Early Summer Planning
Fresh off securing the 2024/25 Premier League title with a 5-1 rout of Tottenham on April 27, 2025, Liverpool have kicked off their summer transfer preparations. Arne Slot, whose debut season yielded 26 wins and 87 points in 34 matches, aims to strengthen his squad for a title defense. Unlike last summer’s sole permanent signing of Federico Chiesa, who has seen limited action, Slot is set to receive a substantial budget, with a striker and left-sided defender as top priorities, per the Daily Mail.
Bournemouth Stars in Sight
Liverpool have set their sights on two Bournemouth standouts amid the Cherries’ surprising push for European qualification. Center-back Dean Huijsen, a 20-year-old Spaniard, has shone with 2.1 interceptions and 1.3 blocked shots per game, making him a £50m target. Left-back Milos Kerkez, a 21-year-old Hungarian, has contributed two goals and five assists in 34 league games, offering versatility. Both players, however, are also coveted by Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Real Madrid, intensifying competition.
Bundesliga Targets
Beyond Bournemouth, Slot is eyeing Bundesliga talent to bolster Liverpool’s attack. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder with 11 goals and 12 assists in 2024/25, is a prime target, though his £100m price tag and interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich pose challenges. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian striker with 14 goals, is another option, valued at £60m. Both players align with Slot’s high-pressing, dynamic system, complementing Liverpool’s existing stars like Mohamed Salah.
Competition and Challenges
Securing Huijsen and Kerkez will be tough, as Bournemouth’s strong season—10th place with 48 points—has raised their profiles. Huijsen’s aerial dominance (65% duel win rate) and Kerkez’s 7.2 dribbles per game make them ideal fits for Liverpool’s backline, but rival bids could drive up costs. The Bundesliga targets face similar hurdles, with Wirtz’s potential move to Bayern and Sesko’s links to Manchester United complicating negotiations. Liverpool’s Champions League status and £60m budget, boosted by title prize money, give them an edge.
Building on Success
Slot’s transfer strategy reflects Liverpool’s ambition to dominate domestically and in Europe. With Virgil van Dijk and Salah signed until 2027, and hopes of retaining Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Reds aim to blend youth with experience. Huijsen and Kerkez, both under 22, offer long-term potential, while Wirtz or Sesko could replace the injury-prone Chiesa. As Liverpool prepare for their trophy presentation on May 25, 2025, these targets signal a proactive approach to sustaining their reign, with Slot’s 2.56 points-per-game record setting a high bar.
