Liverpool are expected to engage in a recruitment drive ahead of next season’s Premier League title defence
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels. After clinching a record-equalling 20th top-flight title, the mood around Anfield is electric—and ambitious. Arne Slot walked into a pressure-cooker job, taking over from the legendary Jürgen Klopp, but didn’t blink. Instead, he led the Reds to the top with a mix of calm control and fearless football. No one expected such a seamless debut season, but Slot made it look like he’d been in the dugout for years.
Mohamed Salah, of course, played a starring role once again—46 goal contributions in just 37 games, a frankly ridiculous output. But as good as Salah was, it was in midfield where the biggest evolution happened. Slot took the trio Klopp handed him and raised the ceiling. The most remarkable turnaround? Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman went from raw potential to an elite anchor in midfield, starting all 34 league games and owning the centre of the park like a seasoned general.
What’s even more impressive is how little Liverpool did last summer in terms of transfers. Giorgi Mamardashvili came in and was loaned straight back to Valencia. Federico Chiesa barely got a sniff in the league. And still, Slot delivered silverware. That says a lot about the system, the man, and the squad.
But this summer is different. Trent Alexander-Arnold is off to Madrid, and the club isn’t just tweaking around the edges anymore—they’re reloading. And fast.
Frimpong was the first domino, brought in from Bayer Leverkusen to fill that right-back slot. Then came Florian Wirtz, a truly blockbuster signing. £100 million for a generational German playmaker—and worth every penny. Shortly after, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth arrived to freshen up the left side of the defence. That’s three moves that make it clear: Liverpool mean business.
There are still gaps to fill. With Trent gone and Andy Robertson showing signs of decline, the full-back situation needed a reset. Robertson’s been a giant for the club, but age and injuries have crept in, and with Kostas Tsimikas also expected to move on, depth is thin. Kerkez adds energy and upside, but the back line may need more, especially with Konaté entering the final year of his deal and Quansah heading out.
The midfield looks stable for now, but with the futures of players like Nunez, Jota, Elliott, and Chiesa unclear, you get the sense that more moves are coming. And the rumours swirling suggest big names are being lined up.
Up top, Liverpool fans still dare to dream about Alexander Isak. The Swede has exploded into one of Europe’s best number nines and fits the Reds’ system like a glove. But with Newcastle now back in the Champions League, and a nine-figure price tag looming, it might be wishful thinking—for now.
That’s where Hugo Ekitike comes in. At 22, he’s younger, maybe less polished, but undeniably talented. Liverpool, Chelsea, and United are circling, but Anfield feels like the right place for him to take the next step. A reported fee closer to £65m might just get it done.
At centre-back, Marc Guehi remains a real possibility. With Van Dijk ageing and Konaté’s future uncertain, adding a Premier League-proven CB makes sense. Palace are tough negotiators, but if the £70m price drops, Hughes and Edwards could strike.
Angelo Stiller is another interesting link. The Stuttgart midfielder fits the Liverpool profile—intelligent, industrious, with Champions League experience. He could be the quiet signing that ends up being crucial over a long season.
And then there’s the wildcard: Julián Álvarez. The former Man City forward is thriving at Atletico Madrid after escaping Haaland’s shadow. With 29 goals this past season, he’s making a serious case. Liverpool are said to be monitoring his situation, and if Nunez moves on, a swap-plus-cash deal could be on the table.
So far, the confirmed ins are Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, young Hungarian talent Amin Pesci, and keeper Freddie Woodman. Out the door are Kelleher to Brentford, Trent to Real, Nat Phillips to West Brom, and a couple of loans in Jaros and Davies.
It’s still early days in the window, but Liverpool look locked in. No wild spending sprees, no panic buys—just a clear plan, smart scouting, and serious intent to stay at the top. This isn’t just about defending a title. It’s about building a dynasty.