Liverpool finished 25 points behind Premier League champions Arsenal in the 2025-26 season, ending in fifth place. Now, with a new manager incoming and several key players departing, the club is facing a significant squad rebuild that will shape its immediate future.
The basics: Liverpool had a disastrous title defence after winning the Premier League in 2024-25. Manager Arne Slot was sacked at the end of the season. The club has begun formal talks with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to take over. Meanwhile, several high-profile players are leaving: Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have already departed at the end of their contracts; Ibrahima Konate is expected to join Real Madrid; and midfielder Harvey Elliott could also leave after a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa. Other players like Federico Chiesa and Curtis Jones have been linked with moves away. The club's record signing, Alexander Isak, endured an injury-ravaged first season, scoring just four goals after his £125m move from Newcastle.
“Why Liverpool face a major squad rebuild in 2026 after a poor season and key departures.”
Background: Liverpool's problems began in the summer of 2025. They splashed out heavily, breaking the British transfer record for Isak, and also signed Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Many pundits felt they had "won" the transfer window. But the season unravelled quickly. Isak suffered a severe fractured ankle and fibula in December and played only 21% of available Premier League minutes. The lack of a consistent striker, combined with injuries to other key players, left Liverpool out of the title race early. Slot's sacking was the final admission of a season gone wrong. Chiesa, signed from Juventus in 2024, has also struggled: in two seasons he made only 50 appearances, just nine as a starter, and has admitted he may need to leave to find regular football. Goalkeeper Alisson has been linked with a move to Italy, while midfielder Curtis Jones has asked about life in Serie A.
Why it matters for UK readers: Liverpool are one of the most supported clubs in the country, and their performance directly affects the Premier League's competitive balance. A rebuild under Iraola could mean a period of transition, with new faces and potentially a different style of play. For fans, this summer's transfer activity will determine whether Liverpool can challenge again for the title or risk falling further behind Arsenal, Manchester City and others. The departure of established stars like Salah and Robertson marks the end of an era, while the future of big-money signings like Isak will be closely watched.
Key questions answered:
Q: Why did Alexander Isak struggle at Liverpool? A: Isak suffered a severe fractured ankle and fibula in December 2025 and played only 21% of Liverpool's Premier League minutes all season. He scored just four goals in an injury-disrupted campaign, his worst since 2017-18.
Q: Who is likely to leave Liverpool this summer? A: Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have already left on free transfers. Ibrahima Konate is expected to join Real Madrid. Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and potentially Alisson and Curtis Jones are also being linked with moves away.
Q: Who is Andoni Iraola and what will he bring? A: Andoni Iraola is the former Bournemouth manager with whom Liverpool have begun formal talks to become their new head coach. He is expected to reshape the squad after the sacking of Arne Slot.
What happens next: Iraola's appointment is expected to be finalised soon. The new manager will then assess the squad during a pre-season training camp in the US. Key decisions must be made on the futures of Chiesa, Jones, Alisson and other fringe players. Liverpool will also need to sign reinforcements, particularly in attack and defence, after losing Salah, Robertson and potentially Konate. The club's ability to move on high-earning players and reinvest wisely will determine how quickly they can rebuild.