4 Liverpool stars to have starting roles next season as transfer spend expected
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Liverpool is set to enter a summer of change, but the Reds are already spoilt for choice when it comes to their options for next season, with Champions League soccer on the horizonGiovanni Leoni has been out with an ACL injury(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool is anticipated to face a summer of change following a deeply underwhelming campaign.While discussion has focused on Arne Slot's future and potential signings to address the squad's obvious weaknesses, the Reds already have several established stars poised to step up for the 2026/27 season. However, here, Liverpool.com examines four players who could make the progression next season to become established starters under Slot.READ MORE: Arne Slot makes Liverpool promise as difficult season ends and big summer loomsREAD MORE: Arne Slot needs just one word to sum up season as Liverpool head coach makes honest admissionAlexander IsakExpectations were sky-high when Liverpool paid £125 million ($168.5 million), a British transfer record, to secure Isak from Newcastle last summer.It hasn't been a stellar campaign for the Swedish forward: an absence of pre-season followed by a leg fracture against Spurs in December somewhat derailed the 26-year-old's debut season on Merseyside.
Isak registered four goals for Liverpool this season, and his statistics don't make for pleasant reading either. A strong World Cup campaign with Sweden could further boost the forward's fitness and confidence, leaving him well-placed to spearhead Liverpool's attack next season.Rio NgumohaThe undisputed revelation of Liverpool's campaign, the 17-year-old announced himself to the world with a breathtaking last-minute winner against Newcastle in August.
Such has been Ngumoha's influence that a significant portion of the Anfield faithful booed Slot when he substituted the youngster during a recent clash with Chelsea.One suspects those supporters won't need to voice their frustration again next season, with Ngumoha a leading contender to make it off the bench and make Liverpool's left wing his own.Jeremy JacquetThe Reds agreed to a £60 million ($80.9 milliom) deal with Rennes in January for Jacquet. In just under 80 minutes, Leoni won 80 percent of his duels, registered six clearances and three interceptions, while his passing accuracy stood at an impressive 96.7 percent.There is little question that Liverpool requires composure and authority across its defensive line.