Liverpool transfer targets, including teenager Eli Junior Kroupi, could benefit from Arne Slot’s reported strategy of pursuing World Cup non-participants this summer
Liverpool faces an important summer transfer window(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool is facing several crucial transfer decisions at the end of the current campaign and could turn the upcoming World Cup to its advantage.
The tournament will disrupt many high-profile deals, but the Reds can initially focus on securing quality players who have not made their World Cup squads. Arne Slot’s team arguably paid the price for not completing its transfer business early enough this season.
The club finalized a British record deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak on deadline day, with the protracted transfer saga affecting the forward’s match fitness. Meanwhile, Liverpool also appeared poised to sign Marc Guehi in the closing hours of the window, but Palace ultimately pulled the plug on the deal, with the defender subsequently joining Manchester City.
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Focusing on players who are not at the World Cup would demonstrate learning from those previous errors while giving the summer arrivals more time with their new colleagues. Here is a look at how Liverpool’s ideal start to the transfer window could play out.
Eli Kroupi snapped up
Bournemouth youngster Eli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Premier League. The 19-year-old has found the net 11 times for the Cherries, averaging a league goal every 126 minutes.
French outlet Telefoot has previously reported that Liverpool is among a number of clubs keen on the teenager, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also in the running.
Eli Junior Kroupi has enjoyed an impressive season with Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
Bournemouth has recently offloaded several of its players for considerable sums, prompting speculation that the Cherries could hold out for as much as £80 million ($108 million) for the young striker.
Kroupi is yet to earn a senior call-up for France and is unlikely to feature at the World Cup, given the wealth of talent at manager Didier Deschamps’ disposal. Nevertheless, Liverpool could be forced to prioritize securing a striker following Hugo Ekitike’s injury.
Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon earlier this month and is facing a prolonged absence after going under the knife. While this should enable Isak to lead the attack, Kroupi would provide a rotational option and serve as a long-term successor in the striking role.
Barcelona loses transfer battle
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with a departure ahead of the summer transfer window. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could see the 27-year-old complete an early summer switch.
Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport previously reported that the center-back’s valuation had fallen to £40 million ($54 million). It has since been suggested that Liverpool looks set to miss out on Barcelona in the race for Bastoni’s signature.
Nevertheless, the Reds could deliver a statement of intent by securing the defender as Slot looks to reshape his defensive options. Jeremy Jacquet is already poised to join Anfield from Rennes, and Ibrahima Konate is in discussions over fresh terms, while Virgil van Dijk approaches the final 12 months of his existing deal.
Marquee signing Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia showcased his ability against Liverpool as the French outfit eliminated the Reds from the Champions League for the second consecutive campaign. The Georgia captain will be absent from this summer’s World Cup but has established himself as one of football’s finest wingers.
The 25-year-old has previously been linked with Liverpool. Former Georgia assistant coach David Webb also told talkSPORT he spoke to Kvaratskhelia about his interest in the Premier League during their time working together. The ex-Napoli star only joined PSG in January 2025, but he has already become the focus of speculation about his future.
Mohamed Salah’s looming exit and the club’s sale of Luis Diaz last summer suggest the Reds will probably be seeking wingers this summer. Acquiring a marquee player of Kvaratskhelia’s caliber would reaffirm Liverpool’s status as a title challenger.