Five Liverpool Deals Richard Hughes Could Sanction on Summer Transfer Deadline Day

The summer transfer window is closing, marking the last opportunity for Premier League clubs to complete their signings. Liverpool fans are keen to see what moves the club will make on this critical day.

This summer, Liverpool supporters had to remain patient. Only earlier this week did the club make its first signing, becoming the last among Europe’s top five leagues to do so. Giorgi Mamardashvili was brought in from Valencia for a fee that could rise to £29 million, but he won’t be joining Arne Slot’s squad this season, as he will remain on loan at the Spanish club for the 2024-25 campaign.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have strengthened their squad with the acquisition of Federico Chiesa. The winger has arrived from Juventus for £10.9 million and has signed a four-year deal with the club.

However, many fans are still hoping for more signings before the transfer window closes at 23:00 BST tonight. Additionally, Liverpool could see some players leaving before the deadline. With these possibilities in mind, Newsnow Liverpool takes a look at the potential deals that could unfold.

Signing a New Centre-midfielder

Liverpool had a strong interest in signing Martin Zubimendi, a pursuit that was even confirmed by Slot. However, the midfielder chose to remain with Real Sociedad, leaving Liverpool without their intended target to strengthen the No. 6 role. Despite this, there hasn’t been much evidence of the Reds pursuing alternative options.

In their first two Premier League games, Liverpool secured 2-0 victories against Ipswich Town and Brentford, with Ryan Gravenberch filling in for the defensive midfield position. However, Gravenberch is still adapting to the role and is not a natural fit.

To enhance their defensive midfield, Liverpool may need to seize opportunities as they arise, a strategy that has been emphasized throughout the summer. If the right player becomes available, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Reds take action.

Nat Phillips – Possible Permanent Exit

With Sepp van den Berg’s move to Brentford, it’s now less likely that Joe Gomez will leave Liverpool. Manager Arne Slot would prefer not to deplete his options at centre-back, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Jarell Quansah being the other available players in that position.

Although Gomez might desire more playing time—having nearly transferred to Newcastle United earlier in the window—he may need to stay at Anfield to provide depth across the defense.

On the other hand, Liverpool would probably entertain offers for Nat Phillips. The centre-back has not featured for the club since January 2023 and spent last season on loan at Celtic and Cardiff City. Phillips is eager for regular playing time, as he experienced at Cardiff and during his loan spell at Bournemouth in the 2021-22 season.

As Phillips enters the final year of his contract with Liverpool, it might be prudent for the club to consider selling him.

Ben Doak – Potential Loan Exit

With the addition of Chiesa, Liverpool now have six established senior attacking players, which will present Slot with some tough choices regarding team selection.

As a result, it seems unlikely that many young talents from the academy will get regular chances to play. This could lead Ben Doak to follow in the footsteps of Stefan Bajcetic, Owen Beck, Luke Chambers, Lewis Koumas, and Calvin Ramsay by going out on loan.

Doak is an incredibly promising talent and one of the most exciting prospects coming up through the ranks. He’s a dynamic winger who thrills the fans, but he currently sits far behind Mo Salah for the right-wing position and is still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in December.

Despite being only 18, he has attracted interest from Premier League clubs like Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford, highlighting his high regard in the football world.

Kaide Gordon – Possible Loan Exit

Kaide Gordon faces a situation similar to Doak’s, as he is another highly regarded right-winger who has dealt with injury setbacks. The 19-year-old missed the entire 2022-23 season due to growth-related issues and was carefully managed throughout the following season.

Gordon is eager to get his career back on track, having surpassed the under-21s level. Championship club Swansea City was mentioned as a potential destination earlier in the transfer window. Neither Gordon nor Doak participated in the under-21s’ 5-1 EFL Trophy defeat to Crewe earlier this week.

Midfielder James Balagizi, who also did not play, is another player who could be considered for a loan move.

Caoimhin Kelleher – Potential Exit

While Alisson Becker expressed enthusiasm for Liverpool’s interest in Mamardashvili before the official announcement, Caoimhin Kelleher might not have been as pleased.

If Kelleher had any aspirations of eventually succeeding Alisson as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, those hopes may now be diminishing. The Republic of Ireland international has previously expressed his desire for regular playing time, and his role as Alisson’s backup last season has only intensified that ambition.

Kelleher has the talent to be a No. 1 goalkeeper in his own right. He is unlikely to be content with sitting on the bench frequently, especially now that Liverpool has returned to the Champions League, where playing opportunities will be even more limited.

There are reports that Nottingham Forest has renewed their interest in the 25-year-old, though an initial bid was rejected. However, Liverpool might be tempted to sell if a subsequent offer meets their asking price.

In other Liverpool news, Liverpool’s Strongest XI with Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa Completing Late Dash