Liverpool are set to have one frantic summer this year. As the tears well up amid Jurgen Klopp’s farewell, fans will wipe their eyes clear to see a new man standing in the dugout.
Who that will be is not yet known, despite the intense speculation around Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim. There will be no summer holiday for whoever is appointed as Klopp’s successor with transfer plans expected to be drafted up as soon as feet are under the desk.
The new boss won’t be the only one experiencing their first day inside that Anfield boardroom, with Richard Hughes set to come in as sporting director, overseen by the returning Michael Edwards as football CEO within FSG.
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A balance will need to be found between the manager’s preferences and the board’s finances, so here are five affordable options Liverpool could look at this summer.
Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich is expected to leave Bayern Munich this summer, and the exit of Thomas Tuchel may not be enough to sway him to stay. The pair have not seen eye-to-eye this season and Tuchel had made it no secret that the midfielder could be replaced.
Despite starting all but one of his 35 outings this term, the 29-year-old is thought to have become unsettled at Bayern, who may opt to sell the Germany star given he has just over 12 months left on his contract.
Liverpool need a natural and experienced defensive midfielder who can stake his place in the team, with Wataru Endo showing his frailties in recent matches and the always-absent Thiago set to leave. Kimmich would fit the bill nicely and be an affordable option - albeit will have his inbox brimmed with enquiries from other clubs.
Goncalo Inacio
Inacio has been a name commonly linked with Liverpool amid their increasingly apparent need for another centre-back. Questions linger over his chances of success in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has helped Sporting keep 15 clean sheets during his 42 matches and has chipped in with four goals as his team vies for their second title in four seasons. But Liverpool ideally need a player who is proven in the top-five leagues that can cement his place in the line-up.
If Amorim is appointed, then the chances of Inacio moving to Anfield markedly increase, and it would be too harsh to say he hadn’t warranted a big club taking a gamble on him. His performances at the Euros for Portugal, when played, could have a bearing on his future.
Marc Guehi
Perhaps a less-expected signing, Guehi is already acclimatised to the Premier League and could complement Virgil van Dijk well. The 23-year-old already has nine caps for England and still has bags of potential yet to fulfil.
On current viewing, he would be the most likely signing to take over the mantle from Van Dijk long-term. That’s not to say there wouldn’t be teething problems - Guehi has never played European football and Crystal Palace usually have a lighter fixture schedule given their usual early cup exits.
With two years left on his contract, Liverpool would not get a quick bargain. But the right price could tempt Palace, who will be mindful of Financial Fair Play amid the sanctions on Everton and Nottingham Forest this season. Definitely one to consider, at least.
Mohammed Kudus
Like or not, Liverpool need to think about life after Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian turns 32 this summer with only a year left on his contract.
It would be borderline blasphemous to suggest that Liverpool should sell this summer. But, though inarguably impressive, is Harvey Elliott the long-term answer for when Salah does eventually move on? Of course, like whoever succeeds Klopp, this is trying to replace the irreplaceable.
Mohammed Kudus has only been at West Ham less than a year but a move to Liverpool would be hard to turn down. The Hammers may have to choose money over personnel amid FFP if they do not earn a top seven finish, which is probable. A subsequent exit for manager David Moyes would increase Liverpool’s hopes.
Yes, Kudus would be pricey given his contract doesn’t expire until 2028, but he would be an investment for the future. This transfer may be the most speculative of the lot, but with Luis Diaz also potentially on the move, Kudus - who can play on both wings - would be a valuable asset, with 17 goals and five assists this term.
Other mentions
Victor Osimhen has declared that he will leave Napoli this summer, but is likely to be too expensive for Liverpool. His release clause reportedly stands at more than £100m and so a purchase would perhaps do more harm than good given the presence of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.
Alexander Isak has been in impressive form for Newcastle but Liverpool also face the same headache here as with Osimhen. Florian Wirtz will be attracting attention this summer but Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen could tempt him to bat off an exit, including to Anfield.
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has been in terrific form and seems destined for a summer switch. However, Liverpool already have several number 8s to choose from and at 19, Neves is still quite raw. It ought to be noted that those who shine at this summer’s Euros in Germany will likely influence Liverpool’s transfer compass.
