Adam Wharton is linked with a move to Anfield this summer (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s victory over Everton in last weekend’s Merseyside derby looks likely to seal their place in the Champions League. That could be crucial to the club’s transfer ambitions ahead of a pressurized summer period. Arne Slott is already facing considerable strain after a difficult season at Anfield. After spending over £400m last summer, the Reds failed to perform as well as expected, and no one expected them to spend as much this year.
Nevertheless, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving the club and Hugo Ekitike set to be out for an extended period with injury, Liverpool are acutely aware of certain priorities. But when you think about what your dream (but realistic) team would look like for the 2026/27 season, that doesn’t mean your recruitment needs to stop there…
One name that has recently come up on Liverpool’s radar and that supporters will be happy about is Adam Wharton. Manchester City and Manchester United have been reported to be interested in the estimated £80m midfielder in recent weeks, and it is now claimed that Liverpool are also linked with a move.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been mentioned as candidates for the England international, but talkSPORT has identified Liverpool as a new candidate.
The arrival of the 22-year-old Wharton would almost certainly be the biggest expense of the summer, especially as midfield is currently not considered the most pressing area.
However, this situation could change in the near future, given that the contracts of Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Stefan Bicetic are all set to expire in 2027.
There are also persistent rumors linking Real Madrid and Alexis Mac Allister. Alistair has declined this season and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2028.
Wharton stands out as an elite-level replacement who can thrive in an administrative role that eases the burden on others.
There are alternative areas that may require significant investment, but acting quickly to secure Crystal Palace’s star player now could pay handsome dividends down the road.
Eli Junior Crupi could be the ideal successor to Mohamed Salah (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
There will be a noticeable void on Liverpool’s right flank this summer. Salah has already confirmed his departure and there is considerable pressure on anyone who steps into his shoes at Anfield.
It would be unrealistic to expect a straight swap to reflect Salah’s extraordinary influence. But bringing in Eli Junior Crupi from Bournemouth would give Liverpool a development player with a huge ceiling who could perhaps one day aim for similar heights.
Although the Frenchman is primarily seen as a striker or attacking forward, Crupi often drifts wide to the right flank to cause havoc.
This trend reappeared in Bournemouth’s recent wins over Arsenal and Newcastle, with the youngster scoring the opening goal against Arsenal.
Crupi, 19, won’t come cheap, but the Daily Mail reports that Manchester United, Chelsea and several Spanish clubs are interested in signing him.
There has been talk of the player’s intention to move away from the Vitality Stadium, but he would still be willing to pay a hefty £60m fee.
Liverpool’s pursuit may also be boosted by the fact Andoni Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this summer.
There may even be a chance they could be reunited quickly at Anfield, as the Spaniard is being looked at as a possible successor should Slott leave.
Marcos Senesi could join to improve defensive quality (Image: 2024 Getty Images)
Liverpool are already actively looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the summer season. The signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in January was the clearest signal yet that a change could be in the air in the backline.
Ibrahima Konate could still leave on a free transfer in July, but there are growing signs that he could sign a contract extension.
Despite this, further reinforcements are needed, with the aging Virgil van Dijk set to leave in 12 months and Joe Gomez’s contract expiring at the same time.
Van Dijk has been the absolute cornerstone of Liverpool’s central defense since 2018, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old’s departure will inevitably leave a sizeable hole.
With that in mind, outgoing Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi could be a smart signing, with Rhys Williams also looking set to leave.
The three-cap Argentina international has been a reliable part of Bournemouth’s defensive line since joining from Feyenoord in 2022.
Slott, on the other hand, will be keenly aware of the quality he has at his disposal, given their previous working relationship in Rotterdam.
At 28, Senesi is slightly older than Liverpool’s typical target.
However, the savings provided by the bossman position offset much of the financial risk, and more advanced experience in the position could prove to help accelerate Jaquet’s development.
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