Liverpool have struggled to mount a challenge in their attempt to retain the Premier League title. They may look to the transfer market this summer to refresh their squad.
Arne Slot's debut season at the helm of the Reds initially appeared too good to be true, and perhaps it was. The Dutchman stepped into the role vacated by Jurgen Klopp seamlessly and cruised to a top-flight title.
This term has told a completely different tale, with the club enduring a spell of nine losses in 12 matches towards the end of last year. Liverpool have a struggle ahead to secure Champions League qualification. Slot's squad received substantial reinforcement last summer with the arrivals of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, amongst others.
Approximately £450million was spent, but even greater investment may be required in the forthcoming window if they wish to return to title contention. The ECHO has examined who the Reds might retain, offload and bring in come the summer.
Alisson Becker - KEEP
Alisson developed into one of the planet's finest goalkeepers at Anfield, and whilst he has reached 33, offloading him in the summer doesn't seem sensible. His contract runs until 2027, so a judgment should be reached then.
Giorgi Mamardashvili - KEEP
It appears premature to write off Mamardashvili. He hasn't exactly set pulses racing when deputising for Alisson, but at 25, he has plenty of time to develop and has made just 13 appearances so far.
Gomez epitomises the loyal servant. Like several of his squad colleagues, he isn't getting any younger, but a player of such versatility is a rare commodity, and he ought to remain part of the first-team rotation. It would be a disappointment to see him net his first senior goal for another club.
Virgil van Dijk - KEEP
Liverpool's skipper may have shown signs of decline this season, yet he remains an indispensable piece of the puzzle both on and off the pitch. Much like Alisson, the club would be wise to wait until 2027 when his contract runs out before reaching any conclusion.
Ibrahima Konate - RELEASE
Konate's deal expires this summer, and the club ought to allow him to move on. At 26, having shown certain vulnerabilities, Liverpool would be better served by nurturing another centre-back alongside Van Dijk for the wages he would command. Jeremy Jacquet's impending switch from Rennes provides yet another reason to sanction Konate's departure.
Kerkez's debut season at Anfield has fallen short of expectations. Nevertheless, the club should grant him the time needed to adapt to performing for a side of Liverpool's stature.
This campaign ended prematurely for Bradley after he sustained a long-term knee injury in a fixture against Arsenal. Once he makes his way back from the treatment room, he can continue to be a valuable defensive asset and remains just 22 years old.
Giovanni Leoni - KEEP
Like Bradley, Leoni has also spent a considerable portion of this season sidelined. He can be the player to compete with Jacquet for a first-team place next campaign.
Andy Robertson - RELEASE
The Scotland international has become a cult hero on Merseyside throughout his spell, but his contract expires this summer. As with Konate, the club should allow him to depart with dignity and permit him to select his next club.
Jeremie Frimpong - KEEP
Frimpong is another new recruit hampered by injuries, but his explosive pace and attacking threat mean he should continue to be a crucial first-team player next term.
Konstantinos Tsimikas (On loan) - SELL
Tsimikas is presently on loan with Roma, and his displays have been inconsistent. He remains under contract until 2027 so the club should seek to sell for a transfer fee this summer.
Endo is also contracted until next year, so Liverpool should not allow him to leave for nothing and attempt to sell him when the window opens.
The German found it difficult during his initial appearances as a Liverpool player but has subsequently found his stride. His creativity will prove essential for the Reds' next campaign.
Dominik Szoboszlai - KEEP
There is little question that Szoboszlai has been Liverpool's most outstanding performer this season. His goals from set-pieces and his readiness to contribute defensively make him indispensable.
Alexis Mac Allister - KEEP
Unlike Szoboszlai, Mac Allister has struggled to hit his best form this campaign. Yet he will simply need to adjust to Wirtz shouldering some of the attacking responsibilities, and it remains premature to consider moving him on.
One player who could be dispensed with is Curtis Jones. Whilst it may be difficult to bid farewell to a homegrown talent, any transfer fee received would represent pure profit, and there are more appealing midfield options available.
Ryan Gravenberch - KEEP
Slot succeeded in getting the best out of Gravenberch as a holding midfielder last season, but he has drifted slightly further forward this term, and it has proved costly for Liverpool on occasion. Selling him would be unwise as he remains a valuable squad asset, though it may be time to pursue a genuine No. 6.
Nyoni has demonstrated tremendous promise during his appearances for Liverpool and, whilst a loan move is an option, remaining at the club could prove more beneficial to his development.
Harvey Elliott (On loan) - SELL
The young Englishman's loan spell at Aston Villa has been disappointing, and the club may be able to secure a reasonable fee for him in the summer window.
Alexander Isak - KEEP
The Swedish striker has been sidelined since picking up an injury during a victory against Tottenham earlier this season. He remains the most expensive British signing in history.
Mohamed Salah - RELEASE
The legendary Egyptian has announced he will leave Liverpool this summer.
Federico Chiesa - KEEP
Chiesa hasn't broken into Slot's starting XI yet and may never do so, but is still 28 and is a solid option off the bench.
Whilst it may appear unlikely to sell Gakpo, he is amongst the club's top earners but doesn't perform as though he is the long-term answer on the left flank. He could command a decent fee, which could be reinvested in a marquee winger.
In Isak's absence, Ekitike has proved to be an outstanding signing. He is amongst the first names on Slot's teamsheet when available.
If Szoboszlai has been the star of the campaign, Ngumoha has been the hidden gem. The youngster looks as though he has a promising future at Anfield and can be the Salah replacement the club will shortly require.
If Liverpool do not secure qualification for next season's Champions League, then they can forget the prospect of significant summer investment. But there are three crucial areas the club should look to strengthen.
The first is at centre-half. The arrival of Jacquet and the potential of Leoni need to be factored in, but another, more seasoned defender should be brought in. Nico Schlotterbeck fits the bill perfectly.
Next, a holding midfielder should be recruited. The influence an elite No. 6 can have is immense, as demonstrated by Declan Rice at Arsenal and Rodri at Manchester City. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly looking for a way out.
A new superstar winger is the final piece of the jigsaw, with Salah set to depart. The young Yan Diomande is believed to be on the club's radar and could forge a lethal partnership with Ngumoha for years to come, completing what would become a very attacking starting XI.
Liverpool's 2026/27 XI: Alisson; Frimpong, New CB, Van Dijk, Kerkez; New CDM, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ngumoha, Isak, New LW
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