By Joe Symes.
Arrivals are beginning to be rumoured at Anfield, and the next phase of how Liverpool attack a hugely important summer is critical. For Liverpool, this summer was never going to be about prioritising one or two signings, it was always going to be about rebuilding and at that, most will be starters.
After a season that dimmed into disappointment, culminating in Arne Slot’s dismissal, Liverpool enter this summer transfer window knowing substantial changes were needed, but more changes mean it is immaterial to ignore.
The squad that romped to the Premier League title a little over twelve months ago has gradually been torn apart, while last season exposed vulnerabilities across nearing every metric of the pitch.
The early signs of activity under the new strategy have been boisterous, yet despite those additions, it increasingly feels like the rebuild is only just beginning, and under new direction.
Defence Remains Huge Concern
A huge focal area requiring attention is their defence.
Ibrahima Konaté’s departure leaves Liverpool alarmingly light at the back, while Virgil van Dijk cannot be expected to carry the defensive burden indefinitely.
Last season exposed major issues defensively. Liverpool regularly lost physical battles, looked open in transition and struggled to keep a control and calmness once matches became chaotic that they did just a year prior, which is why links to Nico Schlotterbeck feel significant.
The German international possesses the physicality, aggression and composure which Liverpool are in need of, and reports highlight a release clause only add further intrigue, which becomes available after the World Cup final.
Liverpool are also monitoring younger profiles across Europe and one of the names shouted around Europe is Marco Palestra.
The 20-year-old Italian, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, has quietly developed into one of Serie A’s most promising modern full-backs.
At his age, an option like Palestra is one that Liverpool could be keen on, especially with how quick they signed Samuel Martinez and were in the market for more youthful names.
With Jeremie Frimpong a constant sick note and Conor Bradley’s return unknown, the right side of defence seemingly needs brushing over. Whoever the club choose to target imminently, Liverpool need defensive reinforcements and sharply.
Midfield Questions Still Asked
Despite possessing technical quality in midfield, Liverpool often looked physically overwhelmed last season.
The links with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton look concrete, and from a standpoint of how he’d fit in, it makes sense.
Liverpool repeatedly struggled to win second balls, dominate duels and control congested matches throughout the campaign. Adding a midfielder capable of tucking in deep into a holding role and spreading play authoritatively would address one of the squad’s most glaring weaknesses.
Attack Needs Depth
On paper, Liverpool’s attack looks stronger than it did twelve months ago, but injuries to Isak and Ekitike last season demonstrated how quickly things can unravel and the cutthroat business that more than two names may be required if Liverpool’s standards remain at the elite level.
With Mohamed Salah having departed, Liverpool are also continuing to be linked with wide attacking options, including highly-rated youngsters capable of becoming long-term investments.
The rebuild in attack may not be finished either, with one of the most eye-catching players linked is PSG’s Bradley Barcola.
Interest in the French winger is described as significant, and while any deal would be extremely difficult given PSG’s stance, Barcola would represent a clear statement signing.
He is not viewed as a project or squad option, but as a potential starting-level addition capable of replacing some of the attacking output lost following recent changes, a player whom would seamlessly fit into Liverpool’s side. Fast and capable of fearlessly taking on his defender, a key component in what Liverpool lacked for large spells of last campaign.
A Mo Salah replacement will always be difficult, but links to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, whilst battling PSG for the signature, is exciting.
Young and front-footed, age is on his side and so are his numbers, racking up impressive stats in the Bundesliga and efficient at linking others into play, something Liverpool need than to solely focus on one focal point. Diomande is picking up pace, and Liverpool’s eyes for a while have been set.
