Relegation can always present opportunities, and it will for Liverpool in a matter of weeks.
The Reds need another midfielder this summer. Not just a squad filler, but someone young, adaptable and capable of growing into a long-term role under Arne Slot.
Wolves and Burnley are already down, and the final relegation place now looks likely to come from a surprise group including Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
That could make two exciting young midfielders much more attainable. Liverpool have already been linked with Archie Gray and Mateus Fernandes, and either player would make plenty of sense if their club drops into the Championship.
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Archie Gray or Mateus Fernandes will be a market opportunity for Liverpool
Gray would be the standout opportunity. He is only 20, already Premier League proven, and has shown the sort of positional flexibility that top clubs value more and more.
Although Gray is a midfielder by trade, he has also been used across the back line. That would appeal to Liverpool, who should be looking for players capable of handling multiple roles. Liverpool have already been linked to the potentially relegation-bound star.
He has been asked to do far too much in his first two seasons, but has showed maturity for his age, even emerging as a leader in the dressing room.
If Spurs go down, they would surely face pressure to sell. Gray may be viewed as one of their most important young players, but relegation changes everything, especially when clubs higher up the table start circling.
Fernandes would be a different but still very exciting option to bring to Anfield.
The West Ham midfielder is more of a box-to-box number eight. He is mobile, technically sharp, and has stood out in his debut season for a struggling Hammers side.
Fernandes is another intriguing Liverpool target. The 21-year-old is under a long contract, but relegation would weaken their position at the negotiating table.
As things stand, West Ham look the more vulnerable of the two. Their remaining fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds look that bit more difficult than Spurs with Leeds, Chelsea and Everton to play.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 34 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 36 | 42 | -6 | 43 |
| 16 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 35 | 11 | 9 | 15 | 44 | 46 | -2 | 42 |
| 17 |  TottenhamTottenham | 35 | 9 | 10 | 16 | 45 | 54 | -9 | 37 |
| 18 |  West HamWest Ham | 35 | 9 | 9 | 17 | 42 | 61 | -19 | 36 |
That keeps both situations alive, but Gray should be Liverpool’s preference. His age, versatility and ceiling make him feel like a near-perfect market opportunity.
Whichever team goes down, that player becomes far more gettable. Whichever of Gray and Fernandes it is, Liverpool should be first to move.
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