The draw against Burnley, where Liverpool created their highest xG (expected goals) of the Premier League season (2.9), but still failed to secure all three points, has diminished their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season. It’s also difficult to imagine what Liverpool’s squad will look like if they manage to finish in the top four, after a turbulent season defending their title.
The recent match exposed all these uncertainties. The futures of Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson are in question. Meanwhile, Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City means that the central defender Liverpool had targeted for this summer will become a direct rival.
The uncertainties don’t stop there. Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the Liverpool squad this week after playing for Egypt in the AFCON. However, his tense statements directed at Arne Slot before the tournament leave uncertainty as to whether this is simply a return, or the beginning of a departure before next season.
After a summer of heavy spending, Liverpool faces another period of transition.
Salah is expected to return this week amidst uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool.
If that happens, strengthening the right flank will become a top priority, especially given that Federico Chiesa is rarely used and is likely to leave the club after the season ends. If Jeremie Frimpong is considered for one of those positions, Liverpool will certainly need another proper right-back.
And if Konate leaves on a free transfer, will Liverpool need two new central defenders, especially since Joe Gomez is rarely given opportunities, partly due to fitness issues? Or would two new central defenders still be necessary, even if Konate stays? Is the current midfield strong enough to bring Liverpool back into the title race next season, or does it still need strengthening? Will Curtis Jones, who was once on Tottenham’s radar, start thinking about leaving to secure more regular playing time?
Kostas Tsimikas will return from Roma after his loan spell and could become a backup option for Milos Kerkez, if Robertson leaves when his contract expires in the next five months. But that’s clearly not a long-term solution. Like Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, Tsimikas’ contract expires in 2027.
There are so many questions that need answers, and many of them will cost a lot of money. There’s the future of manager Arne Slot, who heard boos after the final whistle on Saturday. There’s the future of Sporting Director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards. All three have only 18 months left on their contracts. In addition, Liverpool still doesn’t have a dedicated set-piece coach.
The only thing that can be said for certain is that the current state of instability was not part of Liverpool’s plan after spending nearly £450 million six months ago. At that time, the belief was that a one-time “big spend” in the transfer market would prevent them from having to continue spending heavily, and Slot would simply maximize the potential of the existing squad.
Of course, squad additions over time are inevitable. But looking at the amount of work Liverpool might have to undertake in the near future is truly thought-provoking. And what will the impact be if they don’t qualify for the Champions League and the huge revenue that comes with it?
Liverpool had hoped for £35 million from Aston Villa for Harvey Elliott, after going to great lengths to facilitate a loan deal with an obligation to buy depending on the number of appearances. However, Elliott was subsequently pushed to the sidelines, forcing Liverpool to find another destination for a player whose value certainly wouldn’t improve after a whole season on the sidelines.
All in all, it was a strange 18 months with signings coming, going, and slipping through their fingers at the last minute.
Despite Alexander Isak, last summer’s £125 million blockbuster signing, failing to adapt to Anfield for various reasons (including a broken leg), there are increasing signs that the remaining new signings will be successful deals.
After a summer of heavy spending, Liverpool faces another transition.
Isak’s difficulties in adapting to life at Anfield were further exacerbated by the broken leg he suffered in the match against Spurs.
Florian Wirtz may be very expensive, with a potential fee of up to £116 million, but he has just scored 4 goals in 6 games. Hugo Ekitike has impressed, Kerkez has made clear progress, and Frimpong is showing promising signs.
However, Liverpool also missed out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2024 and could very well see this midfielder help Arsenal dethrone Liverpool as champions.