Liverpool's Transfer Countdown: Which Missing Pieces Must the Reds Secure Before Deadline Day?

Liverpool have emerged as the dominant force in this summer's transfer market, outspending every other club across global football.

The Merseyside club have invested over £300 million ($405 million) on new signings, highlighted by a record-setting acquisition of Florian Wirtz, while simultaneously conducting significant player departures. Including performance-related bonuses, the Premier League title holders have generated over £200 million ($270.3 million) through player sales to maintain financial equilibrium.

Following their extensive recruitment drive, Liverpool's roster is nearly complete as transfer deadline day approaches, though certain positions still require attention before the window concludes.

Here are Liverpool's key objectives for the remaining days of the transfer period.

Secure Marc Guéhi

Liverpool have recently strengthened their defensive ranks by acquiring 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni, yet the club continues pursuing a seasoned defender to enhance their backline depth. Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, whose contract expires next summer, has consistently been linked with this position, though a gap exists between Palace's valuation and Liverpool's proposed offer.

Nevertheless, considering their defensive vulnerabilities during pre-season matches and their league opener, acquiring another centre-back remains crucial before the window closes. Guéhi represents the perfect candidate as he qualifies as homegrown talent, possesses extensive Premier League knowledge, and has developmental potential at only 25 years of age.

The England defender appears to be an obvious choice, and it seems certain that Liverpool will eventually reach an agreement with Palace before the deadline. £35 million represents the defender's market value, an attainable figure for the Reds, who invested nearly the same amount in the unproven Leoni.

With Ibrahima Konate's situation remaining unclear as he approaches his final contract year at Liverpool, Guéhi becomes essential for the current champions.

Recruit Another Attacker

Despite investing nearly £200 million on Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké, Liverpool remain short-handed in attack after parting ways with Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez. Federico Chiesa is expected to remain with the club and will offer wing coverage, but Ekitiké stands as the squad's sole traditional striker.

Naturally, Alexander Isak represents the clear answer to Liverpool's striker depth concerns, though securing his services would prove both costly and complex. Newcastle United maintain their £150 million valuation for their key forward, and while Liverpool possess the financial capability for such an investment, they seem hesitant to extend their spending to that level.

Isak has expressed his desire to join Liverpool, and his recent social media activity appeared designed to pressure the Magpies into negotiations. Whether Newcastle will relent remains uncertain, but Liverpool require attacking reinforcement regardless—despite Slot's apparent reservations.

Should Isak remain at St James' Park, Liverpool could still bolster their forward line before the deadline—and arguably must do so to fulfill this season's objectives.

Offload Squad Players

Liverpool have executed an impressive player sales strategy this summer, moving both key players and squad members efficiently. The club has been decisive in approving and completing transfers, generating vital revenue that has funded their star acquisitions. However, some surplus players remain in Liverpool's current roster.

Kostas Tsimikas stands out as a likely departure before the deadline, with the Greek defender now ranking as the club's third-choice left-back option. Despite his popularity among supporters, his Anfield journey has reached its natural endpoint, and he should be transferred or loaned during the remaining transfer period.

Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay could also exit through either temporary or permanent arrangements, having failed to fulfill their early promise—the latter particularly hampered by recurring fitness issues.

The club must also determine Stefan Bajcetic's future, who remains sidelined through injury but appears unlikely to feature prominently at Anfield this season. Ármin Pécsi might benefit from a loan spell to gain valuable playing time after joining the Reds this summer, particularly given Liverpool's three senior goalkeeper options.