10 players who could join Liverpool this summer

Updated: 5 Apr 2024 15:54 BST
8 min read

Pedro Neto, Goncalo Inacio, Liverpool — © IMAGO

Most of the talk surrounding Liverpool has been focused on the club's next coach, but the Reds could also be busy on the player market.

Liverpool's transfer business this summer will ultimately depend on who succeeds Jurgen Klopp. Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP appears to be the man destined to take the Anfield hot seat, but until the ink on his contract is dry, one can only speculate as to whom the Reds will target this summer.

Article continues under the video

Nevertheless, there are some educated guesses we can make based on recent transfer links and on the assumption that Amorim is very likely to get the job, meaning that he could bring some of his Sporting stars with him to Merseyside.

Here are 10 players who could join Liverpool this summer...

© IMAGO - Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande

Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)

One of the most prominent transfer links involving Liverpool has been to Goncalo Inacio. Even before Amorim was in the frame to succeed Klopp, the Portuguese defender was being touted for a switch to Anfield.

Liverpool were already in the market for a young, left-footed centre-back in the summer and the 22-year-old fits the bill. The Sporting star has a €60 million release clause and it seems unlikely that the Lisbon giants will settle for anything less than that.

Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)

From one Sporting centre-back to another, Ousmane Diomande is another defender frequently associated with an Anfield switch, though getting him could prove even tougher. The Ivorian is also admired by Arsenal and Chelsea and will cost at least €80m.

His performance at AFCON - despite Ivory Coast winning the tournament - raised concerns about whether the 20-year-old really is ready for the top level yet. This could be one the Reds may have to steer clear of for the time being.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves)

Left-back does not appear to be an area of immediate concern at Liverpool, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas on the books at Anfield. However, FootballTransfers revealed in January that the Reds are admirers of Rayan Ait-Nouri.

It was subsequently claimed that Jurgen Klopp had personally demanded as kind of a 'last wish' that he be signed in the summer. The 22-year-old Algerian has become a regular starter for Wolves and is also eyed by the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal.

Pedro Neto (Wolves)

With speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah's future refusing to go away amid fresh interest from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool have been thinking about potential replacements for the Egyptian King. One of the possible options is Wolves assist machine Pedro Neto.

The Portuguese has enjoyed a breakout campaign, which has firmly put him on the radar of top clubs, with Arsenal and Man City also keen. As revealed by FootballTransfers, the 24-year-old won't come cheap, but he may be one of the most attainable players on the market as he reportedly wants to leave.

© IMAGO - Pedro Neto and Rayan Ait-Nouri

Johan Bakayoko (PSV)

Another potential heir to Salah is Johan Bakayoko, a player linked with Liverpool since the summer of 2023. The Belgian wonderkid started the 2023/24 season like a house on fire for Eredivisie champions-elect PSV, but he has tailed off a lot in recent months.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old's potential is evident and he is another player who is expected to get a big move in the summer. PSV sporting director Earnie Stewart revealed as much when he admitted that the winger will likely be sold.

Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund)

The third option to replace Salah could be Donyell Malen. The Dutchman already wanted to leave Borussia Dortmund in January and he will almost definitely be sold in the summer.

Malen has enjoyed a brilliant 2024 on a personal level and this has reignited high-profile interest in his services. In addition to Liverpool, Arsenal are keen on bringing their former Hale End product back to north London. BVB will reportedly demand €50m-€60m for Malen, perhaps making the Reds regret that they didn't pounce in the winter when he was available for just €30m.

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich is facing an uncertain future at Bayern Munich and Liverpool are attentive to the situation. In a contract stalemate with the Bavarians, the German international is a candidate to be sold in the summer and Premier League clubs are on red alert.

The 29-year-old only wants to join Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City and the Gunners are very keen on him, as reported by FootballTransfers. The Reds certainly admire Kimmich though it would be a surprise if they were to target him over other options given his age.

Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta)

One of these other options is Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners. The Dutch international has revealed that he has informed his club of his desire to leave in the summer and the Reds have been hot on his trail for the best part of three years, since his AZ days.

The 26-year-old has no shortage of suitors, however. Juventus are reportedly desperate to land him and they are willing to sacrifice some serious talent to raise the necessary funds to sign him, with Atalanta slapping a €60m price tag on his head.

Georgiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk)

One of the biggest talents Ukraine has produced, Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov looks a special talent. It is the 21-year-old's dream to play in a top-five league and Liverpool could help him achieve this dream.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and Napoli have all been credited with an interest in the attacking midfielder and he will be anything but a bargain. The youngster has a €150m release clause and while Shakhtar won't insist on this being paid, it's clear that he won't come cheap.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in February that Liverpool are ready to rival Arsenal and Bayern Munich for Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad star is one of Europe's most sought-after defensive midfielders and will be available for €60m due to a release clause.

The fee isn't the problem with Zubimendi, it is more about whether he is actually willing to leave his boyhood club. The San Sebastian native has thus far given no indication that he wants to leave the Basque country, which has already seen Barcelona end their interest in him.