Liverpool is poised for significant changes this summer, as they anticipate a new manager while already undergoing a transition with the appointment of a new sporting director. Two of our contributing writers envision an ideal summer scenario for the club.
While it’s acknowledged that Liverpool won’t require extensive overhauls during the upcoming transfer window, maintaining a degree of simplicity in their dealings would be prudent amidst the broader changes occurring within the club.
With the impending arrival of a new manager, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, will face considerable deliberations. Beyond the internal restructuring, attention must be directed towards resolving the contract situations of key players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom have less than a year remaining on their current agreements.
Ideally, retaining the services of all three players is paramount. This sentiment is not solely based on sentimentality, but rather on their ongoing exceptional performances, making them formidable assets that would be challenging to replace.
In a hypothetical scenario, what other objectives could Liverpool aspire to achieve this summer? Realistically, the squad inherited by the incoming manager will possess the potential for improvement and progression. Although there may not be immediate drastic changes, there are undoubtedly areas requiring attention and refinement.
“Florian Wirtz is the dream transfer” – Matt Addison
It is challenging to precisely determine Liverpool’s summer transfer needs, as they are contingent upon the identity of the new manager and their tactical preferences. However, it is reasonable to rule out the acquisition of a manager with a radically different style, as such a move would lack coherence.
In terms of defensive reinforcements, Liverpool likely requires a replacement for Joël Matip, whose contract is set to expire. The addition of a young defender, such as Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen or Gonçalo Inácio from Sporting CP, would prove beneficial. Notably, both players are left-footed, offering potential for improved balance in the defensive lineup.
While bolstering midfield depth would be advantageous, it is not necessarily imperative. Similarly, additional options in the attacking department are desirable but not obligatory. Florian Wirtz, the highly talented playmaker from Bayer Leverkusen, stands out as a potential solution for both midfield and attack. Despite the likelihood of a hefty price tag, particularly if he excels at the upcoming European Championship, Wirtz’s acquisition would be justifiable given his exceptional skill set.
“Levi Colwill would still be a major coup” – James Martin
In the impending restructuring of Liverpool’s managerial landscape, one position stands out as necessitating recruitment regardless of the incumbent: defense. While the specific player profile sought may vary depending on the managerial selection, it is evident from a squad planning standpoint that rejuvenation is imperative.
While Virgil van Dijk currently anchors the defensive line with his prowess, ensuring his continued tenure at the highest echelons of the game through a contract extension facilitated by Edwards and Hughes is paramount. Nevertheless, given his advancing age of 32, consideration must be given to identifying a successor for the long term. Furthermore, the need for succession planning extends beyond van Dijk, encompassing players like Andy Robertson and Joel Matip, who are also approaching transitional phases in their careers.
Although Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Levi Colwill from Chelsea during the previous transfer window may initially have seemed disappointing, it has inadvertently paved the way for the emergence of Jarell Quansah. Quansah’s exponential rise in prominence within the club’s ranks positions him as a significant asset in future plans under any managerial regime.
Yet, amidst the quest for internal talent development, the acquisition of Colwill remains a plausible strategy. Despite his commitment to Chelsea with a new contract, the potential availability of more homegrown talent from Chelsea, coupled with Liverpool’s ambition, necessitates vigilant monitoring of any prospective opportunities.
Throughout a tumultuous season for Chelsea, Colwill has emerged as a standout performer, showcasing not only defensive acumen but also adaptability in assuming roles as a full-back. This versatility offers the new manager a plethora of tactical options and solutions to defensive challenges.