Liverpool have fewer players at the World Cup compared to previous editions, yet there's still plenty for fans to watch closely during this summer's competition.
Just 11 Reds are representing their nations in North America—a smaller contingent than Crystal Palace (12) and Al Hilal (12)—though several potential future Liverpool signings could be on show at the tournament.
Now led by former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Liverpool are scouring the transfer market for new additions following a turbulent 2025–26 season, and a number of their reported targets will be eager to shine at the World Cup ahead of possible high-profile moves to Anfield.
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Here are 13 players linked with Liverpool to watch closely at this summer's tournament.
Center Back

Nico Schlotterbeck has long been touted as a potential Merseyside arrival as he continues to excel at Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool are in need of a center back following Ibrahima Konaté's exit, and few options are more compelling than the Germany international. Although he penned a new deal with BVB in the spring, it reportedly includes a release clause accessible to select clubs.
Group stage matches: Curaçao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), Ecuador (June 25)
Liverpool already have a strong Dutch presence in their squad, but their hunt for a new center back could lead them toward two more Netherlands representatives. Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke both have no shortage of admirers heading into the summer window, though neither would come at a bargain price for the Reds.
Group stage matches: Japan (June 14), Sweden (June 20), Tunisia (June 25)
Should Liverpool pursue a more budget-friendly central defender, Ecuador and Club Brugge standout Joel Ordóñez could be the answer. The 22-year-old has delivered consistent performances in Belgium after graduating from the renowned Independiente del Valle academy in his home country, which has produced talents such as Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. Liverpool have previously been connected with the defender.
Group stage matches: Ivory Coast (June 14), Curaçao (June 20), Germany (June 25)
Central Midfield

Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs chasing rising Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, who will fly the flag for Senegal this summer. The 22-year-old could be an ideal fit for the Reds in the middle of the park as they look to reduce the workload on Ryan Gravenberch next season.
Group stage matches: France (June 16), Norway (June 22), Iraq (June 26)
While Manchester City are frontrunners for Elliot Anderson and appear close to wrapping up a deal, the England international remains on Liverpool's radar until any transfer is officially completed. The Nottingham Forest star will partner Declan Rice in Thomas Tuchel's double pivot in North America.
Group stage matches: Croatia (June 17), Ghana (June 23), Panama (June 27)
Earlier reports have connected Liverpool with Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who could resurface as a transfer option as the Reds look to strengthen in central midfield. The 25-year-old will be hoping for significant game time with Germany this summer, though a starting berth under Julian Nagelsmann is far from guaranteed.
Group stage matches: Curaçao (June 14), Ivory Coast (June 20), Ecuador (June 25)



Right Wing

Liverpool are locked in competition with European champions Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of Yan Diomande, whose stunning debut campaign at RB Leipzig has earned him a World Cup spot with Ivory Coast and a transfer fee likely exceeding $150 million. Should the versatile 19-year-old continue to dazzle in North America, that staggering valuation could climb even higher.
Group stage matches: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curaçao (June 25)
Iraola's appointment at Liverpool has strengthened speculation surrounding every Bournemouth player, including Rayan. The 19-year-old joined the south coast club in January and made such an immediate impact at the Vitality Stadium that Carlo Ancelotti handed him a call-up to Brazil's squad. The winger reportedly carries a $174 million release clause that becomes active in January 2027.
Group stage matches: Morocco (June 13), Haiti (June 19), Scotland (June 24)
As Liverpool seek a successor to Mohamed Salah, Maghnes Akliouche could enter the frame. Previously linked with Anfield on a tentative basis, the gifted Monaco attacker is expected to make a major move this summer and is just one piece of a glittering French attack at the World Cup. The 24-year-old registered 17 goal contributions last season.
Group stage matches: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)
Left Wing

Akliouche's France teammate Bradley Barcola will also be on duty for Les Bleus this summer, though he too may find himself coming off the bench rather than starting. While Diomande remains Liverpool's primary target, Barcola is held in high regard by the Reds and could depart the French capital this summer. The two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain would be a superb acquisition.
Group stage matches: Senegal (June 16), Iraq (June 22), Norway (June 26)
Diomande is not the only Ivorian wide player drawing interest. Liverpool have been linked with Hoffenheim prospect Bazoumana Touré, who contributed 14 goal involvements for the Bundesliga club last season. Blistering pace and a high ceiling make the 20-year-old a fascinating option.
Group stage matches: Ecuador (June 14), Germany (June 20), Curaçao (June 25)
All attention will naturally fall on Erling Haaland as Norway make their return to the global stage, but Antonio Nusa could well grab the headlines. Diomande's RB Leipzig teammate delivered an outstanding 2025–26 campaign that highlighted his enormous potential, with the elusive 21-year-old already drawing admiring glances from Europe's top clubs.
Group stage matches: Iraq (June 16), Senegal (June 22), France (June 26)
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