Liverpool are implementing a new transfer strategy focused on lowering the squad's average age, as the future under head coach Andoni Iraola becomes clearer. Only six teams had a higher average age in the Premier League last season than Liverpool, whose figure of 26.2 was lower than Fulham, Burnley, Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle United.
The presence of 33-year-old Mohamed Salah, who made 27 league appearances in his final season at Anfield, and club captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 this month and played every minute, significantly contributed to that average. Long-serving duo Alisson Becker and Andy Robertson also played key roles. However, with Salah and Robertson now departed, only Alisson and Van Dijk remain from that quartet.
Targeting Young Talent
Liverpool are looking to build around their remaining stars with a younger core. Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande has been identified as a key transfer target, with Liverpool willing to offer up to £86m for the Ivory Coast international, should RB Leipzig agree to sell. However, reports suggest Paris Saint-Germain are Diomande's preferred destination, so Liverpool have also included 23-year-old France winger Bradley Barcola on a shortlist of options.
Victor Munoz, signed last month from Osasuna for £34.5m, doesn't turn 23 until July 13, the same day as pre-season begins. New £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet, who turns 21 later this month, is also set to be present from day one after recovering from shoulder surgery. Liverpool believe they have secured the best young defender in France, fending off competition from Chelsea and other European clubs.
Long-Term Planning
Youngsters like Rio Ngumoha, who won't turn 18 until late August, and Trey Nyoni, who celebrated his 19th birthday this week, are expected to take on more first-team roles. Last summer's signings—Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong—were all aged between 21 and 24, bringing the average age of players brought in over the last two years to under 22.
In the Academy, Colombian youth international Samuel Martinez is expected to join next year from Atletico Nacional when he turns 18, after Liverpool won a race that also included Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Chelsea. The South American playmaker will join Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Noah Adekoya in the Under-21s. The new contract for 15-year-old Joshua Abe was viewed as significant given interest from Manchester City and Arsenal.
Risks and Challenges
However, bringing in younger, less experienced players carries risks. Chelsea's model under BlueCo ownership has been widely criticised for a constant churn of players of a certain age range at high cost without yielding results, and their pursuit of 33-year-old Granit Xhaka may signal a shift. Liverpool have also been accused of lacking leaders after a disappointing season where they lost 12 times and finished fifth.
Internally, there is acceptance that recruiting players in their early 20s may require an adaptation period before they can showcase their potential. Some teething problems are expected before the new-look squad can flourish. But as evident by recent transfer targets and business, Liverpool aim to lower the squad's age and supply Iraola with a crop of players who can write their own story.
