Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States ended with a 4-2 defeat to Leeds on Sunday, underlining the work still needed in the transfer market before Andoni Iraola's side open their Premier League season at Newcastle on August 23.
Goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz put Liverpool 2-0 up at half-time, but Leeds scored four times in 25 minutes in the second half to complete the comeback. Iraola has yet to work with Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister, who were absent from the tour following the World Cup.
Centre-back
Liverpool's central defensive options have been hit by bad luck. Giovanni Leoni, signed last year, sustained an ACL injury on his debut, while Jeremy Jacquet, another new arrival, has not featured in pre-season and missed the Leeds game. With Van Dijk absent, a youthful backline struggled under Leeds pressure in the second half. Joe Gomez is also set to miss the start of the season, leaving Liverpool in need of at least one more centre-back.
Left-back
Andy Robertson left Liverpool at the end of last season, leaving Milos Kerkez as the established first-choice left-back. Kerkez, who arrived in last summer's spending spree, finished last campaign strongly after a difficult start. Kostas Tsimikas, who spent last season on loan, could provide cover, or could be sold. Luke Chambers has impressed Iraola in pre-season, but relying on the rookie full-back as Kerkez's deputy would be a big ask.
Right winger
The Leeds game exposed defensive issues, but Liverpool still need to plan for life after Mohamed Salah. Bradley Barcola has emerged as the club's preferred target, although a deal would be expensive and could make him Liverpool's third signing worth over £100m in 12 months. Adding a right winger is essential, and any new arrival will need time to settle in.
Central midfielder
Curtis Jones looks likely to leave this summer, so another central midfielder may be needed. Harvey Elliott, who joined Aston Villa on loan with an obligation to buy last summer but was frozen out, could provide an internal solution, along with promising youngster Trey Nyoni, who has impressed in pre-season. Either way, a new face in midfield would be welcomed.
