David Lynch

Kostas Tsimikas has impressed during Liverpool's pre-season and could retain his starting place for the opening match while Andy Robertson regains full fitness. Liverpool reportedly intends to use its squad more extensively this season, although injuries and limited depth in several positions remain concerns. The article argues that Tsimikas should be given meaningful opportunities if he stays, while noting that transfer-market reinforcements are still needed elsewhere.

Diogo Jota made a strong impact in his first Liverpool season, scoring 13 goals in 30 appearances despite injury and limited Premier League starts. To secure a regular place ahead of Liverpool's established front three, he must improve his pressing, passing-lane coverage and defensive-transition work, particularly the qualities associated with Roberto Firmino. Those improvements must not diminish Jota's finishing, especially with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain competing for attacking minutes. His progress was expected to be assessed in Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Hertha Berlin.

Sixteen-year-old Ethan Ennis confirmed that he had signed for Manchester United after rejecting a scholarship offer from Liverpool and leaving the club’s academy. Liverpool is entitled to a development fee, which could be determined by a tribunal if the clubs cannot agree. Ennis’s departure is considered a setback because he scored three goals during Liverpool’s run to the previous season’s FA Youth Cup final, although Liverpool has retained several other promising scholars, including Kaide Gordon, Stefan Bajcetic and Callum Scanlon.

Ahead of a 2018 pre-season friendly, then-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho suggested Liverpool should face pressure to win trophies after a major transfer window. Liverpool responded with a 4–1 victory, then went on to start the season strongly, defeat United 3–1, win the Champions League, and claim three further trophies. Mourinho was subsequently dismissed by United and later struggled at Tottenham before taking charge of Roma.

Dejan Lovren’s six-year Liverpool career divided supporters because of inconsistent performances and costly mistakes, particularly early in his time at the club. However, his form improved under Jürgen Klopp, and he played important roles in Liverpool’s run to the 2018 Champions League final and subsequent Premier League title. After moving to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2020, Lovren won domestic trophies, while Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis highlighted the value of the experience and depth he had provided.

Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to leave Liverpool after three seasons marked by 63 appearances, eight goals and major trophies including the Premier League and Champions League. Despite early promise, including a key assist against Barcelona, injuries and Jürgen Klopp’s tactical preferences limited his playing time. Liverpool’s willingness to sell is also linked to Harvey Elliott’s emergence and plans to strengthen the attack, leaving Shaqiri’s career at Anfield with a sense of missed potential.

Liverpool’s ability to make further summer signings is constrained by squad-registration limits rather than only by the need to raise transfer funds. Following Ibrahima Konaté’s arrival and Takumi Minamino’s return from loan, Liverpool have reached the Premier League and UEFA limit for non-homegrown players, while their overall 25-man squad is also full. Departures by players such as Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri or Nat Phillips could create space, potentially allowing targets including Jarrod Bowen or Florian Neuhaus to join. Sporting director Michael Edwards must balance sales, homegrown quotas and recruitment needs before the transfer deadline.

Liverpool defender Tony Gallacher is expected to leave the club this summer after Sunderland enquired about a loan move, while a permanent transfer also remains possible. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool from Falkirk in 2018, made one senior appearance during the 2019–20 campaign and later spent four months on loan at Toronto FC. Liverpool are also assessing permanent departures for other academy players, including Elijah Dixon-Bonner, to help them secure regular senior football.

Harry Wilson has joined Fulham from Liverpool for £12 million after Benfica failed to meet Liverpool’s valuation. Liverpool also negotiated a 15% sell-on clause, potentially increasing the club’s future financial return. Wilson said Fulham’s ambition to return to the Premier League and manager’s approach influenced his decision.

Liverpool are continuing to invest in academy prospects despite making only one senior-team signing during the summer. The expected arrival of 16-year-old Bobby Clark from Newcastle United reflects a low-risk strategy that previously produced Harvey Elliott, now viewed as a viable first-team option. Recent youth additions include Kaide Gordon, Callum Scanlon, Stefan Bajcetic, Mateusz Musialowski and Melkamu Frauendorf. Brexit-related rules have restricted the recruitment of overseas teenagers, making domestic academy talent more important, although Liverpool also risk losing prospects such as Ethan Ennis to rival clubs.

Liverpool may allow 20-year-old right-back Neco Williams to leave for up to £10 million, with Leeds United, Southampton, Aston Villa and Burnley interested. However, the club’s reduced need to sell fringe players and the prospect of Joe Gomez deputizing for Trent Alexander-Arnold mean Liverpool should prefer keeping Williams for another season to strengthen squad depth and avoid relying on an unsuitable replacement.

Andy Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City in July 2017 despite doubts about his defending and the club initially prioritizing other left-back targets. His difficult start included vomiting during a preseason fitness test, a jokingly hostile welcome from Jordan Henderson and limited early playing time behind Alberto Moreno. Moreno’s injury eventually gave Robertson a regular role, after which he became a key part of Liverpool’s Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup-winning teams.