Liverpool could make early moves on several strong transfer targets in the summer
Liverpool have some important transfer decisions to make at the end of this season and could use the upcoming World Cup to their advantage. The summer tournament will disrupt a number of high-profile deals, but the Reds can first prioritize signing quality players who missed out on the World Cup.
Arne Slott’s side have probably suffered from not completing their transfer business quickly enough this season. The club completed the British record signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak on deadline day, but transfer talk has affected the sharpness of the forward’s game.
Meanwhile, Liverpool also intended to sign Marc Guehi in the closing stages, but Palace ultimately opposed the deal and the defender later joined Manchester City. Targeting players who are not playing in the 2026 World Cup would mean learning from past mistakes while giving summer signings more time with their new teammates. Here’s a look at how Liverpool’s dream start to the transfer window will unfold.
Eli Crupi stood up.
Bournemouth star Eli Junior Crupi has had a breakthrough season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has scored 11 goals for the Cherries, averaging a goal every 126 minutes in the league.
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French outlet Telefoot previously claimed that Liverpool were one of several clubs interested in the teenager, along with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Bournemouth have recently sold several players for huge fees, leading to speculation that the Cherries could ask up to £80m for the young striker.
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Crupi has yet to be called up to the France Under-21 squad and is unlikely to be included in his country’s World Cup squad, given that coach Didier Deschamps has other better players at his disposal. However, Liverpool may prioritize signing a striker following Hugo Ekitike’s injury.
Ekitike faces a long spell on the sidelines after tearing his Achilles tendon earlier this month and undergoing surgery. This would allow Isak to lead up front, while Crupi would provide a rotation option and be a long-term successor up front.
Barcelona loses transfer battle
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with an away move ahead of the summer transfer window. The 27-year-old could complete a move in early summer after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported that the centre-back’s value had dropped from £60m to £40m. It has since been claimed that Liverpool are expected to lose out to Barcelona in the race to sign Bastoni.
Eli Junior Crupi has had an impressive season at Bournemouth (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
But with Slot preparing to revamp his defensive options, the Reds could make a statement by attacking defenders. Jeremy Jaquet is already set to arrive at Anfield from Rennes, Ibrahima Konate is negotiating a new contract, while Virgil van Dijk has 12 months left on his current contract.
Marky signs with Kvaratschelia
PSG winger Hviča Kvaratschelia showed his quality against Liverpool as the French side eliminated the Reds from the Champions League for the second consecutive season. Georgia’s captain will not be playing in this summer’s World Cup, but he has proven himself to be one of the best wingers in the game.
The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool in the past. Former Georgia assistant coach David Webb also told talkSPORT that he spoke to Kvaratskheria about his interest in the Premier League when he was working with him. The former Napoli star only joined PSG in January 2025, but his future is already the subject of speculation.
With Mohamed Salah’s impending departure and the club selling Luis Diaz last summer, the Reds are likely to be in the market for a winger this summer. Signing a player of Kuvaratsheria’s quality would reaffirm their status as title contenders.
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