Liverpool set for major summer overhaul as Arne Slot eyes Wirtz, Frimpong and new striker | OneFootball

Last summer was a transitional window for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp departing his post after nine years in charge and Arne Slot taking the reins as the club’s new manager.

However, as far as transfers go, it was a muted few months for the Reds, who didn’t lose any key players apart from defender Joel Matip, who retired.

They only signed two players – Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed before being loaned back to Valencia, whilst Federico Chiesa also joined, only to feature sparingly this season.

All signs point to Liverpool undergoing a massive squad overhaul this time around. Let’s take an early look at Liverpool’s transfer business.

Goalkeeper

As one of the greatest goalkeepers of his era, Alisson Becker will remain the starter in goal for the foreseeable future. However, it remains to be seen what his competition will be.

After delivering a run of impressive performances in Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher could be inclined to depart Anfield and find a club where he can be the starter.

One of Kelleher or Mamardashvili will leave on a permanent deal, whilst Vitezslav Jaros looks set to continue as the club’s third-choice shot-stopper.

Liverpool were fortunate that Manchester City and Arsenal dropped off in their form this season – they may not be as lucky next season.

To ensure that the Reds successfully defend their domestic crown for the first time in 42 years, a transfer spree is required.

Nonetheless, goalkeeper is the only position where big-money transfers are unnecessary.

Defence

Whilst Liverpool tied Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new contracts, the same cannot be said about Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will depart on a free transfer.

They have already identified his replacement with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong set to join for £29.5 million, whilst another full-back signing is imminent.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has been eyed as a potential replacement for Andrew Robertson, who looks to be past his prime.

It is expected that £45m will be enough to sign the Hungarian left-back, whilst a centre-back signing could be in order as well.

Having missed out on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, the Reds will be keen to reinforce the middle of defence and provide quality depth behind Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Midfield

Despite having the Premier League title wrapped up for several months, there’s no doubt a feeling of regret surrounding Liverpool’s season.

They lost to Newcastle United in the League Cup Final and Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. Liverpool were also knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

While Liverpool have Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, more creativity and technical ability is required to push for more silverware.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is on their radar. If the Reds beat Bayern Munich to the signing of Wirtz, it would be a massive coup.

However, it could also potentially come at a cost of other transfer business. Despite this, it is generally better to go for quality over quantity.

Attack

If Liverpool miss out on Wirtz, it will likely be because they need to reinforce in other areas of the pitch.

Salah has been head and shoulders above any other attacker. Liverpool fans have grown weary of seeing Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez spurn Salah’s potential assists.

Bryan Mbuemo or Antoine Semenyo are potential signings, along with a top-tier centre forward.

Victor Osimhen, Serhou Guirassy, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko are options.

Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure – this promises to be a busy three months at Melwood for Arne Slot and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.