Liverpool are expected to undergo a summer of transition after a hugely disappointing season. While much of the discussion has centered on the future of Arne Slot and potential new signings to address glaring squad issues, the Reds already possess several ready-made stars poised to make an impact for the 2026/2027 campaign.
After meekly surrendering the Premier League title to Arsenal and suffering defensive, midfield, and attacking struggles this season, summer surgery is required. Players such as RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton have been linked with Liverpool, generating excitement among fans. However, here we examine four Liverpool players who can step up next season to become certified starters for Slot.
Alexander Isak
Expectations were sky-high when Liverpool paid a British transfer record of £125 million to bring Isak from Newcastle last summer. It has not been a vintage campaign for the Swedish striker: a lack of pre-season and a devastating leg break against Spurs in December curtailed his maiden season on Merseyside. Isak managed just three goals for Liverpool this season, and his statistics do not make for pleasant reading. Yet Slot will not forget he has a powerhouse forward in his ranks.
Isak scored 62 goals for Newcastle in just three seasons, establishing himself as one of Europe's most feared goalscorers. A successful World Cup with Sweden could provide the fitness and confidence he craves, leaving him equipped to lead Liverpool's line next season.
Rio Ngumoha
The breakout star of Liverpool's season, the 17-year-old burst onto the scene with a stunning last-minute winner against Newcastle in August. Since then, Ngumoha has shone whenever called upon. Tormenting full-backs at will, the left-winger has scored three goals and provided one assist, leading many fans to call for his weekly inclusion. Such is his impact that large sections of Anfield booed Slot when he substituted the youngster recently against Chelsea. One imagines those fans will not be forced to repeat their displeasure next season, with Ngumoha a leading contender to make Liverpool's left wing his own.
Jeremy Jacquet
The Reds struck a deal with Rennes in January for Jacquet, worth up to £60 million. Such an outlay indicates that the club views the French centre-back as a long-term investment, hoping he can learn from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Why did Liverpool spend so much on the 20-year-old? Before a shoulder injury in February curtailed his Ligue 1 season, Jacquet was winning an impressive 75.5 per cent of aerial duels, 67.5 per cent of ground duels, and made 77 ball recoveries, according to FotMob. He has been dubbed one of the best centre-back prospects in world football, and Liverpool fans will be hoping he gets a chance to show it next season.
Giovanni Leoni
Italian star Leoni signed from Parma last summer for £30 million. He made a huge impact in the 78 minutes he played against Southampton in a Carabao Cup tie in September. Unfortunately, the assured youngster was stretchered off after a collision and later confirmed to have suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury, ruling him out for around a year. While it was only a small sample size, the 19-year-old centre-half delivered a memorable debut. In just under 80 minutes, Leoni won 80 per cent of duels, made six clearances and three interceptions, and boasted a passing accuracy rate of 96.7 per cent. There is no doubt Liverpool need composure and dominance in their backline. Once Leoni returns to full fitness, the Reds could have a defensive star more than ready to step into their starting XI.
