If there is a supposed advantage to Liverpool’s sporting director-head coach model, it is that a change in the latter position should not drastically affect long-standing transfer plans.
Back when Jurgen Klopp was at the helm in the role of “manager”, he wielded far greater influence over comings and goings at Anfield than those around him.
However, the appointment of Arne Slot back in 2024 marked a shift to a way of working long favoured by owners Fenway Sports Group.
And so, despite the Dutchman’s contract being terminated earlier this week and talks being opened with Andoni Iraola to replace him, this summer is likely to go largely as previously planned.
Who could leave?
Another summer of major change is coming to Anfield, as evidenced by the already-confirmed departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Federico Chiesa is set to join them after a largely disappointing spell at the club, while it is thought this could be the year that Joe Gomez finally departs amid links to Aston Villa.
Curtis Jones is attracting interest from Inter Milan and showed a willingness to make that move in January before Liverpool shut the door.
Fellow midfielder Stefan Bajcetic will either head out on a loan or make a permanent move after an injury-hit few years, and the fact that no contract talks are planned with Alexis Mac Allister proves he is not considered untouchable with teams in Spain thought to be keen.
Who could stay?
Liverpool want continuity in the goalkeeping department, and have informed Juventus-linked Alisson Becker that they would prefer him to stay.
Kostas Tsimikas is also likely to be retained to replace Robertson as back-up left-back following his return from a loan stint at AS Roma.
The Reds are keen to tie Dominik Szoboszlai to a new deal and so will fend off any interest in him that arises, while the remaining core of the squad were only recently signed.
As such, the only Slot-related alteration to their plans that could be possible concerns both Jones and Harvey Elliott.
It remains to be seen if a change in the role on offer could convince the former to turn down Inter and pen a fresh contract.
Elliott, meanwhile, will return from a loan at Aston Villa that was not made permanent, desperate to prove that he has an Anfield future under a new manager.
Who could come in?
With Salah gone and Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the foreseeable future due to an Achilles tendon injury, Liverpool are looking to seriously bolster their attack.
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande is the No 1 winger target, though he is also wanted by European champions Paris Saint-Germain, meaning Bradley Barcola could be pursued as an alternative.
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Given departures in midfield are likely, the Reds could act on their long-standing interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Additions at right-back and centre-half are also required, with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke among those assessed.
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