Analysis
Liverpool are preparing for a transformative summer, facing one of the most pivotal transfer windows in recent memory. This week, we will evaluate potential targets for the outgoing Premier League champions in key positions: forward, central midfield, full-back, and center-half.
We begin with the attack. The departure of prolific scorer Mohamed Salah after nine years, combined with the long-term absence of striker Hugo Ekitike due to a ruptured Achilles, has intensified the need to bolster a forward line already short on numbers. Federico Chiesa is also likely to leave, and there is little enthusiasm for reintegrating Harvey Elliott following his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Yan Diomande (left) and Bradley Barcola could be valuable attacking additions for Liverpool (Getty Images)
So, who could be in contention to join?
**Right-Wing Options**
One certainty for the upcoming transfer window is that Liverpool must sign a right-winger. Among the current squad, Rio Ngumoha is better suited to the left, while Jeremie Frimpong, often used as a right-back or right wing-back, lacks sufficient threat when pushed forward. Last summer’s additions shifted the focus of Liverpool’s attack away from the right flank, but any new recruit must possess pace, one-on-one ability, and off-the-ball intensity to press effectively.
**Michael Olise**
**Age:** 24
**Current Club:** Bayern Munich
A Ballon d’Or contender, Olise has elevated his game since leaving Crystal Palace for Bayern Munich two years ago. He offers everything expected of a modern winger—left-footed, quick, powerful, and agile. In 50 club appearances this season, he has 22 goals and 30 assists—remarkable numbers. However, there’s no indication he wants to leave, his contract runs until 2029, and Bayern executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently stated no price tag would persuade them to sell.
**Yan Diomande**
**Age:** 19
**Current Club:** RB Leipzig
The teenager is emerging as one of the most exciting wingers globally, with data showing similar profiles to Olise. While expensive, he is a more realistic target. After moving from Leganes to RB Leipzig last summer, he has showcased raw pace, dribbling skill, and versatility across both flanks. His 12 goals and eight assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances as a teenager are impressive. Any fee would be substantial, given his five-year contract and status as a top prospect, attracting competition from other clubs.
**Rayan**
**Age:** 19
**Current Club:** Bournemouth
Rayan arrived in England in January for an initial £24.7 million, filling Antoine Semenyo’s shoes. The Brazilian left-footer is comfortable on both wings but prefers the right. He uses pace and power to drive into central areas and possesses the physicality and aerial ability needed for the Premier League. Despite Liverpool’s good relationship with Bournemouth, securing a player who signed a five-and-a-half-year deal is challenging. Reports suggest a €100 million release clause, making him costly. He has five goals and two assists in 13 appearances, but settling in remains a question.
**Yankuba Minteh**
**Age:** 21
**Current Club:** Brighton & Hove Albion
If Arne Slot stays as Liverpool head coach, he already knows Minteh from a loan spell at Feyenoord. Minteh is a versatile winger favoring the right, quick and progressive in possession. However, his decision-making and off-the-ball work need improvement. With nearly two seasons of Premier League experience, he would be the cheapest option among these four, partly due to limited output—three goals and four assists in 32 league appearances this season.
**Wide Players Who Can Switch Wings**
**Bradley Barcola**
**Age:** 23
**Current Club:** Paris Saint-Germain
Barcola is the most exciting potentially attainable player on this list and could lift Liverpool fans’ spirits. Leaving PSG, despite limited game time, would be difficult given the club’s stature. Liverpool’s funds are tight after last summer’s spending, but he is worth considering for serious strengthening. At 23, he is ready to make an immediate impact, stay long-term, and retain value. He can play on either wing, excels in one-on-ones, and last season recorded 21 goals and 20 assists.
**Crysencio Summerville**
**Age:** 24
**Current Club:** West Ham United
Liverpool’s Anfield tunnel sign might need updating to “This Is The Netherlands” if another Dutchman joins. Summerville could be a market opportunity, especially if West Ham are relegated. He is right-footed but comfortable on either wing, with a knack for scoring and setting up important goals. He possesses pace and trickery, though the question is whether he offers enough variety when Frimpong attacks similarly.
**Mohammed Kudus**
**Age:** 25
**Current Club:** Tottenham Hotspur
If Tottenham are relegated and forced to sell, Kudus could become an interesting option. His first half of the season was poor, and a thigh injury has kept him out since January, but his creativity from his West Ham days remains. He is quick, direct, and can play centrally. In 2024-25, his 7.2 take-ons per 90 minutes trailed only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku. His scoring and shooting need improvement, though he creates plenty for others.
**Antonio Nusa**
**Age:** 21
**Current Club:** RB Leipzig
Five goals and four assists in 34 games may not scream big move, but numbers don’t tell the full story. Nusa models his game after Neymar and dribbles like the world’s most graceful wingers. His dribble volume and success rate are almost identical to Olise’s. With room for growth and a failed move to Brentford in 2024, his talent will inevitably attract Premier League interest.
**Versatile Forwards**
**Anthony Gordon**
**Age:** 25
**Current Club:** Newcastle United
The locally-born forward was a popular name among Liverpool supporters after Ekitike’s injury. Gordon is quick, dynamic, and comfortable out wide or as a No. 9. After a difficult season at Newcastle, he could be available for the right price, but Liverpool currently have no plans to revive their 2024 interest.
**Jarrod Bowen**
**Age:** 29
**Current Club:** West Ham United
Liverpool have admired Bowen before. He can play on the right or as a striker, but his availability likely depends on West Ham’s survival. This season, he has eight goals and 10 assists in the league, helping West Ham’s fight against relegation. Signing a player turning 30 would deviate from Liverpool’s transfer policy, but if the price is right, his Premier League experience and homegrown status make him worth considering.
**Kenan Yildiz**
**Age:** 21
**Current Club:** Juventus
Yildiz is a rising Serie A star capable of playing across the front three. Most comfortable as a central playmaker, he would operate as a false nine. The Turkey international is fleet-footed and forward-thinking. He has 10 goals and seven assists in 35 league appearances this season and signed a new long-term contract in February. As Juventus’ crown jewel, he would be hard to prise away, but if they fail to qualify for the Champions League—they currently sit third in Serie A—sales might be considered.
**Rodrygo**
**Age:** 25
**Current Club:** Real Madrid
Rodrygo was frequently linked with Liverpool last summer and tracked before joining Madrid in 2018. He can play across the front line and performs in big matches. However, he suffered an ACL knee injury in March, likely sidelining him for the rest of the year, ruling him out as a summer target.