In addition to players with expiring contracts, Liverpool acquired four midfielders last summer to fill the holes left by the regulars and to promote a generational change.
Among them, Alexis Mac Allister was an MVP-level performer, while Dominik Szoboszlai proved his ability in the first half of the season and Wataru Endo in the second half.
Liverpool, who are looking to rejuvenate their centre-backs and find a successor to Mohamed Salah, have been reportedly linked with other defensive midfielders, and will also need to secure a second goalkeeper if Caoimhin Kelleher leaves the club.
Glen Johnson, who played as a right-back for Liverpool and for England during his playing days, said he expects his old club to make the same smart reinforcements they did last summer and is continuing to work under the radar to land the right players.
“Liverpool need to make some signings this summer,”
“This window feels like last year – they never go out and panic buy or come out of the traps and buy five or six players. They’re always calm and calculated, and I’m sure they have a shortlist of who they want to get.”
“They need to sign a few players to refresh and replace a few old legs, and although it sounds quiet on the outside, I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of work going on behind the scenes.”
Paddy Power
Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, who have led Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, have one year left until their contracts expire and it remains to be seen whether they will accept extension offers this summer.
Even if they succeed in extending their contracts, it is inevitable that their replacements will be found. Will Liverpool make another surprise signing?