Liverpool could make early moves for their transfer targets ahead of this summer’s World Cup
Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces an important summer transfer window(Image: Molly Darlington, Getty Images)
Liverpool face several crucial transfer decisions as the season draws to a close and could use the upcoming World Cup to their advantage. The summer tournament will disrupt numerous major deals but the Reds can take the initiative by focusing on securing quality players who have not made their respective World Cup squads.
Arne Slot’s side arguably paid the price for leaving their transfer activity too late this season. The club wrapped up a British record deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak on deadline day, with the protracted transfer saga affecting the forward’s match fitness.
Meanwhile, Liverpool also appeared poised to sign Marc Guehi in the window’s final hours but the deal fell through, with the Crystal Palace defender subsequently joining Manchester City. Pursuing players who are not at the World Cup 2026 would demonstrate lessons learned from those previous missteps, while giving the summer recruits additional time to integrate with their new colleagues. Here is how Liverpool’s ideal start to the transfer window could take shape.
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Eli Kroupi secured
Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi has experienced a breakthrough season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has found the net 11 times for the Cherries, scoring a league goal every 126 minutes.
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French outlet Telefoot has previously reported that Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring the teenager, along with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Bournemouth have recently commanded substantial fees for several of their players, prompting suggestions that the Cherries could seek up to £80million for the young forward.
France U21 international Kroupi has yet to receive a senior call-up and is unlikely to feature in his country’s World Cup squad, given the wealth of quality options available to manager Didier Deschamps. However, Liverpool could make signing a striker a priority following Hugo Ekitike’s injury setback.
Ekitike ruptured his Achilles earlier this month and faces an extended period out after undergoing surgery. While this should enable Isak to spearhead the attack, Kroupi would provide a rotation option and represent a long-term solution up front.
Eli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed an impressive season with Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Barcelona miss out in transfer race
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a potential departure ahead of the summer transfer window. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could allow the 27-year-old to complete an early summer move.
Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport previously indicated that the centre-back’s valuation had fallen from £60m to £40m. It has subsequently been suggested that Liverpool are poised to miss out to Barcelona in the battle for Bastoni’s signature.
However, the Reds could make a bold statement by securing the defender as Slot looks to overhaul his defensive options. Jeremy Jacquet is already set to arrive at Anfield from Rennes and Ibrahima Konate is in discussions over fresh terms, while Virgil van Dijk approaches the final 12 months of his existing contract.
Marquee signing Kvaratskhelia
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showcased his ability against Liverpool as the French club eliminated the Reds from the Champions League for the second consecutive campaign. The Georgia captain will be absent from this summer’s World Cup but has established himself as one of football’s finest wingers.
The 25-year-old has previously been linked with Liverpool. Former Georgia assistant coach David Webb also told talkSPORT he spoke to Kvaratskhelia about his interest in the Premier League during their spell working together. The ex-Napoli star only joined PSG in January 2025 but has already become the focus of speculation regarding his future.
Mohamed Salah’s looming exit and the club’s sale of Luis Diaz last year suggest the Reds will likely be searching for wingers this summer. Signing a marquee player of Kvaratskhelia’s calibre would reaffirm their status as title challengers.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
