£67m Centre-back Signs for Liverpool with Wirtz and Kerkez to Complete Title-defending Team – If Rumours True
Liverpool are preparing to begin their Premier League title defence with a squad capable of competing at the highest level. As speculation continues to mount regarding potential arrivals and departures at Anfield, it appears the reigning champions are on course to make several key adjustments before the new campaign gets underway.
The club have already made a statement in the transfer market with Jeremie Frimpong joining the team, while discussions surrounding Florian Wirtz are believed to be advancing positively. These early moves indicate that Liverpool are keen to strengthen their ranks swiftly, setting the tone for a potentially busy summer window.
Considering the volume and credibility of the ongoing transfer rumours, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Liverpool are still actively pursuing further reinforcements. The level of reported interest suggests that additional high-profile signings could be on the cards in the weeks ahead.
With that in mind, Newsnow Liverpool has taken a closer look at how Arne Slot might shape his starting XI for the upcoming season, if the most recent speculation proves accurate.
A Revamped Liverpool Defence
With Jeremie Frimpong expected to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, attention has now shifted to other areas of the defence. Milos Kerkez has long been identified as a priority target, and similar to Florian Wirtz, reports suggest that a deal for the left-back is nearing completion.
The Hungarian defender has reportedly exited his national team camp citing ‘private reasons’ and is set to miss their upcoming fixture against Azerbaijan. Further reports indicate that a medical has already been scheduled for Kerkez, with all components of the transfer allegedly agreed upon by the relevant parties.
With Virgil van Dijk having signed a contract extension, supporters can anticipate seeing the club captain lead the team in their pursuit to retain the Premier League title. Despite this, speculation remains over who will partner him at the heart of the defence, particularly with Ibrahima Konate’s current deal set to run out next year.
Several potential candidates have been linked in recent weeks, but Ousmane Diomande remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar. According to Portuguese publication A Bola, the Reds are among the clubs expected to submit a bid for the Sporting CP defender shortly.
CaughtOffside have also reported that the Portuguese side are demanding a fee in the region of £67 million for Diomande, who continues to attract considerable interest.
A Powerful Midfield and Attack
The anticipated signing of Florian Wirtz is set to elevate Liverpool’s attacking options significantly, with the German talent potentially operating in a false nine role to preserve the current midfield setup.
The midfield has undergone a notable transformation with the additions of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. Wirtz’s exceptional creative abilities could complement Mohamed Salah in much the same way Roberto Firmino once did during Jurgen Klopp’s era.
Mohamed Salah continued to produce world-class performances this past season, registering 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions. As long as he maintains this extraordinary level, the Egyptian forward will remain an indispensable figure in Liverpool’s lineup.
The position on the left side of the attack, however, remains uncertain. Growing speculation surrounds the future of Luis Diaz, who has reportedly attracted serious interest from both Barcelona and Saudi Arabian clubs. Should Liverpool decide to part ways with the Colombian, and with Diogo Jota struggling for consistency last season, the club may look to secure a reliable new left-wing option.
Despite already eyeing a major investment in Wirtz, Liverpool have also been linked with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Reds are one of several clubs monitoring the 25-year-old, who recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in Serie A this season.
Nevertheless, Leao’s price tag presents a significant hurdle. AC Milan are said to be demanding £109 million for the winger, a fee that may exceed Liverpool’s budget unless more favourable terms can be negotiated.
Liverpool line-up next season if transfer rumours are true: Alisson; Frimpong, Diomande, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Leao.
In other news, Liverpool Confirm Second Summer Transfer as Highly-rated Hungary Star Joins Reds
