This summer presents Liverpool boss Arne Slot with an opportunity to strengthen his squad and build on the success endured in his first campaign at the helm.
He’s already managed to claim the Premier League title in his debut year in charge, but will want to make additions to the side to aid their ambitions of retaining their glory next time around.
Handing new contracts to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly the best business they will conduct this summer, keeping hold of two of their star men from their title-winning side.
Despite their success in recent months, if they are to have the best chance of being involved in a title race again during 2025/26, they will need to be joined at Anfield by new signings.
With the transfer window rapidly appearing on the horizon, Slot and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying potential additions, with numerous names already appearing on their shortlist.
An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the past few months, Bournemouth duo Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen have both appeared on the club’s shortlist, looking to bolster the Reds’ defensive department.
Both players have starred in the Cherries’ success over the last few months, leading to huge links to a potential double switch to Merseyside during the off-season.
However, attacking options have really been the talking point, with a new centre forward desperately needed – leading to links with Atlanta forward Mateo Retegui, according to Anfield Watch.
Their report states that the Reds’ hierarchy have been keeping a close eye on the 26-year-old’s progress, excelling in Serie A, as seen by his tally of 24 goals and five assists in his 32 outings.
It also claims that the board feel he has the quality to deliver the goods at Anfield, potentially leading the line for Slot’s side and providing the added quality they’ve been hunting for.
Why Liverpool’s target could be Slot’s own Luis Suarez
Luis Suárez is just one talent who’s captured the heart of most during his spell at Anfield, registering 82 goals in his 133 appearances during his three years at the club.
The Uruguayan joined the Reds as an unknown quantity to many after completing a switch from Ajax back in 2013, but his endless goals quickly saw him become a fan-favourite.
From multiple hat-tricks against Norwich City to numerous Merseyside Derby goals, the striker had it all, going down as one of the best forwards to ever play for the club.
His unpredictable nature made him such a hit with the fanbase, potentially having the chance to land their next version of the talisman in the form of Retegui this window.
The Italian has been labelled as a ‘pit bull’ type forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, following the style of Suarez, with both possessing an instinctive nature in the final third – as seen by their respective goalscoring tallies.
When comparing his stats to current striker Darwin Núñez, Retegui has massively outperformed the Uruguayan in multiple key areas, showcasing why he would be a superb option for the Reds this summer.
The Atalanta star, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers” by The Overlap’s analyst, has massively outscored Nunez, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target rate – further proving his abilities in attacking areas.
Games played
32
26
Goals & assists
29
7
Goal per shot-on-target
0.7
0.4
Passes completed
77%
70%
Shots on target per 90
1.2
1
Aerials won
1.9
1.4
Aerial success rate
43%
35%
He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, along with more aerials won, handing Slot the all-round centre-forward he’s craved since taking control of the side.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back this summer, he’s proven that he has the tools to be a success in the Premier League and possibly emulate Suarez’s success.
If he manages to get anywhere near the level produced by the Uruguayan at Anfield, he will be a monster hit with the supporters in the club’s attempts to continue their success domestically and push for continental glory.
He'd be amazing with Gravenberch: Liverpool preparing £34m bid for new CM
Liverpool could make a shrewd addition to their midfield this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 4, 2025
