With just over three weeks remaining until the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Liverpool’s squad for the upcoming campaign is taking shape. The Reds have been active in the summer transfer window, with significant signings and potential departures signaling an ambitious overhaul under manager Arne Slot. Following the imminent arrival of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are poised to secure two more signings while bracing for four significant exits, as they aim to defend their Premier League title and honor the memory of the late Diogo Jota.
Incoming Transfers: Ekitike and Beyond
Liverpool have already made waves in the transfer market, securing the services of Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), alongside Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez (£40m) and goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, and Armin Pecsi. The latest addition, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, is set to join for a fee of up to £79m ($106m), with the French striker undergoing a medical to finalize the move. This signing, which will make Ekitike the third-biggest in the club’s history, addresses Liverpool’s need for a reliable center-forward following a challenging season for Darwin Nunez.
Despite the flurry of activity, Liverpool’s recruitment is far from complete. The Reds are prioritizing two additional signings: a center-back and a wide forward. The departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate, who is in the final year of his contract and linked with Real Madrid, have left Liverpool with only Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Rhys Williams as senior center-back options. While Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch can fill in defensively, a new signing is essential to bolster the backline. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is a prime target, with his contract nearing its final year, potentially allowing Liverpool to secure him for a reduced fee of around £40m. Younger prospects like Jorrel Hato and Castello Lukeba have also been mentioned, but Guehi’s Premier League experience and English international status make him a compelling option.
On the attacking front, Liverpool are exploring options to replace potential outgoing wingers. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as a key target, with preliminary talks underway for a deal potentially worth £78m plus add-ons. The Brazilian’s limited game time under Real Madrid’s new head coach Xabi Alonso, coupled with competition from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., makes a move plausible. Other names in the mix include Anthony Gordon and Malick Fofana, as Liverpool aim to maintain their attacking depth.
Potential Exits: Nunez, Diaz, Chiesa, and Elliott
As Liverpool prepare to welcome new faces, several players are likely to depart Anfield. Darwin Nunez, whose inconsistent finishing has drawn scrutiny, is expected to leave following Ekitike’s arrival. Interest from Napoli, AC Milan, and the Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Hilal, has intensified, with Napoli emerging as a preferred destination. Liverpool are aiming to recoup around £50m-£70m for the Uruguayan, who has struggled to justify his £85m price tag from his 2022 move from Benfica.
Luis Diaz is another high-profile player attracting significant interest. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Al-Nassr are keen, with Bayern preparing a fresh approach after Liverpool rejected a £60m bid. Reports suggest Diaz has expressed a desire to leave, with a potential four-year deal worth £315,000 per week on the table from the Bundesliga giants. His departure could pave the way for Rodrygo or another winger to join.
Federico Chiesa, omitted from Liverpool’s pre-season tour squad due to fitness concerns, is also likely to move on. Atalanta are showing strong interest in a loan deal with an option to buy, as the Italian winger’s future at Anfield remains uncertain. Similarly, Harvey Elliott, fresh off a standout performance at the Under-21 European Championships, is drawing attention from Premier League clubs. His potential exit, either on loan or permanently, could provide funds to support Liverpool’s transfer ambitions.
Youth Integration and Squad Depth
Amid the transfer activity, Arne Slot is keen to integrate young talents into the first team, particularly after last season’s Champions League exit highlighted the need for a deeper squad. Jayden Danns, recently cleared from a back injury, is expected to take on a more prominent role following Nunez’s likely departure. Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, who have impressed in pre-season, are also set to feature more regularly. However, other youngsters like James McConnell, Tyler Morton, Ben Doak, Kadie Gordon, Owen Beck, Luca Stephenson, and Lewis Koumas are likely to depart on loan or permanent deals to gain experience elsewhere.
Honoring Diogo Jota
The transfer window has been overshadowed by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3. Liverpool paused transfer activities to mourn and honor the Portuguese star, with tributes including flowers and shirts laid outside Anfield. Slot has emphasized that winning silverware in the 2025/26 season would be a fitting tribute to Jota’s competitive spirit. The club’s pre-season friendly against Preston North End will feature a commemoration for Jota and Silva, reflecting the profound impact of their loss.
Financial Considerations and PSR
Liverpool’s summer spending, already exceeding £250m, could approach £400m if deals for Guehi and Rodrygo materialize. To comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club has already raised funds through the sales of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, and Caoimhin Kelleher. Further exits, including Nunez, Diaz, Chiesa, and Elliott, could generate significant revenue to balance the books while allowing Slot to reshape the squad for a title defense.
Looking Ahead
With the transfer window entering its final weeks, Liverpool’s focus is clear: reinforce the defense and attack while managing key departures. The imminent signing of Hugo Ekitike marks a significant step, but the potential additions of Marc Guehi and Rodrygo could elevate the squad further. As Slot navigates the challenges of a post-Jota era, the integration of young talents and strategic signings will be crucial for Liverpool to maintain their status as Premier League champions.