Arne Slot believes that Liverpool can transform itself this summer with some exciting transfer moves, but what might that look like and how likely is it to pay off?
04:00, 17 May 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arne Slot is convinced that Liverpool can get back to where it wants to be next season by having a perfect summer in the transfer market to fix his roster.
"I can understand that, at this moment in time, (the fans) don’t have a lot of confidence or a lot of feeling that things can be much better next season," Slot admitted after his side lost 4-2 against Aston Villa. "But I think then they are underestimating what a window can do, what a new start can do. I think we know quite well what to improve."
What exactly does that look like, though? Earlier in the week, Slot said what Liverpool needs is "clear and obvious", and there are several glaring issues that need to be addressed.
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Pace in wide areas
Injecting some speed into the Liverpool attack is quite simply a non-negotiable. With Mohamed Salah departing, there will be a chance to sign someone faster and more dynamic in that role.
Getting two flyers to play on either flank would transform Florian Wirtz as the No. 10 and provide Alexander Isak will more ammunition. It would also get more from Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo as there would be less pressure on them to play as often as they have of late.
Whatever tactical set-up Liverpool is aiming for when the new campaign kicks off, at least one fast wide forward — RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, perhaps — needs to arrive. Without that, any other additions will be in vain.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - APRIL 24: Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Union Berlin at Red Bull Arena on April 24, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Yan Diomande this summer.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Get Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike together
Though Hugo Ekitike is out injured at the moment and will be for some time, the Frenchman will return at some point next season. After coming in for such a big fee, the plan is to get both him and Isak playing together.
With Wirtz behind them and Isak and Ekitike forming a front two, Liverpool would need to get the balance right and find a way of playing wingers with speed as well, though the latter has come in off the left successfully for France.
After spending $426 million (£320 million) on Ekitike, Isak and Wirtz a year ago, however, getting all three on the field at once needs to be a priority.
So far, they have managed just 119 competitive minutes as a trio. Isak and Wirtz, who should be able to start next season together even if Ekitike is some way behind them, have only been paired with one another for 618 minutes to date.
Liverpool forwards Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Liverpool forwards Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bolster the midfield
The issues in the Liverpool attack — a lack of speed and intensity — have trickled down into midfield and defense too. Against Aston Villa, for instance, there was the familiar issue of opposition players being able to stroll into huge gaps with ease.
Ryan Gravenberch looked to be playing in the center on his own in the early parts of the game, while Alexis Mac Allister has been struggling physically for months.
Getting fresh energy in the middle would be one option as a fix, with Adam Wharton among those to be linked. Going back to a more solid three-man midfield, rather than a two with Wirtz in front, might also be worth considering, even if that means shifting the German into a position where he comes inside off the left.
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Wholesale changes are required in some key areas of the Liverpool team. One thing will lead into another, though, and an element from each section is required.