Liverpool are expected to undergo a summer of transition after a hugely disappointing season. While talk has been centred on the future of Arne Slot, and who the club can bring in to address glaring issues in the squad, the Reds do have several ready-made stars waiting to make the jump for the 2026/2027 campaign.
After meekly surrendering the Premier League title to Arsenal, as well as suffering in defence, midfield and attack this season, summer surgery is required. Players such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been linked with Liverpool, no doubt causing waves of excitement amongst fans.
However, here, Mirror Football takes a look at four Liverpool players who can make the step-up next season to become certified starters for Slot.
Expectations were through the roof when Liverpool parted with £125million, a British transfer record, to bring Isak from Newcastle last summer.
It’s not been a vintage campaign for the Swedish striker: a lack of pre-season and then a devastating leg break against Spurs in December somewhat put paid to the 26-year-old’s maiden season on Merseyside.
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Isak managed three goals for Liverpool this season and his stats do not make for a fun, leisurely read either. Yet Slot will not forget he has a powerhouse forward in his ranks.
View 5 ImagesAlexander Isak will hope to have a bigger impact next season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Isak scored 62 goals for Newcastle in just three seasons, becoming one of the most feared goalscorers in Europe. A successful World Cup with Sweden could also give the forward the fitness and confidence he craves, leaving him equipped to lead Liverpool’s line next season.
The breakout star of Liverpool’s season, the 17-year-old burst on the scene with a stunning last-minute winner against Newcastle in August. Ever since, Ngumoha has shone whenever called upon.
View 5 ImagesRio Ngumoha is expected to play a more prominent role next season(Image: Getty Images)
Tormenting full-backs at will, the left-winger has scored three goals and managed one assist, leading many fans to call for his inclusion on a weekly basis. Such is Ngumoha’s impact that large sections of Anfield booed Slot when he substituted the youngster recently against Chelsea.
One imagines that those fans won’t be forced to repeat their displeasure next season, with Ngumoha a leading contender to make it off the bench and make Liverpool’s left wing his own.
The Reds struck a deal with Rennes in January for Jacquet, worth up to £60m. Such an outlay can only mean that the Reds view the French centre-back as a long-term investment, hoping he can learn from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
View 5 ImagesJeremy Jacquet agreed to join Liverpool during the January transfer window(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Why did Liverpool spend so much on the 20-year-old Frenchman? Before a shoulder injury in February curtailed his season in Ligue 1, Jacquet was winning an impressive 75.5 per cent of aerial duels, 67.5 per cent of ground duels and had 77 ball recoveries, as per FotMob.
He has been dubbed one of the best centre-back prospects in world football, and Liverpool fans will be hoping he gets a chance to show it next season.
Italian star Leoni signed from Parma last summer for £30m. He made a huge impact in the 78 minutes he was on the pitch against Southampton in a Carabao Cup tie in September.
Unfortunately, the assured youngster was stretchered off after a collision and was later confirmed to have suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, ruling him out for around a year.
View 5 ImagesGiovanni Leoni has been out with an ACL injury(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))
While it was only a small sample size, the 19-year-old centre-half delivered a memorable debut. In just under 80 minutes, Leoni won 80 per cent of duels, made six clearances and three interceptions. His passing accuracy rate was a classy 96.7 per cent.
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There’s no doubt Liverpool need composure and dominance in their backline. Once Leoni returns to full fitness, the Reds could have a defensive star on their hands, more than ready to step into their starting XI.
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