Everything has been coming up Aces for Liverpool Football club in recent times. They secured the 2024/25 Premier League title with four matches to spare to kick off a monthlong party on Merseyside.
They announced the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong on a bargain deal of €35 million the same day that Trent Alexander-Arnold was revealed at Real Madrid.
Then, still fresh to us all, Liverpool came to an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen on a package that can hit €150 million with add-ons for superstar Florian Wirtz.
The Reds are certainly not resting on their laurels and reveling in the title success, as it's clear Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are preparing to strengthen going into this new era full speed ahead. With that in mind, here are the next three things that need to be on the priority list for the Reds.
1. Settle the futures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz
The Uruguayan has 66 goal contributions in his 3 seasons at Anfield, with 40 of those being goals, some of which were absolutely world class.
However, this season was his worst with the club and Slot shunned him to the bench more often than not, evening questioning his effort at one point, which is something we can always rely on from Darwin if all else fails.
At 25, are his finishing inconsistencies just a part of who he is now? Or, is that immense potential we have seen flashes of still able to be unlocked? Liverpool must decide that answer this summer.
Several Saudi clubs have been sniffing around for his services to no avail so far. If the player can get assurances of playing time, he might have one more season in him. If not, the club must cash in while they can.
As for Diaz, he is coming off arguably his best season with the Reds. So, his value will never be higher than it is right now and being three years older than Nunez, he might be a more finished article.
Liverpool have already turned away Barcelona once this summer, but they and others will be back. Is Cody Gakpo the heir on the left or is that still Lucho's home? Decisions will be made.
2. Complete Milos Kerkez signing
Next on the agenda for Richard Hughes and Co. is getting a deal over the line for Bournemouth fullback Milos Kerkez.
This deal has felt imminent for awhile now, but as of yet it has not been finalized. With the Wirtz deal now wrapped, the club can turn their focus towards the Hungary international who could be had for a fee around £45 million.
The youngster played 41 times this season for the Cherries registering 6 assists along with a pair of goals. He would be the long-term solution to a life post-Andy Robertson.
This deal feels like it can happen any minute, but the sooner he gets in and signed, the sooner Liverpool can move to other priorities this summer.
That kind of rapid and ruthless efficiency has been their calling card this window, so more of the same here would be ideal.
3. What to do with Harvey Elliott?
This one is a bit lower than the first two because the club does not have to decide the future of the England U21 international anytime soon.
However, it will need to be addressed this summer as Elliott, who was frozen out a lot this season, is eager to secure regular playing time and kick on in his career.
He's a very talented footballer and would help any team he was with, but Liverpool must decide if that will be them for the long haul.
Slot began using him more as the season wrapped up, but he went from 54 matches played to under 30 this term with injury and lack of trust from the boss. If he can get 35-40 appearances, that might be his sweet spot to be able to contribute at a high level for the Reds.
The club might want to use the early portions of preseason to make a decision like this. However, Elliott played very well last summer and that ultimately did not end up doing a lot for him.
At worst, he's a top class versatile option that can be plugged in at several different spots on the pitch. There is value in that. Liverpool must decide if it has a number in terms of transfer offers or if he can help them win trophies.