Liverpool FC, a club rich in history and ambition, has had a mixed bag of results this season. Currently leading the Premier League by 12 points, expectations are high, yet the team’s early exits from other competitions have raised serious questions about their competitiveness. With a lackluster performance leading to their elimination from the UEFA Champions League and the Carabao Cup, urgent discussions about squad depth and player performance are taking place.
Under manager Arne Slot’s guidance, Liverpool has been finding success in the league; however, many observers argue that the current 2024/25 squad lacks the depth necessary for success in multiple competitions. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher pointed out that if Liverpool intends to excel in prestigious tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, it must look to reinforce its player base significantly. “To achieve better results in big tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, the team needs to reinforce its player base and add available players next season,” Carragher stated. This sentiment reverberates through the club as fans and analysts alike express concerns about the thin roster.
One player whose future hangs in the balance is star forward Mohamed Salah. As his contract approaches its expiration at the end of this season, uncertainty looms over whether he will renew or seek new opportunities. Salah has contributed remarkably this season, being involved in 54 goals across all competitions. However, his form has dipped considerably, with no goals in the past five matches, raising alarms about his reliability moving forward. With other attackers like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez struggling to fill the gaps left during Salah’s rough patches, it’s essential for the club to consider viable replacements.
In light of this uncertainty, Liverpool has reportedly turned its gaze toward Ademola Lookman, a 27-year-old forward currently making waves at Atalanta BC. With Salah potentially departing, Lookman has emerged as a top target for Liverpool. Since joining Atalanta in 2022, he has rejuvenated his career, tallying impressive statistics and helping his team to European glory. Over the last two seasons, Lookman has proven himself in Italy, scoring 15 goals and assisting six in his first year, then amping up his output to 17 goals and nine assists last season. This season, the trend has continued with 18 goals and seven assists in just 32 matches.
While Liverpool is keen on Lookman as an alternative to Salah, it also recognizes the need to address issues in their midfield and defensive setups. Such moves are essential not just for immediate performance but for establishing a robust framework for future success. However, Liverpool had also explored the possibility of luring Raphinha from Barcelona; this ambition seems unrealistic given Raphinha's current status as one of the world’s best wingers.
Further complicating Liverpool's transfer ambitions, rumblings around a possible acquisition of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City have dominated headlines as well. Despite Liverpool's engagement in discussions about Alvarez prior to this season, Atletico Madrid’s director Carlos Bucero has poured cold water over these rumors. Dismissing them as mere gossip, Bucero stated, “Alvarez is a key player in our project and we have no intention of letting him go.” Given Alvarez’s lucrative contract extended until 2030, any serious pursuit by Liverpool would hinge on astronomical fees.
As fans await potential developments, the question remains: can Liverpool navigate their squad dynamics effectively to maintain their current lead and capitalize on upcoming transfers? While Slot's leadership has proven effective in the league, the need for a stronger, more versatile squad is abundantly clear for future contests. Whether adapting to life post-Salah or restructuring under new signings, the organization must act decisively as planning continues for the next chapter of Liverpool’s storied legacy.
In this whirlwind of transitions and strategic planning, the club must also engage its fanbase. The culture surrounding Liverpool FC thrives on passion and dedication, and navigating player movements—especially those of treasured figures like Salah—will require transparent communications. For now, the focus will remain on a hopeful Premier League title run, while also casting wary eyes on the summer transfer window, where decisions made could steer the club's direction for years to come.
