Liverpool’s Transfer Focus: Replacing Mo Salah and Strengthening the Squad

Liverpool is gearing up for a crucial transfer window that could reshape the club’s future. Following Arsenal’s triumph in the Premier League last season, Liverpool’s management made significant changes, parting ways with former manager Arne Slot and appointing Andoni Iraola.

The new manager inherits a squad rich in talent, yet there are glaring gaps that must be filled to remain competitive. Here’s a look at Liverpool’s key priorities for the upcoming summer transfer window.

Replacing Mohamed Salah and Adding Forward Depth

The exit of Mohamed Salah marks the end of an era for Liverpool, as he leaves behind a legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest players. His departure poses a major challenge for the club, particularly given his past contributions to the team’s success.

Despite Salah’s decline last season, where he scored only 12 goals and provided 10 assists across 41 appearances, his absence will be felt. The club is expected to rely on striker Alexander Isak to fill the void in scoring; Isak has previously netted over 21 goals in a Premier League season. However, replicating Salah’s creativity remains a daunting task.

Reports suggest that RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is being considered as Salah’s successor. At just 19 years old, Diomande has showcased his potential by consistently creating chaos in opposition defenses.

• Matches: 36
• Starts: 31
• Goals: 13
• Assists: 9
• Successful Dribbles per Game (Bundesliga): 3.6
• Big Chances Created (Bundesliga): 17

Another potential target is Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, though he primarily operates on the left wing and focuses more on finishing than playmaking. While acquiring either player would enhance Liverpool’s attacking options, they will need additional forwards to compete effectively in the title race for the 2026-27 season.

If Federico Chiesa departs as anticipated, Liverpool’s attacking options could dwindle to Cody Gakpo, Rio Nguomoha, and Isak at the start of the season. Hugo Ekitike is recovering from an Achilles injury and will require significant match time to regain his form after an extended layoff.

Liverpool cannot enter next season with such limited attacking depth if Iraola hopes to achieve success during his first year at the helm.

© Imago / Fotoarena / Marcelo Machado de Melo.

Midfield Reinforcements Needed

No matter what happens with Alexis Mac Allister amid speculation linking him to Real Madrid, Liverpool must bolster their midfield. Ryan Gravenberch’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident last season, while Mac Allister’s sudden drop in performance raised concerns.

Iraola favors midfielders who can cover vast areas aggressively when out of possession—qualities that both Gravenberch and Mac Allister might struggle with next term. Premier League clubs are likely to demand high fees for top midfield talents; Nottingham Forest reportedly wants around £120 million for Elliot Anderson from Manchester City.

This situation could influence Crystal Palace’s valuation of Adam Wharton or make it challenging for Bournemouth to part with Alex Scott.

• Players In: 9
• Players Out: 10
• Transfer Cost: £407.6m
• Transfer Income: £207.3m
• Transfer Profit/Loss: -£200.3m

Liverpool must manage their summer budget wisely amid inflated prices from other clubs. They may need to explore cheaper alternatives within Ligue 1, considering talents like Lamine Camara from Monaco and Mamadou Sangare from Lens as more affordable options.

The Reds have also shown interest in Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed during Morocco’s World Cup campaign against Brazil. However, whether Liverpool can afford to integrate an 18-year-old into their starting lineup remains uncertain; they cannot afford to leave Iraola without adequate midfield support heading into next season.

© Iconsport / SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News.

Additions Needed at Right Back

This past season saw Conor Bradley fail to impress as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s designated replacement while Jeremie Frimpong struggled as well; he is better suited for wing-back duties than playing in a four-man defense. Bradley is currently recovering from a serious knee injury and while he aims to return close to the start of next season, relying on him or Frimpong could prove risky given their recent performances.

Liverpool has numerous areas requiring attention this summer; signing a player like Michael Kayode from Brentford may not fit within their budget constraints. Dominik Szoboszlai emerged as Liverpool’s best right-back last season and may have to step back into that role if they fail to secure another defender before the new campaign begins.