Liverpool are starting to turn their attention to the summer transfer window with just under a month of the season remaining
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool with Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz's rejection of Bayern Munich to sign for Liverpool is a situation that could repeat itself this summer(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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A stuttering defence of their Premier League crown and the forthcoming departures of two club icons suggest Liverpool are set for another busy summer of activity. The reigning league champions have fallen well short of expectations for much of the 2025/26 campaign, with just a month remaining before supporters will be eager to draw a line under this season.
The departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will be a bitter blow for fans who have witnessed the modern-day legends claim every major honour during their nine years at Anfield. Nevertheless, as football dictates, the game moves on swiftly.
Plans will undoubtedly be in motion to strengthen Arne Slot's squad ahead of next season - assuming he retains his position - with conspicuous weaknesses throughout his side having blighted much of the campaign.
We examine the indirect influence Newcastle midfielder Joelinton could have on Liverpool's summer transfer activity, with the club potentially looking to replicate the Florian Wirtz deal.
Joelinton's transfer impact on Reds
Joelinton of Newcastle United reacts to receiving a yellow card during the Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Joelinton could indirectly play a part in Liverpool's expenditure this summer
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Liverpool's failure to replace Luis Diaz last summer, combined with Mohamed Salah's imminent departure, makes recruiting wingers this summer an absolute priority. One wide player who has been connected with a switch to Anfield is Hoffenheim prospect Bazoumana Toure.
According to Sky Sports Germany, the 20-year-old is a potential target owing to his outstanding debut season in the Bundesliga, registering three goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.
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With Toure tied to Hoffenheim until 2029, the club hold a powerful bargaining position and are believed to be poised to make the Ivory Coast international their priciest departure to date. That distinction currently belongs to Joelinton, who was offloaded for £40million by the Bundesliga outfit when joining Newcastle in 2019.
Due to the Brazilian's substantial transfer fee, Hoffenheim have elevated their expectations when dealing with Premier League sides. It means Liverpool will need to exceed the £40m Newcastle paid for Joelinton to secure Toure.
Speaking about his future, Hoffenheim sporting director Andreas Schicker said: "Bazou has developed very well. We brought him in from Sweden a year and a half ago. You can see week after week what qualities he brings. With him, it's like this: if there's interest – which you can tell because he delivers week after week – then it has to be in a league that Hoffenheim hasn't seen before."
Possible repeat of Wirtz coup
Liverpool's acquisition of Florian Wirtz last season was remarkable for several reasons. The German became the club's record purchase at £116m - including add-ons - and signalled the start of the next era.
His signing also caused astonishment owing to the fact that he turned down Bayern Munich in order to force through a switch to Liverpool. Such a scenario could unfold once more this summer in the instance of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
Florian Wirtz during the Champions League game between Liverpool and Galatasaray.
Florian Wirtz turned down Bayern Munich to sign for Liverpool(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The Germany centre-back penned a contract extension until 2031 but according to Sky Sports Germany, the deal includes a release clause whereby specific clubs could acquire him this summer for a sum between £43.5m-£52.2m (€50m-60m).
It is suggested that while Real Madrid are one of those sides, Bayern Munich are not and should they wish to recruit him in 2027, Dortmund will retain control. However, BILD have suggested that Liverpool are expected to be amongst the clubs featured.
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