Liverpool's Summer Squad Shake-Up: Five Players Axed, Three Transfer Priorities Emerge
Liverpool's defence of the Premier League title has been profoundly disappointing this season, with manager Arne Slot facing mounting pressure following a string of poor results. The Reds have struggled to maintain their championship form, currently languishing in fifth place and facing a fierce battle to secure Champions League qualification.
Arne Slot's debut season at Anfield appeared almost too good to be true as he seamlessly replaced the departing Jurgen Klopp and guided Liverpool to a top-flight title. However, this campaign has told a completely different story, with the club suffering nine defeats in twelve games during a disastrous late-year slump.
Despite significant investment last summer that saw approximately £450 million spent on players including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool's squad appears to require further reinforcement if they are to return to title contention. Mirror Football has conducted a comprehensive analysis of which players should stay, which should go, and where the club must strengthen.
Goalkeepers and Defence
Alisson Becker should be retained despite turning 33, as he remains one of the world's elite goalkeepers. His contract expires in 2027, at which point a decision about his future can be made.
Giorgi Mamardashvili deserves more time to develop at just 25 years old, having made only 13 appearances while deputizing for Alisson.
Joe Gomez should stay as a versatile and loyal squad player, though his advancing age must be considered.
Virgil van Dijk remains crucial despite showing signs of regression this season, both on the pitch and as captain.
Ibrahima Konate should be released as his contract expires this summer. At 26, he has displayed defensive frailties and would command wages that could be better invested in developing another centre-back alongside Van Dijk.
Milos Kerkez should be given time to adapt after a disappointing first season at Liverpool.
Conor Bradley can remain a valuable defensive option once he recovers from his long-term knee injury, especially at just 22 years old.
Giovanni Leoni should stay to challenge Jeremy Jacquet for a first-team place next season.
Andy Robertson should be released with his contract expiring this summer, allowing the cult hero to depart with dignity and choose his next destination.
Midfield and Attack
Jeremie Frimpong should be kept despite injury problems, as his pace and attacking threat make him a key player.
Konstantinos Tsimikas should be sold this summer while he remains under contract until 2027, following his mixed loan spell at Roma.
Wataru Endo should be offloaded for a fee this summer rather than allowing him to leave for free next year.
Florian Wirtz should be retained after overcoming early struggles to become a creative force for Liverpool.
Dominik Szoboszlai must be kept as Liverpool's standout player this season, contributing goals from set-pieces and defensive work.
Alexis Mac Allister should stay despite a difficult season, though he must adapt to sharing attacking responsibilities with Wirtz.
Curtis Jones should be sold as an academy graduate whose departure would generate pure profit, with other midfield options appearing more appealing.
Ryan Gravenberch should be retained as a valuable squad player, though Liverpool may need to invest in a genuine holding midfielder.
Trey Nyoni should be kept to continue his development, potentially through a loan spell.
Harvey Elliott should be sold following his disastrous loan spell at Aston Villa.
Alexander Isak must be kept despite his injury absence, as the most expensive British signing in history.
Mohamed Salah will be released as the iconic Egyptian has announced his summer departure.
Federico Chiesa should be kept as a solid bench option despite failing to secure a starting position.
Cody Gakpo should be sold as one of the club's highest earners who hasn't performed like a long-term solution on the left wing.
Hugo Ekitike should be kept after proving an exceptional signing in Isak's absence.
Rio Ngumoha must be retained as the season's uncovered diamond who could become Salah's successor.
Three Key Transfer Priorities
If Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League, meaningful summer spending becomes unlikely. However, three crucial areas require reinforcement regardless of European qualification.
Centre-half: Despite the imminent arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and Giovanni Leoni's potential, Liverpool need another experienced defender. Nico Schlotterbeck has been identified as the perfect candidate.
Holding midfielder: The impact of a world-class defensive midfielder cannot be overstated, as demonstrated by Declan Rice at Arsenal and Rodri at Manchester City. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, reportedly seeking an exit, could be the solution.
Star winger: With Salah's departure approaching, Liverpool need a new attacking force on the wing. Young talent Yan Diomande has been linked and could form a devastating partnership with Ngumoha for years to come.
Liverpool's potential 2026/27 starting XI could feature: Alisson; Frimpong, New CB, Van Dijk, Kerkez; New CDM, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ngumoha, Isak, New LW. This aggressive lineup would address the squad's most pressing needs and position Liverpool for a title challenge next season.
