Liverpool have outlined two key priorities for the next stage of their summer transfer plans, even as David Ornstein reports the club will now take a more “patient” stance in the market. This comes after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Reds’ fifth summer signing is now officially “done.”
Following their Premier League title win, Liverpool have moved quickly to strengthen their squad. Manager Arne Slot, after a full season of evaluating his players, is now shaping the team according to his vision. Four signings are already secured, and a fifth is now finalized.
The next confirmed arrival is Milos Kerkez, who joins Giorgi Mamardashvili (signed via a pre-arranged deal), Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, and Florian Wirtz. Romano confirmed the 21-year-old Hungarian left-back has passed his medical, with Liverpool agreeing a £40 million fee with Bournemouth.
An official announcement on Kerkez is expected very soon.
Despite this progress, Ornstein reports that Liverpool will slow down further recruitment for now. The club aims to focus on outgoing transfers first, with as many as 11 players set to leave, one of which has already been confirmed.
While Arne Slot is targeting a new centre-back, Ornstein believes that the club’s next major signing will likely be a striker. However, Liverpool are being deliberate and careful with their approach.
“They admire forwards like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, but there’s nothing advanced at the moment,” Ornstein told The Athletic. “Liverpool’s early business—securing Frimpong, Wirtz, and Kerkez—has been impressive, but they are likely to pause now to monitor how the market evolves.”
He added that Wirtz’s arrival has already altered the team’s attacking options significantly, possibly reducing the urgency to replace Darwin Nunez, whose playing time has already been limited.
Liverpool Also Eyeing Marc Guehi
In addition to a striker, Liverpool are looking to sign a centre-back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi emerging as a primary target. Despite Guehi being under contract until July 2026, Palace are open to offers above £50 million, anticipating his potential departure.
With the transfer window still open for some time, Liverpool are in no rush and plan to wait for the right opportunity to strike, with sporting director Richard Hughes carefully timing any moves.
Crystal Palace, preparing for Guehi’s possible exit, have started talks with Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande as a replacement.
Much of Liverpool’s remaining transfer activity could depend on how much they need to spend on a striker and how much they raise from selling players identified for departure.
Other Transfer Updates: Osimhen and De Bruyne Links
Liverpool are also reportedly in talks with Napoli over a deal for striker Victor Osimhen, which may include a cash offer plus two Liverpool players.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising over Ibrahima Konate’s future, with the defender said to be “disappointed” by the club’s latest contract offer, sparking fresh speculation about his potential departure.
Harvey Elliott is another player who may leave. A Premier League rival has expressed interest in a £40 million deal for the 22-year-old, who has grown frustrated with his limited minutes under Slot, starting only three league games lasting longer than 45 minutes last season.
Lastly, it’s been confirmed that Liverpool held talks with Kevin De Bruyne before he opted to sign with Napoli, as revealed by a reliable Manchester City reporter
