James Pearce Reveals Liverpool’s 2025 Transfer Plans: Zubimendi, Salah and More | OneFootball

Liverpool’s 2025 Transfer Roadmap: Key Decisions Await

As Liverpool closes out a remarkable year, attention naturally shifts from the pitch to the boardroom. Arne Slot’s debut season as Liverpool manager has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Reds sitting comfortably atop the Premier League, progressing in the Champions League, and reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Yet, unresolved futures of key players like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold mean that 2025 could be transformative both on and off the field. Drawing on insights from James Pearce for The Athletic, here’s what the road ahead might look like.

Future of Key Players Shapes Recruitment Strategy

The unresolved contract situations of Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold cast a significant shadow over Liverpool’s recruitment plans. All three players’ contracts are set to expire at the end of the season, creating potential gaps in the squad that will be difficult and expensive to fill. As Pearce notes, “Their futures will have a big knock-on effect in terms of what Liverpool do recruitment-wise in 2025.”

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The uncertainty extends beyond these stars. Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player, may pursue a fresh challenge after seeing limited game time this season. His departure would force the Reds to dip into the market for another centre-back. Similarly, Caoimhin Kelleher, who has long been Alisson’s understudy, is expected to push for an exit in search of regular first-team football. Despite Alisson’s commitment to the club, his future could also hinge on lucrative offers from abroad, particularly the Saudi Pro League.

Strengthening the Spine

Liverpool’s focus on bolstering specific areas in 2025 underscores the importance of strategic recruitment. The goalkeeper position has already been addressed with the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili for £25 million. The Valencia and Georgia shot-stopper, who will join next summer, represents a long-term investment. However, his arrival might pave the way for Kelleher’s departure.

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Midfield remains an area to monitor closely. While Ryan Gravenberch has excelled in the holding role, Pearce points out that “another option in midfield would certainly be useful with Wataru Endo turning 32 in February.” Martin Zubimendi remains high on Liverpool’s wish list, despite the Real Sociedad midfielder rejecting a move last summer.

The full-back positions, too, warrant attention. Andy Robertson’s contract runs until 2026, but with the Scotland captain turning 31 in March, a long-term successor may be required. Kostas Tsimikas, although reliable, is unlikely to be the definitive answer.

Youth Development and Strategic Signings

Liverpool’s commitment to youth development continues to pay dividends. Young talents like Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are generating significant excitement within the club. At just 17 and 16 years old, respectively, they could play a key role in the first-team setup in the coming years.

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Strategically, the club’s approach to transfers remains data-driven. Sporting director Richard Hughes, in collaboration with head coach Arne Slot, has prioritised sustainable recruitment. This method is evident in the signing of Mamardashvili, whose potential was backed by extensive scouting reports and analytics.

Liverpool’s financial position also remains robust. Their wage-to-income ratio of 62% reflects prudent spending, allowing flexibility within UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations, which cap spending at 70% of revenue. The return to Champions League football and a lucrative new kit sponsorship deal with Adidas are expected to further bolster the club’s resources.

A Summer of Big Decisions Awaits

While Liverpool’s immediate on-field fortunes appear bright, the summer of 2025 will be pivotal. Whether it’s securing contract extensions for Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold or identifying their replacements, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the club’s trajectory for years to come. As James Pearce aptly summarises, “The sooner there is clarity, the better in terms of planning for the future.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans have every reason to feel optimistic about the club’s future, but the weight of upcoming decisions cannot be understated. Losing players of the calibre of Van Dijk, Salah, or Alexander-Arnold would undoubtedly hurt, but Liverpool’s track record of reinvention underlines their resilience.

The signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili is a masterstroke. Securing a 24-year-old keeper with such promise before Europe’s elite could act speaks volumes about Liverpool’s scouting and negotiation prowess. Similarly, the focus on integrating youth prospects like Nyoni and Ngumoha is a refreshing reminder of the club’s long-term vision.

Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the potential impact of Zubimendi. Fans will be hoping the Spaniard reconsiders his stance, especially with Slot’s tactical philosophy requiring a dynamic, technical No. 6. His addition could elevate Liverpool’s midfield to unparalleled heights.

As the January window looms, Kopites will eagerly anticipate how these narratives unfold. Will the club secure its big names? Or will 2025 be remembered as a year of reinvention? Either way, Liverpool seems well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory under Slot’s leadership.