Liverpool finished 25 points behind Premier League champions Arsenal in fifth place, a fall from grace that has prompted a major squad overhaul. The club has already lost Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate, while a new manager — Andoni Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss — is set to take charge. Several high-profile players are linked with moves away, and big decisions loom over the futures of strikers and midfielders who failed to deliver last season.
At the heart of the rebuild is the need to revive Alexander Isak, the £125m striker who scored just four goals in an injury-ravaged first season. Signed from Newcastle in a protracted saga that saw him go on strike, Isak fractured his ankle and fibula in December and played only 21% of Liverpool's Premier League minutes. Despite his talent — evidenced by a stunning solo goal for Sweden in a recent friendly — the club believes 2025-26 was a freak campaign. It will fall to Iraola to get him firing again.
“Liverpool's summer 2026 transfer plans after a disappointing season, with key player futures and new manager Andoni Iraola.”
Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa, signed from Juventus for a significant fee, has made only nine starts in two injury-hit seasons. With two years left on his contract, he has said he will speak to the club and the new manager about his future. Italian side Como, newly qualified for the Champions League, are interested but their president says Liverpool's asking price is too high. Chiesa himself has admitted: "If I don't find consistency in the Premier League, I'll have to look elsewhere."
Curtis Jones has asked a contact about life in Italy, fuelling speculation of a move to Serie A. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, however, is reportedly staying despite interest from Italian clubs. Harvey Elliott could also leave after a disappointing loan at Aston Villa. With Iraola yet to officially take charge, the transfer window promises significant upheaval.
For UK readers, Liverpool's summer is a barometer of how quickly a top club can rebuild after a disastrous season. The club's ability to sell high-value but underperforming assets like Chiesa and reinvest in players suited to Iraola's system will determine whether they can challenge Arsenal and Manchester City next year. The Isak situation is particularly poignant: if the club's most expensive ever signing cannot rediscover his form, it will be a costly mistake that hampers the new manager's plans.
Q: Will Alexander Isak stay at Liverpool this summer? Yes, the club views him as part of their long-term plans. Despite his injury-hit first season, Liverpool believe he can return to his best under Andoni Iraola. There is no indication he will be sold.
Q: Why is Federico Chiesa expected to leave Liverpool? Chiesa has struggled with injuries and made only nine starts in two seasons. He has said he will discuss his future this summer, and Italian clubs like Como have shown interest, though Liverpool's asking price may be too high.
Q: Who are the other Liverpool players likely to leave this summer? Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate have already left. Curtis Jones is considering a move to Italy, and Harvey Elliott could depart after a poor loan spell.
What happens next will be shaped by the new manager. Andoni Iraola, once formally appointed, will assess the squad during a pre-season training camp in the United States. Key decisions on Chiesa's future are expected before the end of June, and further departures are likely as Liverpool trim a squad that underperformed. The first test of Iraola's reign will be how quickly he can integrate new signings and re-energise a talented but demoralised group.