​Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola have a busy summer ahead as they try to solve a range of issues. Liverpool’s first-team squad desperately needs reinforcement, and without additional signings, they risk finishing the season in an even tougher position than last year. This would mark another dramatic drop in form, especially after ending the 2025-26 campaign in fifth place in the Premier League. At the very least, Iraola will be aiming to secure a top-four finish, which means the club likely needs three or four new players to strengthen the squad.
This explains why Liverpool have links with so many players at the moment. If they don’t broaden their search, rivals could snap up targets, or they might miss out on a bargain of the window. With transfer stories constantly evolving, the Reds will want the flexibility to move quickly in the market, especially if a deal as appealing as the latest rumor emerges.
One of the main areas Liverpool are struggling to fill is right-wing. Mohamed Salah has left Anfield, creating a noticeable void in the forward line. Players such as Federico Chiesa, Victor Boniface, and Jeremie Frimpong can be deployed on the wing if needed, but none of them emerge as a long-term solution. Liverpool will be hoping to challenge for the Premier League title this season, and without significantly boosting attacking firepower, a serious title challenge may be unlikely.
A fresh update from Fabrizio Romano has highlighted a potential opportunity that could interest the Reds, particularly as it might hinder one of their Champions League rivals, Barcelona. Romano reported that “Barcelona will not meet a €40 million price tag for Karim Adeyemi and remain confident they can complete a deal for considerably less than that fee. Adeyemi reportedly wants Barça and would not sign a new contract with Dortmund, potentially becoming free to sign in January.” While Adeyemi may not have rediscovered the peak form of his best season at RB Salzburg, the 24-year-old German attacker remains an appealing option. He appeared 39 times for Borussia Dortmund in the 2025-26 season and contributed to 16 goals, displaying blistering pace and the quality to thread incisive passes.
If Liverpool could secure Adeyemi for a price around £34 million, it would feel like a bargain given his Bundesliga experience and his versatility, capable of playing on the right or as a central striker. His ability to exploit space with speed, combined with the knack for finding teammates in dangerous positions, would add a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. Importantly, Adeyemi’s signature would also present a strategic advantage in the race against Barcelona, who are seen as a direct competitor for elite European honors.
The contract situation adds to the intrigue. Adeyemi’s deal with Dortmund runs until 2027, which helps explain Barcelona’s willingness to drive the price down. Yet, even at a figure around the mid-30s of millions, the deal could represent exceptional value for Liverpool, given his age, development trajectory, and his familiarity with top-level competition in Germany.
Beyond Adeyemi, the Reds’ recruitment strategy will need to consider the broader balance of the squad. If Cody Gakpo remains at the club, Iraola may not feel a pressing need to add another left-sided winger beyond cover. However, ensuring depth across the forward line will be critical, and Liverpool will likely continue to explore options that offer both immediate impact and long-term potential. The summer, therefore, promises to be pivotal for the club as they seek to rebuild and reestablish themselves with a refreshed and properly aligned squad.