Liverpool have several holes in need of filling this summer and find themselves at a crossroads in Arne Slot's tenure
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace FC celebrates after Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace FC scored first goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi
Adam Wharton could lead a summer of widespread change at Anfield (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Sunday's Merseyside derby victory against Everton appears to have all but secured Champions League football for Liverpool next season. And that could prove a game-changer for the club's transfer ambitions heading into what promises to be a high-stakes summer window.
Arne Slot already carries an enormous weight on his shoulders following a challenging campaign at Anfield. The Reds have failed to live up to expectations in the wake of last summer's outlay in excess of £400million, with nobody anticipating a similar level of spending this time around.
Adam Wharton signs
One name that will have plenty of Liverpool supporters sitting up and taking notice is Adam Wharton. For weeks, Manchester City and Manchester United have been credited with leading interest in the £80m-rated midfielder, but it has now emerged Liverpool have also thrown their hat into the ring.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the England international, though talkSPORT has flagged Liverpool as a fresh contender in the race. Wharton, 22, would almost certainly represent Slot's most expensive outlay of the summer should he make the move, particularly as midfield reinforcement is not currently the most pressing priority.
That situation could change in the not-too-distant future, however, given Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are all tied to contracts expiring in 2027. Of the trio, Jones would be the most natural candidate for a new deal, considering Endo will be 34 by the time his contract runs down and Bajcetic has failed to kick on as many had hoped since his initial breakthrough.
There are also the persistent rumours linking Real with Alexis Mac Allister, who has endured a dip in form this season and is due to become a free agent in 2028. Should there be any suggestion the Argentinian has no intention of signing a fresh deal, this summer could represent Liverpool's final chance to get a premium return on their investment.
Wharton stands out as the high-quality replacement capable of excelling in that controlling playmaker role to take the burden off those around him. And while there are other positions where significant investment may be needed, moving swiftly to snap up the Crystal Palace star now could well prove a shrewd move further down the line.
Salah's heir
Bournemouth's French striker #22 Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates scoring their second goal for 2-3 during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium
Eli Junior Kroupi has had an impressive first season in the Premier League(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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A major vacancy appears set to open up on Liverpool's right side this summer. Salah has already confirmed he's bound for the exit, placing enormous pressure on whoever is chosen to succeed him at Anfield.
Anticipating a direct replacement to match Salah's contribution would be unrealistic. Nevertheless, securing Eli Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth would provide Liverpool with a development prospect possessing exceptional potential to possibly one day reach similar heights.
The Frenchman is primarily categorised as a striker or supporting forward but Kroupi frequently drifts out to the right to create opportunities. This tendency was evident again in Bournemouth's recent victories over Arsenal and Newcastle, netting the opening goal against the former.
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Kroupi, 19, wouldn't represent a bargain as the Daily Mail reported Manchester United, Chelsea and certain Spanish clubs are interested. It's been indicated the player is ready to leave the Vitality Stadium but would still cost a hefty £60m.
Liverpool's prospects are enhanced by the fact Andoni Iraola is expected to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this summer. And considering the Spaniard has been mentioned as a possible successor to Slot should he depart, there could even be a swift reunion at Anfield.
Senesi reinforces defence
Liverpool have already acted early to secure one new addition in defence before the summer window. The January capture of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes was the strongest signal yet that alterations could be coming to the backline.
Konate could still leave on a free in July, though there are now signs he'll pen an extension. Nevertheless, with the ageing Virgil van Dijk expected to leave 12 months later and Joe Gomez's contract running out at the same time, additional reinforcements are required.
Van Dijk has been a cornerstone in the Reds' defence for going on eight years, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old will inevitably leave a significant void. Having already invested heavily in £55m Jacquet, it would be sensible to bring in at least one more affordable and seasoned option to partner him.
Marcos Senesi of AFC Bournemouth acknowledges the fans
Marcos Senesi of AFC Bournemouth acknowledges the fans(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
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With that in mind, outgoing Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi could prove a very shrewd acquisition, with Rhys Williams another who appears destined for departure. The three-cap Argentina international has been a reliable performer in Bournemouth's defensive line since arriving from Feyenoord in 2022.
And Slot will be fully aware of the calibre of player he possesses, given their previous collaboration in Rotterdam. At 28, Senesi is marginally older than the typical profile of player Liverpool tend to pursue.
Nevertheless, the money saved through his Bosman status would offset much of the risk. And a touch more experience in the position could prove invaluable in accelerating 20-year-old Jacquet's development.
Final dream 2026/27 squad
In short, Liverpool will lose at minimum Salah and Andy Robertson from their ranks this summer, with Williams and Calvin Ramsay also anticipated to move on. The additions of Senesi and Wharton would strengthen Slot's choices at the back and in midfield, while Kroupi could be the ideal acquisition to soften the blow of Salah's exit.
Alisson, Mamardashvili, Pecsi; Jacquet, Bradley, Van Dijk, Senesi, Konate, Kerkez, Gomez, Leoni, Frimpong; Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones, Elliott, Bajcetic; Kroupi, Chiesa, Isak, Gakpo, Ngumoha.
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