Liverpool are gearing up for another major squad overhaul this summer, with the club expected to complete at least five new signings as Arne Slot looks to build on his first season in charge.
Despite a significant £440million outlay last summer that brought in Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni — including two British transfer record fees for Wirtz and Isak — the Reds will once again be active in the market. The impending departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have created clear vacancies that must be addressed.
In his latest Q&A for The Athletic, respected Liverpool reporter James Pearce outlined the key areas the club must strengthen. Liverpool “have to buy at pace” and need “at least two attackers”. A new right winger is required to replace Salah, while Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave. Plans for one new forward have been revised following Ekitike’s ruptured Achilles tendon, forcing the need for a second attacking addition.
The midfield is another area flagged for reinforcement, with the extent of activity depending on whether Curtis Jones departs. Full-back positions also require attention. Liverpool must decide whether to sign a left-back as understudy to Milos Kerkez now that Robertson has left, or rely on Kostas Tsimikas after his loan spell at Roma. Additionally, a right-back is needed to provide competition for Conor Bradley upon his return from injury.
Several names have already been linked with the club, including Yan Diomande, Anthony Gordon, Adam Wharton, Alejandro Balde and Denzel Dumfries.
Porto star Victor Froholdt emerges as key midfield target
One fresh target has now been identified in midfield. According to Danish outlet Bold, Liverpool are “in love” with Porto’s Victor Froholdt, with Arsenal and Newcastle also showing “great interest” in the 20-year-old.
The Denmark international has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, contributing eight goals and six assists in 50 appearances. Described as “truly exceptional”, Froholdt has already won league titles in both Denmark and Portugal. His contract contains an €85million (£73.5million) release clause, giving Porto significant leverage in any negotiations.
Van Hecke race intensifies
Liverpool are also active in defence. The race for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke is heating up, with the club having made contact with his representatives. Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard for the 25-year-old, however, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi eager for a reunion.
Van Hecke’s contract talks with Brighton have stalled, and with his deal running until June 2027, he is looking for the next step in his career. While De Zerbi’s presence at Spurs may give them an edge, Liverpool are prepared to compete strongly for the ball-playing defender.
With multiple priority positions to fill and significant competition for their targets, Richard Hughes and the Liverpool recruitment team face a busy few months as they aim to keep the squad competitive on all fronts next season.