In the absence of any transfers during the World Cup, Andoni Iraola and senior figures at Anfield will assess how Liverpool can be best positioned for the next season and years to come, starting with stabilising the volatile contract situation that has derailed them on multiple occasions.
1. Reds reeling after past mistakes
In recent years, Liverpool fans have likely felt that their season was incomplete without a drawn-out contract saga, unable to avoid its long-lasting effect.
The gross mismanagement that saw five senior midfielders depart in the summer of 2023, including captain Jordan Henderson, meant three players left without a transfer fee.
While broad terms were agreed with Ibrahima Konate earlier this year, a shock U-turn resulted in the French centre back joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Sound familiar? It should.
The public soap opera of Mohamed Salah’s contract stance dominated proceedings two seasons ago, while Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also in talks with Liverpool over their future, with the latter making the controversial decision to leave his boyhood club for Los Blancos.
If owners FSG are to build a dynasty with Liverpool, they must simply act faster and smarter.
2. Is Mamardashvili ready to succeed Alisson?
The Reds may have done enough to fend off Juventus for Alisson’s signature this summer, but the fact remains that their No. 1 is out of contract at the end of next season.
However, over the past two seasons, the Brazilian has missed at least 30 games for the Merseyside outfit, further hampered by his not-so-sprightly age of 33.
Giorgi Mamardashvili joined from Valencia last summer, in what was a clear case of future-proofing by sporting directors Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.
The 25-year-old should be approaching his prime years and remains in pole position to succeed Alisson if and when he does leave.
But despite a couple of spells between the sticks for Liverpool, the Georgian international has looked far from the assured presence provided by his mentor, and another season playing backup seems sensible.
If all goes well, Mamardashvili will be ready to be Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper next summer, and Alisson will receive a hero’s farewell as he likely embarks on another challenge.
3. How long does van Dijk have left at the top level?
Liverpool’s skipper will wear the iconic red shirt for a ninth campaign and has been a mainstay in their backline since he joined in January 2018.
While last season showcased that van Dijk may be past his prime, Iraola will count on the colossal centre back having plenty of experience to compete for major honours.
The Dutchman turns 35 this month and, like Alisson, is also out of contract next summer and remains one of Liverpool’s highest earners throughout the squad.
The club will be wary of handing out exorbitant contracts in the wake of Salah’s sharp decline, and van Dijk is likely to fall victim to its new stance.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s captain will have to decide if he is willing to stay, as the youth of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet rise through the ranks or seek regular game time elsewhere.
Van Dijk is an irreplaceable player, but Richard Hughes will know that offering him a new contract on reduced terms is the only logical choice in Liverpool’s current landscape.
4. Are squad players good enough?
This time last year, Joe Gomez was used as a makeweight in Liverpool’s attempt to sign Anthony Gordon, now at Barcelona, from Newcastle.
Later in the window, he was hours away from swapping Merseyside for Milan before Marc Guehi’s proposed transfer from Crystal Palace fell through.
But with the departure of Konate, Gomez now remains the only senior centre back alongside van Dijk and keeping him at the club this season is crucial for Iraola.
Kostas Tsimikas has also returned from a loan spell at Roma, ready to contend with Milos Kerkez at left-back, following Spurs’ acquisition of Andy Robertson.
Both have a year remaining on their contracts, with their experience worth its weight in gold as Liverpool try to uphold their previously high standards in the wake of a dismal title defence.
5. Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister must have their futures resolved
Curtis Jones has been a peculiar case under Arne Slot’s time at Liverpool, mainly featuring from the bench and often out of his preferred position.
The 25 year old is now reaching a point in his career where he needs to feel valued, and as a ball-carrying and pressing midfielder, given the freedom and responsibility befitting his profile.
Jones’ contract expires next summer, with Inter Milan and Nottingham Forest among the clubs vying for his signature. It truly is now or never for the local lad.
While his off-the-ball work impresses, Iraola must decide if he is part of his future plans or whether the transfer fee could pave the way for a more suitable midfielder.
Alexis Mac Allister, 27, is in a similar predicament, a player who looks a shadow of his former self and primed for a sale, as he remains contracted until 2028.
The Argentine looks lacklustre and unable to keep up with the blistering pace of the Premier League, as well as the ability to conduct Liverpool’s midfield as he did during their title triumph last year.
While youth is on the side of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, Mac Allister does not have the same luxury, and if a suitable offer arrives, Hughes may have to be ruthless.
6. Andoni Iraola must extend Dominik Szoboszlai's contract
Liverpool’s player of the season will look forward to playing under a manager who values intensity, and the feeling is undoubtedly mutual for Iraola.
Szoboszlai’s free kick at the Vitality Stadium last season will be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how the Spaniard can unlock Liverpool's no. 8 next season.
Quickly emerging as one of the best players in his position, extending his contract beyond 2028 should be a priority for the club’s hierarchy.
It won’t be long before the sharks start to circle, and unleashing a player who has unwavering support from everyone involved at Liverpool should only spell danger for the rest of the Premier League.
7. Housekeeping is required to support big guns
As the Reds continue their search for wide players in the wake of Salah’s departure, there is still work to be done with the current squad.
Federico Chiesa is almost guaranteed to leave the club in search of more game time, while new signing Victor Munoz is still at the World Cup with Spain.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are expected to lead the line for years to come, while the club are not expected to sanction a sale for Cody Gakpo, who remains well contracted until 2030.
Liverpool’s teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha signed his first professional contract that runs for another two years, surely a case of mere formalities, before an extension with improved terms is announced.
The absence of Michael Edwards was felt for the better part of four years, but now that he has returned in a new role, supporters should feel reassured that contract sagas are a thing of the past.
Alongside Richard Hughes, they made the right decision in relieving Arne Slot and recruiting Andoni Iraola, hopefully ushering in a period of stability for both players and the coaching staff.
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