Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign ended in disappointment, with the club failing to secure silverware and surrendering the Premier League crown. The summer transfer window has therefore taken on added significance at Anfield, where a phase of generational change is under way. The departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson on free transfers compound the sense of transition, forcing the recruitment team to execute a cleverly constructed rebuild.
Arne Slot is set to remain at the helm and will be further empowered by the arrival of his trusted assistant, Etienne Reijnen. The Dutch coach, previously denied a work permit when Slot first took charge in 2024, will finally join the backroom staff. Reijnen was a key figure during Slot’s successful spell at Feyenoord, and his addition is expected to sharpen Liverpool’s tactical preparation and in-game management.
Replacing Salah’s phenomenal output is arguably the club’s biggest headache. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has emerged as the first-choice target, though competition for his signature is expected to be fierce. Liverpool are taking a composite approach, acknowledging that no single player can replicate the Egyptian’s numbers. Internally, Jeremie Frimpong offers a versatile option on the right flank, while Rio Ngumoha’s ability to cut inside from the left provides another stylistic alternative. The groundwork was laid last summer with the arrivals of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, although the latter’s Achilles injury forced him to miss the run-in, raising questions about his readiness for the new season.
Between the posts, Liverpool have received a boost with Alisson Becker now expected to stay. Juventus had identified the Brazilian as their top summer target, but the goalkeeper’s presence remains a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defensive stability. His shot-stopping ability and leadership will be vital as the team undergoes restructuring further up the pitch.
In central defence, the situation surrounding Ibrahima Konate is far less certain. Despite earlier optimism that a new contract was close, no agreement has been reached, leaving his future in limbo. Konate has developed into a key figure alongside Virgil van Dijk, and losing him would create a significant void. Liverpool are already preparing for a potential reshuffle, but securing Konate’s long-term commitment remains a priority.
One confirmed incoming is Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a £60m deal, making him the second-most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history. The 20-year-old will officially arrive just before his 21st birthday, but he missed the latter stages of the season with a shoulder injury. Jacquet is regarded as a prospect with immense physical attributes and composure on the ball, and he is expected to compete for a first-team spot immediately.
Injuries have also hit other squad members. Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles problem was a blow to the attacking rotation, while young defender Geovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury. These setbacks underline the need for depth as Liverpool navigate domestic and European commitments next term.
The months ahead will define the direction of Slot’s project. With Salah and Robertson’s exit removing invaluable experience, the new arrivals must integrate quickly. The combination of a revamped coaching staff, a marquee defensive signing, and clever attacking reinforcements could soften the blow, but the margin for error is wafer-thin. If Liverpool get this summer wrong, the gap to the Premier League summit could widen dramatically.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.