Even with their two stalwarts, the Reds still need reinforcements to continue the momentum Arne Slot has built over the past nine months.
Priority positions in the summer transfer market have shifted for sporting director Richard Hughes and this article will cover how he and Slot can put their imprint on this Liverpool squad.
Left back
Now into his eighth season on Merseyside, it would be impossible to deny that swashbuckling left-back Andy Robertson has been a shadow of his very high standards this campaign.
The Scotland captain, who turned 31 in March is yet to provide an assist in the league this season and looks unlikely to match last season’s alarming tally of just two.
Despite remaining an ever-present figure on the pitch, Robertson’s waning influence this campaign is telling, with only 48 carries into the final third a stark contrast to his average of 117 in his first four seasons.
Top target: Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth)
Bournemouth’s Hungarian fullback has been heavily linked with the Reds over the past few weeks, a compliment befitting his brilliant performances for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Kerkez’s effectiveness in a side who build up play quickly should translate seamlessly to Slot’s side, springing rapid counterattacks that the Kop have become accustomed to over the past decade.
The Hungarian will also benefit from over-the-top through balls from the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister and can use the left channel to interchange with Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz.
Young, tenacious and hardworking – Milos Kerkez certainly fits the FSG model and with a reported asking price above £40 million, it seems like the perfect signing to kickstart Slot’s summer rebuild.
Striker
Prior to Liverpool’s victory over West Ham last weekend, Mohamed Salah failed to score or assist in his last four games – they fell to defeat in three of them.
With strikers Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez registering a combined total of 11 goals, it exposes a lack of effectiveness through the middle when Liverpool’s talisman isn’t firing.
Jota’s knack for finding the back of the net is a sight to behold but many Reds will agree that rehabilitation has occupied far too much of his Liverpool career to be a reliable striker.
A failure to acclimate to England’s top flight will likely hang over Darwin Nunez for years to come but Anfield has seemingly acknowledged it wasn’t due to lack of trying, as his exit nears.
Top target: Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
Liverpool have been without a complete striker since Luis Suarez and signing Alexander Isak would not only be a statement of intent from the champions elect but it would ease the burden on Salah.
The Swede’s ability as a poacher makes him ideal for putting away chances in games where Liverpool can pin back their opponents and is intelligent enough to strike the ball in the right place at the right time.
Another asset that makes Isak valuable is his incredible technique, which would prove beneficial during build-up play in a Liverpool side full of attacking outlets flooding the final third.
Furthermore, Isak possesses the ability to bully defenders with his physical prowess, shaping himself as an ideal target for the likes of Diaz and Mohamed Salah who play as conventional wingers under Slot.
With Newcastle on track to qualify for the Champions League next season, acquiring his services would prove to be an arduous task but will Hughes and FSG break the mould as they did with Salah and van Dijk?
Right back
As widespread reports continue to link Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, many Liverpool fans have resigned themselves to losing their academy graduate.
A player with a unique skillset, Alexander-Arnold has been invaluable to his boyhood club going forward, with only Kevin de Bruyne and Salah providing more assists since he made his debut in 2017.
The creativity he brings to the football pitch is irreplaceable and while Conor Bradley has emerged as a leading contender to replace the Liverpool vice-captain, injury concerns will leave Slot tentative to go all in on the Northern Irishman.
Top target: Lutsharel Geertruida (RB Leipzig)
While many will have identified Bayer Leverkusen livewire Jeremie Frimpong as Alxander-Arnold’s successor, it would raise some tactical questions if he were to play opposite Milos Kerkez.
Both players are very front-footed and it would likely disturb the balance Slot has created on the flanks, who often sets up his fullbacks to be more conventional, contrasting his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Geertruida’s ability to operate as both a right back and right centre back makes him a versatile option in different phases of play.
The Dutchman played under Slot at Feyenoord last season and his ability to press on any part of the pitch makes him a desirable upgrade for Alexander-Arnold, especially off the ball.
While Slot will want clarity on the right-back position as soon as possible, he will likely use the end of this season and pre-season to determine whether action needs to be taken.
Squad options
The resurgence of Wataru Endo has perhaps quashed the demand for an understudy to Ryan Gravenberch but at the age of 32, nothing can be certain.
Liverpool will likely listen to offers for the Japan international, with the intention of recruiting a deep-lying playmaker akin to Gravenberch, who has played far too many minutes this season.
At centre back, the spotty injury records of both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez could be cause for concern, especially with Jarrell Quansah failing to earn Slot’s trust in that position.
With the talented Dean Huijsen, currently at Bournemouth, keen to explore a move, activating his release clause that reportedly exceeds £50 million could be a wise move to fend off the competition.