Liverpool will have to make some significant transfer decisions this summer as Arne Slot takes control.
Michael Edwards could have a busy summer in his first season back at Liverpool.
Edwards, who is now in charge of the Reds’ transfer department and sits above sports director Richard Hughes, will be trying to work his magic during the next transfer window.
During his own tenure as sports director, the 44-year-old built a name for himself with his impressive recruitment and ability to command high sums for players on the margins of the team. His most notable transaction remains the £142 million package deal he made to transfer Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho in January 2018.
Several stars could be sacrificed this summer in order to raise funds, with Edwards needing to make decisions – seven of which we have evaluated below.
Luis Diaz – £75 million.
A sale that not all supporters would approve of. Luis Diaz had been a solid performer for the club since joining from FC Porto in January 2022, but his progress was hampered by a major knee injury sustained against Arsenal in October 2022.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have both been connected with the Colombian this summer, and he may choose the former over the latter due to the appeal of a Spanish-speaking atmosphere.
The Telegraph indicated in April that Liverpool valued Diaz at over £75 million.
Caoimhin Kelleher – £25 million
This is a departure that seems nearly unavoidable at this time. Stuck behind Alisson Becker in the goalkeeping pecking order at Anfield, the Republic of Ireland international appears to have accepted that he will never be No. 1 as long as Alisson is on Merseyside.
Speaking to The Athletic about this, Kelleher stated: “My major objective is to be a No.1, and it would be fantastic if that occurred at Liverpool, but I’m not stupid. I feel like I’ve completed my years as a No.2. The goal now is to be No. 1. I’m ready and capable.”
Nottingham Forest had a £15 million proposal rejected by the Reds during the winter window, and other Premier League teams are expected to come calling again this summer.
Manchester City’s sales of Gavin Bazunu and James Trafford will provide encouragement to the Reds, with the Sky Blues receiving upfront sums of £12 million and £15 million for two goalkeepers who never appeared for the club.
Fabio Carvalho – £20 million
The Portuguese playmaker had a tremendously successful loan stay with Hull City in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals and assisting twice in 20 Championship outings.
Carvalho was never given a chance to excel under Klopp owing to his inability to fit into the club’s system, so it would be intriguing to watch if possibilities materialize under Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1.
Liverpool, who paid £5 million plus £2.7 million in add-ons for the Fulham academy graduate, may easily recoup their investment if they chose to sell.
Sepp van den Berg – £20 million
After four seasons on loan, Sepp van den Berg must make a decision.
Following Joel Matip’s summer departure, Liverpool are undoubtedly weak in the centre-back position, which might provide Van den Berg with a path to the first team.
The Dutch defender had a promising season with Mainz in 2023/24 and is receiving interest from Brentford, Southampton, and Wolfsburg. Liverpool are thought to value the 22-year-old at £20 million, which might result in a nice profit on the initial £1.3 million paid for him five years ago.
Kostas Tsimikas – £15 million
Fans were convinced the Greek defender would be on the move this time last year after being spotted in tears during the Reds’ final home game against Aston Villa, but Tsimikas was not part of the huge squad shake-up.
In September, he signed a new deal with the club, extending his stay at Anfield until 2027 and putting an end to uncertainty over his future.
Would Liverpool, however, consider an offer of around £15 million for his services? With players like Owen Beck and Luke Chambers rising through the ranks, Slot has choices when it comes to covering Andy Robertson.
Nat Phillips – £10 million.
The English defender will be remembered for his role in the Reds’ improbable Champions League qualification during the 2020/21 season, but it appears that Phillips’ time has come to move on for the benefit of his career.
Liverpool rejected two bids for the 27-year-old in January 2022, insisting on a £15 million valuation. This sum may have reduced slightly since then, but £10 million remains a reasonable price.
Phillips spent the first half of last season on loan at Celtic, before finishing 2023/24 in the Championship with Cardiff City.
Rhys Williams – £2 million
Rhys Williams’ recent loan moves to Aberdeen, Swansea City, Blackpool, and Port Vale have not gone well.
The fact that Williams has two years left on his contract will help Liverpool negotiate a transfer cost, although even Edwards will struggle to complete a large deal in this circumstance.
