Liverpool's pre-season preparations have been disrupted by the undercurrents in the transfer market - Arne Slot's team will face AC Milan in their first friendly match in Asia, while French forward Hugo Ektienk has arrived in London for a medical examination, with his £7.9 million transfer nearing completion. The 21-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract and then fly to Asia to join the first-team pre-season tour, becoming the latest addition to Liverpool's nearly £300 million summer spending spree. Anfield is determined to build a team capable of defending the Premier League title.
wever, Ekitike's arrival is more like the first ripple of a major summer squad overhaul. With less than three weeks until the start of the new season, Slot is expected to streamline the squad by selling several players, with up to eight potentially leaving before the transfer window closes.
The future of Luis Díaz remains the most intriguing subplot. Bayern Munich's £60 million bid has been rejected, but the Colombian forward is eager to seek opportunities elsewhere. Although Liverpool insists he is not for sale and Díaz continues to train with the first team, the club is prepared to receive a higher offer from the Bundesliga champions. Díaz wants to leave to secure a new contract – his team believes his salary at Anfield is too low compared to teammates of similar standing in the squad, but the Reds' hierarchy is not in a hurry to meet his demands.
Liverpool is also open to offers for Darwin Núñez, who has struggled to settle. Over two seasons, the Uruguayan international has failed to live up to his £85 million transfer fee. Atlético Madrid's interest has cooled, and Napoli has turned to other targets, but he could still make a lucrative move to the Saudi Arabian league.
England U21 midfielder Harvey Elliott, who was named Player of the Tournament at last month's European Championship, could also leave if a suitable offer comes in. He struggled to get consistent playing time last season and has openly expressed his desire to play more frequently, even asking Slot what he needs to do to improve his situation. However, Liverpool will not sell him cheaply – several Premier League clubs are interested, but few are willing to meet the £50 million asking price.
Several young players are also likely to go out on loan for the new season: 22-year-old defensive midfielder Tyler Morton has attracted interest from Premier League clubs and could leave on loan or a permanent transfer; Ben Doak, Luca Stephenson, and James McConnell are mostly likely to be loaned out for a season to gain practical experience for the future.
While trimming the squad, Slot continues to pursue Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The England international has only 12 months left on his contract, significantly weakening Crystal Palace's bargaining power – Tottenham, who had a £70 million bid rejected in January, are planning to make a comeback this summer. Liverpool's chances of winning this "two-horse race" may depend on whether player sales can free up enough funds.
From the signing of Ekitike, to the potential departure of Diaz, and the simmering tensions surrounding Gueye, Liverpool's summer transfer window is unfolding as a delicate balancing act between incoming and outgoing players. Will Sloth's adjustments provide Liverpool with enough momentum to defend their Premier League title? The answer may only be revealed when the transfer window closes.
