Liverpool are embarking on a brand-new chapter after an incredibly difficult campaign both in the Premier League and on the European stage.
The Reds finished fifth in the top flight, qualifying for Champions League football next season by the skin of their teeth, but it wasn’t enough to save Arne Slot from the chop.
The Dutch manager, who led Liverpool to their 20th league title just 12 months earlier, saw his tenure end abruptly at the beginning of this month and was quickly replaced by former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard will now be tasked with getting the Merseyside giants back on track after a campaign full of inconsistency and poor performances, with a healthy summer transfer window much needed.
What are Liverpool’s transfer plans?
Following the departures of club icons Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, there is no doubt that a huge chunk of Liverpool’s experience and leadership has been lost from the dressing room.
Replacing these players positionally will already be an incredibly difficult task for the club’s hierarchy, but replacing their winning mentalities and influence both on and off the pitch will be near impossible.
Liverpool spent a hefty £450m in the previous summer window and, with plenty of positions to be filled, another spending spree is expected to set Iraola up for success.
A rebuild of the wide-forward roles is expected following Salah’s exit, and the Reds will reportedly target the signing of two wingers.
A right-back signing is also set to be addressed, as Liverpool have struggled without Trent Alexander-Arnold despite signing Jeremie Frimpong, who has been plagued by injuries over the last year.
Despite Konate’s move to Real Madrid, Liverpool are not currently prioritising the signing of a new centre-back this summer and will instead focus on the development of their up-and-coming talents Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.
Who are Liverpool’s targets?
It has been no secret that RB Leipzig talent Yan Diomande is one of Liverpool’s biggest transfer targets this summer and, with a price tag reportedly set at over £100m, would represent a significant investment.
The 19-year-old is currently participating in the FIFA World Cup with Ivory Coast, so it is unlikely that any concrete movement will happen until the African nation meet their fate in the competition.
Elsewhere, Liverpool allegedly have their eye on another World Cup talent who could bolster the attacking threat at Anfield next season.
According to The Express, Liverpool will battle Premier League rivals Manchester United for the signing of West Ham United and Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville.
The publication claims that several clubs are looking to exploit the Hammers’ drop to the Championship by snapping up the services of Summerville, with Liverpool long-term admirers of the winger.
It is further noted that West Ham would not entertain interest below a £45m fee.
Should Liverpool sign Summerville?
With a wealth of Premier League experience and age on his side, Summerville is an attractive prospect for Liverpool at the right price.
The 24-year-old has registered 10 goals and eight assists in 84 Premier League appearances.
Renowned for his pace and dribbling ability, he is a player who could have the potential to be further developed with the right guidance.
Summerville’s future is unlikely to be resolved before he returns from his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, where he has already put himself on the scoresheet in their opening game against Japan.
Liverpool are renowned for their Netherlands connection, with skipper Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch all reaching their full potential at Anfield, so Summerville would not look out of place on Merseyside.
Whether Liverpool ultimately move for Summerville remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Iraola faces a huge task in rebuilding his squad ahead of the new season.
The departures of several experienced stars have left significant gaps to fill, and the club’s recruitment team will need to strike the right balance between proven quality and long-term potential.
With plenty of business expected at Anfield before the transfer window closes, Liverpool supporters can expect an eventful few months as the club begins a new era under their new manager.
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