Liverpool can ignite their transfer window by focusing on players on the fringes of Arne Slot’s squad.
With international football concluded for the summer, Arne Slot can now plan for the upcoming season. This means Liverpool’s transfer activities are expected to accelerate as players return and negotiations between clubs become more active.
According to sporting director Richard Hughes, the peak of transfer activity might occur in August. However, Liverpool could soon get a better idea of their squad for the new season after Slot’s initial assessment of the players during pre-season.
Slot has expressed admiration for the performance levels of the younger players available to him, which will influence transfer decisions in the coming weeks. Nonetheless, several players might still be poised for departures, which Hughes will need to consider when planning new acquisitions.
One key focus for Liverpool is the future of Caoimhin Kelleher, who has publicly stated his desire to be the first-choice goalkeeper next season.
With Alisson set to rejoin the team before their USA tour after playing in the Copa America, Kelleher’s future remains uncertain. A move for the Irishman before the end of the summer would not be surprising.
Liverpool won’t let Kelleher leave for a low fee, especially considering recent market moves where Arsenal paid £30 million for David Raya and Chelsea acquired Robert Sanchez for £25 million. A fee around £25 million seems fair for Kelleher, who played a crucial role last season.
If Kelleher departs, the deal might include sell-on or buy-back clauses, strategies commonly used by Liverpool under Michael Edwards.
Meanwhile, Sepp van den Berg is more likely to leave, with Liverpool valuing the Dutch defender at around £20 million. Whether Slot will give him a chance in his center-back plans remains to be seen, but at 23, van den Berg needs regular first-team football to advance his career.
Mainz are keen on securing a deal following a successful loan, and PSV Eindhoven have also shown interest in the defender. A compromise on the fee might be achievable.
Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are both likely to leave Liverpool this summer. At ages 27 and 23, respectively, they may not command high fees, but both have proven they can compete at a good level. A combined fee of £7 million seems fair.
Kostas Tsimikas may be ready to move on after serving as Andy Robertson’s backup for four seasons. At 28 years old, a fee of around £15 million would be appropriate for the Greek defender.
In midfield, Tyler Morton has attracted significant interest following successful loan spells at Blackburn and Hull. While Liverpool might retain the 21-year-old to compete for a midfield spot, a fee of £15-20 million is reasonable given his potential and the interest from clubs like RB Salzburg.
Fabio Carvalho, who previously played with RB Leipzig and shone at Hull with nine goals in 20 games, might also be on the move. With Liverpool’s strong attacking options, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave.
Having paid £5 million for Carvalho, Liverpool would aim to fetch around four times that amount. A heavily incentivized deal close to £20 million could work for all parties.
Liverpool’s senior forward line might see changes this summer, with speculation about Luis Diaz’s future amid links to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and doubts surrounding Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.
While Salah and Nunez are likely to stay, Diaz’s future is less certain. Liverpool should seek at least £60 million for Diaz, who has been highly influential since his 2022 arrival.
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