Liverpool’s spending spree could have been even more impressive in the summer, with reports now indicating that they made an approach to sign a midfield star.
What Liverpool need in 2026
After breaking their transfer record twice in one summer to sign both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, it’s hard to imagine that Liverpool need anything when 2026 arrives. But the reality is that they’re still short at centre-back and in the most ideal world, could do with backup for Ryan Gravenberch at the heart of their midfield.
Arne Slot will be hoping that his side at least end their three-game losing run when they return to action against rivals Manchester United this weekend. That would at least help to quiet the noise surrounding the Reds’ current struggles and their need for reinforcements even after a £400m spending spree.
The Dutchman will also be hoping to see the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister bring their international form to club level. The latter scored a brace against Puerto Rico for Argentina on Wednesday, whilst Wirtz has received backing from compatriot Ilkay Gundogan during his time with Germany.
“With the high transfer fee for Flo, it was somehow clear that things could get very loud very quickly in England – unfortunately, that’s the way the business works these days.
“It’s not Flo’s fault that he cost so much. Nevertheless, it’s understandable that people expect a lot from him. I would like to see a bit more in-depth analysis here – and not just focus on the bare assists and goals.
“Anyone who doesn’t see Flo’s outstanding quality really doesn’t understand much about football. To call it a transfer flop already is completely exaggerated.” (Gundogan told Bild)
It’s certainly not a replacement for Wirtz that Liverpool need in 2026. Instead, they need to strengthen at centre-back by finally signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace and they need some competition for Gravenberch.
Liverpool made contact to sign Thuram
Those at Anfield very nearly signed backup for Gravenberch in the summer. According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool launched an approach to sign Khephren Thuram from Juventus alongside a number of their Premier League rivals. Juventus reportedly rebuffed any efforts to steal the Frenchman and aim to build their midfield around the 24-year-old.
Whether that’s the end of that saga remains to be seen. History would suggest that it’s unlikely to end there. Before Slot even arrived, it was Jurgen Klopp who set his sights on Thuram, only for Juventus to swoop in and Liverpool to sign Gravenberch, Wataro Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai instead.
Of course, that trio have since become Premier League champions, but that doesn’t mean Thuram wouldn’t have plenty to offer the Reds in the middle of the park.
Described as a “powerful” ball-carrier by analyst Ben Mattinson, Liverpool shouldn’t give up on adding Thuram to their ranks just yet.