Another transfer window has passed without any activity through the Liverpool arrivals door.
Reds supporters have become used to seeing their club do very little during both the summer and winter markets and that continued in January.
However, next summer is likely to be a different prospect. As Arne Slot begins to shape the Liverpool squad in his image, there is work to be done.
With the focus for Richard Hughes firmly on planning ahead – as well as sorting out Liverpool’s contract sagas – Rousing The Kop’s transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has given an insight into what supporters can expect to see happen at Anfield in June, July and August.
Busy summer expected at Liverpool
In an ideal world, Liverpool would have already sown up the contracts of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, with uncertainty still hanging over whether each of the three players will be at Anfield next season, Bailey says that what Liverpool do in the market will depend on how the three sagas play out.
“Well, we are going to see some changes,” says the journalist. “But there are not a lot of weaknesses. Much will depend on the big three – the big three out of contract – Van Dijk, Salah and Trent.”
Regardless of what does eventually happen there, though, Bailey is expecting to see some notable changes in other areas of the pitch.
“I firmly believe full-backs we could see changes on both sides,” he predicts. “Trent as we know is going, so they will need a new right-back in some guise and I think they will look to make alterations on the left too. I think they will be ready to move on from Kostas Tsimikas.
“Van Dijk, I don’t think leaves, so I don’t think we will see too much in central defence this summer, but it is an area they are looking at in the medium to long-term.”
Darwin Nunez future remains uncertain
As well as swapping over the full-backs, Bailey believes that Liverpool could see some fresh blood arrive in the forward department, whether Salah eventually leaves or not.
“In the forward department I think we will see work done,” says the reporter. “Will that be to replace Salah? Quite possibly – the Pro League are really pushing hard him and they are ready to make him the highest paid player in the world.”
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“But I don’t think Salah will be alone in leaving, indeed may not be alone in making the move to Saudi Arabia as I have a feeling that Darwin Nunez is entering the final months of his Liverpool career.
“I’m told he is a good character around the club,” Bailey adds. “But he just isn’t quite at the level they expect and I think he might be replaced.”
Midfield and goalkeeping changes possible
During the summer of 2024, midfield was high on the agenda for Slot and Hughes. However, having failed to sign Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool chose to go with what they already had.
In the meantime, Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation. According to Bailey, though, Gravenberch’s good form – and that of Curtis Jones – may not stop a change from happening in the middle of the pitch in 2025.
“In terms of midfield, I think we will see something happen,” he predicts. “I believe Wataru Endo will move.”
“They really are delighted with how Jones and Gravenberch have progressed this season but they are little light and are looking in this area.”
Finally, Bailey says that Liverpool’s goalkeeping department is still up in the air a little as the Reds prepare for the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili.
“The goalkeeping department is also interesting as we have to hear the decision about Giorgi Mamardashvili – does he come in this summer?” poses the transfer expert.
“I believe as it stands the plan is for him to do so, but it is not 100% whether he replaces Alisson or not – if he does it does mean Liverpool will need another as Caoimhin Kelleher is definitely leaving, so we could see both Alisson and Kelleher leaving. If that is the case we will see two new keepers at Anfield.
“So in terms of this summer – it is going to be busy, and in every department!”
So, right-back, left-back, central midfield, attack and goalkeeper. That’s a lot for Hughes to get done. He better get going now!
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