Liverpool could make early moves for several top transfer targets this summer, using the upcoming World Cup to their advantage. The summer tournament will disrupt many high-profile deals, but the Reds can prioritise recruiting quality players who have missed out on a World Cup spot.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Arne Slot’s side arguably suffered from not getting their transfer business done soon enough this season. The club completed a British record deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak on deadline day, with the transfer saga impacting the forward’s match sharpness. Meanwhile, Liverpool also looked set to sign Marc Guehi in the final hours of the window but Palace ultimately decided against the deal, with the defender later joining Manchester City. Targeting players who are not at the World Cup 2026 would represent learning from those past mistakes while allowing the summer signings more time with their new team-mates.
Eli Kroupi Snapped Up
Bournemouth starlet Eli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed a breakout season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has scored 11 times for the Cherries, averaging a league goal every 126 minutes. French outlet Telefoot has previously claimed that Liverpool are one of several clubs interested in the teenager, alongside Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Bournemouth have recently sold several of their players for huge fees, leading to speculation that the Cherries could demand up to £80 million for the young striker.
France U21 international Kroupi is yet to be called up to the senior side and is unlikely to be included in his country’s World Cup squad, given the other quality players manager Didier Deschamps has at his disposal. However, Liverpool could prioritise signing a striker following Hugo Ekitike’s injury. Ekitike ruptured his Achilles earlier this month and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. While this should allow Isak to lead the line, Kroupi would offer a rotational option and be a long-term successor up front.
Barcelona Lose Transfer Battle
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a move away ahead of the summer transfer window. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could see the 27-year-old complete an early summer transfer. Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported that the centre-back’s valuation had dropped from £60 million to £40 million. It has since been claimed that Liverpool are set to lose out to Barcelona in the race for Bastoni’s signature.
However, the Reds could make a statement by snapping up the defender as Slot prepares to revamp his defensive options. Jeremy Jacquet is already set to arrive at Anfield from Rennes and Ibrahima Konate is in talks over a new contract, while Virgil van Dijk nears the last 12 months of his current deal.
Marquee Signing Kvaratskhelia
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia demonstrated his quality against Liverpool as the French side knocked the Reds out of the Champions League for the second successive season. The Georgia captain will not be at this summer’s World Cup but has proven himself to be one of the game’s best wingers. The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool in the past. Former Georgia assistant coach David Webb also told talkSPORT he spoke to Kvaratskhelia about his interest in the Premier League during their time working together. The former Napoli star only joined PSG in January 2025 but has already been the subject of speculation over his future.
Mohamed Salah’s impending departure and the club’s sale of Luis Diaz last summer mean the Reds will likely be in the market for wingers this summer. Signing a marquee player of Kvaratskhelia’s quality would reassert their place as title contenders.
