not be a transfer window as hectic as 2025 when Liverpool spent £450m and broke the British record for Alexander Isak, but fears are emerging that if the Reds don’t get it right, it could set the club back for several years.
Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach
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Arne Slot reacts with frustration during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg match against Galatasaray at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Liverpool transfer failure in 2026 summer window ‘could set them back a few years’
Speaking to Anfield Index this week, journalist Lewis Steele explained that he has been told by sources at the club that it is going to be ‘a turbulent time on and off the pitch’.
He said: “It’s a turbulent time on and off the pitch. That’s how it was told to me the other day by someone.
“And it’s going to be, it’s the sort of summer where if they get it wrong could set them back a few years.
“If they get it right, fair enough. But it’s a sort of thing that’s not going to be easy. And it’s also going to be quite easy to mess up the next couple of years.”
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Which players should Liverpool target to replace Mohamed Salah this summer? 🤔
A seven-man shortlist has already been reported:
Desire Doue
Bradley Barcola
Nico Williams
Yan Diomande
Anthony Gordon
Jarrod Bowen
Michael Olise
Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
Credit: Izzy Poles/AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool are gambling their success on Arne Slot
It is easy to see why the noise coming out of Anfield regarding the summer is concerning right now.
At present, there have been reports that there are no plans in place to sack Arne Slot.
Whether that stance remains the same come the end of 2025/26 remains to be seen, but sticking with the Dutchman could have serious, long-term consequences.
Slot has already had a £450m spending spree this past summer, and if he sticks around for 2026/27, he will be given more players that fit his system.
However, the problem with the 47-year-old is that we are seven games away from the Premier League campaign ending, and there have been zero signs of any improvement in the team’s performances.
A lot of new signings and injury issues can mitigate some of the problems from early in the season, but Slot has had more than enough time to turn things around.
But if Liverpool stick with him going into 2026/27, there is surely a fear that come October, he will need to be removed, and the Reds will have spent in excess of £500m on players specifically signed with him in mind.
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