Liverpool will be looking at these four stars already in their ranks to make a major impact next season
Liverpool are looking ahead to the summer transfer window(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool are bracing themselves for a summer of significant change following a deeply underwhelming campaign. While much of the discussion has focused on Arne Slot’s future and potential signings to address obvious weaknesses in the squad, the Reds already possess several ready-made stars poised to step up for the 2026/2027 season.
After tamely relinquishing the Premier League title to Arsenal, while struggling defensively, in midfield and going forward throughout this term, major alterations are necessary. Links to players such as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have undoubtedly generated excitement among supporters.
However, the ECHO examines four Liverpool players capable of establishing themselves as regular starters under Slot next season.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated LFC Facebook page
READ MORE: Florian Wirtz explains why he ‘liked’ Mohamed Salah post and makes Arne Slot feelings clearREAD MORE: When will Liverpool find out next season’s Premier League fixtures? Date and time confirmedAlexander Isak
Anticipation reached fever pitch when Liverpool shelled out £125million, a British transfer record, to secure Isak from Newcastle last summer.
The Swedish striker’s campaign has been far from stellar: an absent pre-season followed by a devastating leg break against Spurs in December largely derailed the 26-year-old’s debut term on Merseyside.
Alexander Isak hasn’t got going in a Liverpool shirt(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Isak notched three goals for Liverpool this season and his statistics do not make for particularly pleasant reading. Nevertheless, Slot will remain mindful that he possesses a powerful forward at his disposal.
Isak netted 62 times for Newcastle in merely three seasons, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers. A successful World Cup with Sweden could also provide the forward with the fitness and confidence he craves, leaving him well-placed to lead Liverpool’s line next season.
Rio Ngumoha
The standout performer of Liverpool’s campaign, the 17-year-old burst on the scene with a dramatic late winner against Newcastle in August. Since then, Ngumoha has impressed whenever given the opportunity.
Rio Ngumoha during Aston Villa vs Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Terrorising full-backs with ease, the left-winger has found the net three times and registered one assist, prompting numerous supporters to demand his regular inclusion. Such has been Ngumoha’s influence that significant portions of Anfield jeered Slot when he withdrew the teenager recently during a Premier League game against Chelsea.
One suspects those supporters won’t need to voice their frustration again next season, with Ngumoha a strong candidate to step off the bench and establish Liverpool’s left flank as his domain.
Jeremy Jacquet
The Reds agreed a deal with Rennes in January for Jacquet, valued at up to £60m. Such significant expenditure can only indicate that the Reds regard the French centre-back as a long-term asset, hoping he can learn from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Jeremy Jacquet sealed his move to Liverpoool in the January transfer window(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Why did Liverpool invest so heavily in the 20-year-old Frenchman? Before a shoulder injury in February ended his Ligue 1 season, Jacquet was prevailing in an impressive 75.5 per cent of aerial duels, 67.5 per cent of ground duels and had 77 ball recoveries, according to FotMob.
He has been labelled as one of the finest young centre-back talents in global football, and Liverpool supporters will be eager to see him given an opportunity next campaign.
Giovanni Leoni
The Italian starlet arrived from Parma last summer in a £30m deal. He made a significant impression during the 78 minutes he spent on the pitch against Southampton in a Carabao Cup encounter in September.
Sadly, the composed teenager was carried off on a stretcher following a collision and was subsequently confirmed to have sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, sidelining him for around a year.
Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury earlier this season(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))
While it represented only a brief glimpse, the 19-year-old centre-half produced an impressive debut. In just under 80 minutes, Leoni prevailed in 80 per cent of duels, completed six clearances and three interceptions. His pass completion rate stood at an impressive 96.7 per cent.
There is little question that Liverpool require composure and authority at the heart of their defence. Once Leoni regains full fitness, the Reds could possess a defensive talent ready-made to slot straight into their first team.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.