Key factor in deciding Liverpool’s 2026 summer transfer budget now named

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Liverpool spent £450m in the last summer transfer window but may still have holes in their squad that need plugging later this year.

The most immediate issue for those in a position of power to solve will be deciding who will replace Mohamed Salah when he departs at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

A new left-back and centre-back may be needed as well unless Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate extend their deals beyond the end of June 2026, which they are yet to do.

However, it has now been reported that the amount of money the Reds can spend in the upcoming window will depend on where they finish in the Premier League table this term.

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Champions League football will impact Liverpool spending

The Athletic have issued an update on the potential spending, which some fans may find concerning.

They shared: “Last summer’s record-breaking £450m spending spree, which was partly financed by around £220m in sales, won’t be repeated. That was described by senior Anfield figures as ‘doing three windows in one’, such was the turnover in personnel. The money available this summer will be influenced by whether Liverpool secure Champions League qualification.”

Granted there was a lot of money spent last year, but does anyone really look at the current squad and think it doesn’t need a lot of changes?

As well as the aforementioned potential additions of a right-winger, left-back and centre-back, a new rival for Cody Gakpo on the left and a proper defensive midfielder should also be looked at.

But at present, Liverpool may well end up outside of the Champions League places, leaving them with less money to spend on key areas of weakness.

After losing to Brighton and Hove Albion prior to the international break, the Reds have moved five points behind Aston Villa and are just three points above bitter rivals, Everton.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	ArsenalArsenal	31	21	7	3	61	22	39	70
2	Manchester CityManchester City	30	18	7	5	60	28	32	61
3	Manchester UnitedManchester United	31	15	10	6	56	43	13	55
4	Aston VillaAston Villa	31	16	6	9	42	37	5	54
5	LiverpoolLiverpool	31	14	7	10	50	42	8	49
6	ChelseaChelsea	31	13	9	9	53	38	15	48
7	BrentfordBrentford	31	13	7	11	46	42	4	46
8	EvertonEverton	31	13	7	11	37	35	2	46

There’s still plenty of points up for grabs in the coming weeks, of course, but Liverpool’s end-of-season run-in may worry supporters.

• Manchester United vs Liverpool, May 2
• Liverpool vs Chelsea, May 9
• Aston Villa vs Liverpool, May 17
• Liverpool vs Brentford, May 24

All four opponents could be in the Champions League race in May, and based on how Slot’s team are performing right now, it’s hard to see them picking up too many points.