Liverpool are planning to strengthen after Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League, especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving to join Real Madrid and several fringe players have struggled to prove themselves reliable options in the coach’s eyes.
The transfer window hasn’t yet opened but the Reds have already moved to advance bids for a number of top targets, with sporting director Richard Hughes focusing on the full-backs to get the summer spending up and running.
It’s been reported Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical as he closes in on a transfer as Trent’s direct replacement, set to challenge Conor Bradley for the top right-back berth. On the other flank, discussions with Bournemouth are ongoing for the signing of Milos Kerkez, who is valued at £45m.
However, though Liverpool are enjoying a flurry of action right now, there’s bound to be more to come when the transfer window is in full swing.
The gates will be busy, both for arrivals and departures.
Liverpool's summer plans moving forward
Expect sales. Darwin Nunez celebrated winning the Premier League with the squad but has flattered to deceive as Slot’s number nine, and the plan is for him to leave this summer, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Spain allegedly interested.
Though he’s well-liked by the fanbase, Federico Chiesa may also be on the move, his first top-flight start coming just over a week ago at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Italian has been linked with a return to Serie A.
However, with Everton reportedly lining up a brazen bid for Ben Doak, who has finished a promising loan spell with Middlesbrough in the Championship, this might leave Mohamed Salah’s right side somewhat exposed, thinning out the ranks, especially as Harvey Elliott’s future is up in the air too.
Of course, Frimpong adds a dimension, and Liverpool may yet move for another forward, though this is more likely to arrive at centre-forward, with Hugo Ekitike and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres among the names touted to replace the departing Nunez.
The Anfield side may yet move for a centre-half too, having missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Lots to think about, but all this will wait until sporting director Richard Hughes finalises a deal for Florian Wirtz, for bagging his signature would mark an unstoppable marquee signing.
Liverpool closing on marquee signing
On Monday morning, Liverpool presented their first official proposal worth more than €100m (£85m) to Bayer Leverkusen as they look to get Wirtz over to Anfield.
Now, reports on the continent have confirmed the ensuing talks have been positive. Details pertaining to the structure of the package still need ironing, but all parties are unanimous in pushing the short-lived saga toward completion.
Wirtz was won over by Liverpool’s determination and conduct in fighting to beat Bayern Munich and Manchester City to his signing; make no mistake, this will be a stunning capture for Slot’s side.
Why Florian Wirtz is perfect for Liverpool
Wirtz is still in the early stage of his professional career but he’s already drawn plaudits for his staggering quality and tenacious pursuit of superstardom.
He leaves Bayer Leverkusen having played an instrumental role in their success over the past few years, hitting 122 goal contributions from 197 senior appearances after breaking from the academy, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24 after helping Xabi Alonso toward an invincible title triumph, bagging the DFB-Pokal too.
The elite playmaker could even prove to be Slot’s own version of Philippe Coutinho, endowed with a flair and show-stopping quality that has been pursued by FSG to add a dimension to Liverpool’s title-winning squad.
24/25
31 (25)
10
13
23/24
32 (26)
11
12
22/23
17 (11)
1
6
21/22
24 (22)
7
10
20/21
29 (25)
5
6
Cast your mind back to those sparkling early days of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, when Coutinho sat in behind the iconic front three: Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino.
It was a staggering stint for the club, lasting all of five months before Coutinho packed his bags and left for Barcelona in a deal worth £142m, leading to the transformative arrivals of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
But Coutinho was in fine fettle indeed in the build-up, posting 12 goals and nine assists across just 19 matches in the Premier League and Champions League before taking his leave.
He supercharged Salah and co with so much battery that the Egyptian, 33 next month, is still performing at a world-renowned level to this day, and now could now retain his current standards across Slot’s second season, with the new Coutinho pulling strings.
Wirtz, hailed as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, has the blend of athleticism and potency to replicate that erstwhile iteration of Coutinho, perhaps the finest form the Brazilian has ever been in.
He’s maintained a similar level for the Werkself in Germany this term, and with Slot’s coaching and his inevitable growth as he continues his rise, only turning 22 three weeks ago, projecting his growth makes for an exciting thought.
Matches (starts)
14 (13)
31 (25)
Goals
7
10
Assists
6
12
Touches*
71.1
73.4
Shots (on target)*
3.9 (1.2)
2.5 (1.3)
Pass completion
79%
82%
Big chances created
7
17
Key passes*
2.9
1.8
Dribbles*
2.8
2.6
Tackles + interceptions*
1.9
1.3
Duels won*
5.6
5.2
Liverpool might be set to break their transfer record, but it’s going to prove a shrewd deal indeed. Wirtz is the real deal and he will provide this incredible football club with many memorable moments, just like Coutinho.
Not just Trent: World-class Liverpool star must not play for the club again
Liverpool are ready to make a series of sales in the transfer market this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025
