Liverpool’s Major Transfer Moves and Potential Changes Ahead

Liverpool has embarked on a record-breaking transfer spree ahead of the 2025-26 season, acquiring German midfielder Florian Wirtz for £116 million ($155 million) and Swedish striker Alexander Isak for £125 million ($168 million). Despite their struggles with form and fitness, both players remain crucial components of the team’s broader strategy.

As Liverpool aims to maintain competitiveness for prestigious titles both domestically and internationally, there is a continuous need for refreshing the squad. This entails the movement of high-profile players in and out of Anfield.

Last season, club icons Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk committed to new contracts that extend until 2027. However, Salah’s recent public criticism of the club has raised questions about his long-term future, while Van Dijk approaches his 35th birthday in July.

There is speculation that neither player may be part of new manager Arne Slot’s plans for the 2026-27 season. Collymore, an ex-Liverpool forward, suggests that significant decisions must be made that prioritize the club’s needs over sentimentality.

In response to whether Salah deserves to be regarded as a club legend alongside greats like Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, Collymore shared his thoughts with GOAL: “He certainly ranks among them. His statistics and trophy haul speak for themselves. Salah is not a victim of modernity, but he understands the scrutiny that comes with his status as a global football figure.”

Collymore emphasized the global nature of Liverpool’s following, noting that many fans who do not attend matches regularly have expressed concerns about Salah’s recent performances. He acknowledged that the phenomenon of celebrity culture in sports has led to a focus on individual players alongside the clubs they represent.

On the future dynamics of the team, Collymore remarked, “Salah will continue to play for the remainder of the season, but for Liverpool to evolve under Slot, there may be a need to part ways with either him or Van Dijk this summer.

“Despite their recent contract extensions, I believe those moves were made to evaluate the integration of new signings like Ekitike, Isak, and Wirtz. If Liverpool intends to elevate Isak and Wirtz as the new leading figures, it may necessitate moving on from the current stalwarts.

“Salah’s recent behavior might reflect his dissatisfaction with the reception of the new signings, feeling overshadowed by the excitement surrounding them. Ultimately, the question remains whether these players can coexist harmoniously or if the likelihood of Salah departing this summer is greater.

“While Van Dijk may stay for another season, I am confident that Salah’s tenure at Liverpool is nearing its end.”

Salah has attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with lucrative contract offers potentially on the table for the 33-year-old winger. Having scored 250 goals in 421 appearances for Liverpool and secured multiple prestigious awards, his future in English football may be limited to just a few more months.