Liverpool Racing Against Time: Four Crucial Transfers Hanging in the Balance on Deadline Day
This promises to be a pivotal 24-hour period for Liverpool's 2025–26 campaign, as Transfer Deadline Day follows their narrow 1–0 victory against championship contenders Arsenal.
Sunday's win has given the title holders an early advantage over the Premier League's consistent runners-up, though the Reds' season opener has highlighted areas needing reinforcement, despite their already substantial spending spree.
Long-running transfer stories are nearing their climax on the window's final day, with Liverpool expected to finalize two new signings and possibly see two players depart.
These are the Deadline Day moves the champions are set to execute.
Alexander Isak
Isak has consistently expressed his unwillingness to continue representing Newcastle United, and Liverpool's chase for the Swedish striker created additional tension when both teams clashed under floodlights during the season's second matchweek.
The Reds secured victory that evening at St James' Park, and appear ready to claim another win over the Magpies on Transfer Deadline Day.
Liverpool have succeeded with their revised offer, allegedly valued at £130 million ($176 million), which would establish Isak as the third most costly player in football history. The Swedish international is completing his medical examination on Merseyside before penning a six-year contract.
An exciting attacking combination with Hugo Ekitiké awaits at Anfield.
Marc Guéhi
Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities were evident during preseason preparations, and these issues have carried over into the new Premier League season.
The Reds allowed four goals across their first two matches, but managed a clean sheet against a weakened and conservative Arsenal side in their latest encounter. The previously struggling Ibrahima Konaté returned to form, enjoying his physical battle with Viktor Gyökeres, while Virgil van Dijk delivered another commanding performance.
Liverpool don't require someone to replace their current starters, despite Konaté entering his contract's final year. Nevertheless, the Reds have parted ways with Jarell Quansah this summer and currently depend on the frequently injured Joe Gomez as their third center-back option, with Giovanni Leoni expected to feature in cup competitions initially. Slot was also compelled to deploy Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endō in defensive roles during summer preparations.
They urgently need a dependable, top-quality backup, and Crystal Palace skipper Guéhi fits the bill perfectly. The Reds are actively negotiating with the Eagles, and this transfer appears likely to complete before the deadline.
Harvey Elliott
Liverpool have conducted excellent sales this summer, with their knack for securing premium prices for fringe players enabling their spending spree.
Elliott has frequently found himself as a squad player, though this doesn't diminish his valuable contributions to successful Reds teams since arriving as a 16-year-old in 2019.
With Florian Wirtz adding further competition for the attacking midfielder role, this seems an appropriate moment for Elliott's departure. While Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig have shown summer interest, Aston Villa have made their approach on the window's final day.
Sources indicate this will be an initial loan arrangement with a mandatory purchase clause for 2026.
Joe Gomez
Gomez made a positive impact as a substitute against the Gunners, and would provide valuable depth for Slot if he maintains his fitness.
Nevertheless, the adaptable defender has also attracted departure speculation, with suggestions of Gomez being part of the Guéhi transaction. This scenario now appears unlikely.
Italian clubs have also expressed interest, with AC Milan among those attempting to secure the Englishman's services on Deadline Day. However, indications suggest Liverpool will keep the former Charlton player for the 2025–26 season.
Anything remains possible, though.