Liverpool’s dream squad if Wharton snubs Man Utd and Salah replacement joins | Football | Sport

Liverpool‘s victory over Everton in last weekend’s Merseyside derby appears likely to seal Champions League qualification. That could prove pivotal to the club’s transfer ambitions heading into what promises to be a high-pressure summer window. Arne Slot already faces a considerable burden following a challenging season at Anfield. The Reds have failed to impress as anticipated after last summer’s outlay exceeding £400million, with nobody anticipating similar expenditure this year.

Nevertheless, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving the club, and Hugo Ekitike set to be absent for an extended spell through injury, Liverpool are acutely aware of certain priorities. Yet that doesn’t mean the recruitment needs to end there, as we look at what a dream (but realistic) squad might look like for the 2026/27 campaign…

One name that supporters will be pleased to see emerging on Liverpool’s radar recently is Adam Wharton. For weeks, it’s been reported Manchester City and Manchester United are keen on the £80m-rated midfielder, but it’s now claimed that Liverpool are involved in the pursuit, too.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the England international’s signature, though talkSPORT have identified Liverpool as an emerging contender.

Wharton, 22, would almost certainly represent the biggest outlay of the summer if he arrives, particularly as midfield isn’t currently regarded as the most pressing area.

That situation could alter in the very near future, however, given Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are all on contracts scheduled to expire in 2027.

There are also the persistent rumours linking Real Madrid with Alexis Mac Allister, who has experienced a decline in form this season and will become a free agent in 2028.

Wharton stands out as the elite-level replacement capable of flourishing in that controlling role to ease the burden on others.

While there are alternative areas where significant investment may prove necessary, moving swiftly to secure the Crystal Palace star now could yield considerable benefits further down the line.

A notable void will open up on Liverpool’s right flank this summer. Salah has already confirmed his departure, heaping considerable pressure on whoever is charged with stepping into his shoes at Anfield.

Expecting a straight swap to mirror Salah’s extraordinary influence would be unrealistic. Yet, bringing in Eli Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth would hand Liverpool a development player with an enormous ceiling who could perhaps one day aspire to similar heights.

The Frenchman is predominantly regarded as a striker or attacking forward, but Kroupi frequently drifts out wide on the right to wreak havoc.

This tendency was on show once more during Bournemouth’s recent victories over Arsenal and Newcastle, with the youngster netting the opener against the former.

Kroupi, 19, would not come at a bargain price, with the Daily Mail reporting that Manchester United, Chelsea and several Spanish clubs are circling.

It has been mooted that the player is willing to move on from the Vitality Stadium, though he would still command a substantial £60m fee.

Liverpool’s pursuit may also be aided by the fact that Andoni Iraola is poised to leave Bournemouth when his contract expires this summer.

Given the Spaniard has been touted as a possible successor to Slot should he depart, there may even be scope for a swift reunion at Anfield.

Liverpool have already moved proactively to bolster their defensive options ahead of the summer window. The January signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes served as the clearest signal yet that changes could be afoot in the backline.

Ibrahima Konate could yet depart on a free transfer in July, but there are growing indications he may sign a contract extension.

Nevertheless, with the ageing Virgil van Dijk set to leave 12 months later and Joe Gomez’s deal expiring at the same time, further reinforcements are required.

Van Dijk has been an absolute cornerstone of Liverpool’s central defence since 2018, but the soon-to-be 35 year old will inevitably leave a considerable void when he goes.

With that in mind, outgoing Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi could prove an astute acquisition, with Rhys Williams appearing another likely departure.

The three-cap Argentina international has been a reliable standout in Bournemouth’s defensive line since arriving from Feyenoord in 2022.

Slot, meanwhile, will be acutely aware of the quality at his disposal given their prior working relationship in Rotterdam.

At 28, Senesi is marginally older than the typical profile of player Liverpool tend to target.

However, the savings afforded by his Bosman status would offset much of the financial risk, and a greater degree of experience in the position could prove instrumental in accelerating the development of Jacquet.

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