Liverpool are still waiting to add to the squad after Andoni Iraola said the club “needs more players” last month, and the uncertainty around Curtis Jones has only sharpened that need.

Even after a major outlay last summer, the roster still looks in need of significant work. The 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago exposed a lack of defensive cover, while the prospect of Jones joining Inter Milan would leave the midfield looking even thinner.

Inter are still pursuing a deal for the Scouse midfielder, who made 34 Premier League appearances last season. Most supporters may not see his departure as a crisis, but without him Iraola’s options in the centre of the pitch would become rather limited.

That leaves Liverpool with room to consider alternatives before the window closes. Several names have been linked as possible solutions, with Alex Scott among the most intriguing. Liverpool are believed to be interested in the English midfielder after he turned down a contract extension on the south coast, although Bournemouth insist he is not for sale. Scott has already enjoyed a breakout season and combines carrying power with strong work out of possession. He also worked under Iraola at the Vitality Stadium, which would give the move a familiar edge.

Kaishū Sano offers a different profile. The Mainz midfielder impressed at the World Cup, where he played three times for Japan and scored against Brazil, and he has since built a reputation as a tireless holding midfielder. Liverpool already have Wataru Endō on the books, but Sano’s positional discipline and pressing intensity would suit Iraola’s system.

Chema Andrés is another option. The 21-year-old left Real Madrid for Stuttgart and made 39 appearances across all competitions last season. Standing at 6’3”, he has the physical presence and control in possession that could make him a long-term fit in midfield.

Manu Koné also remains in the conversation. The Roma midfielder impressed for France this summer and has shown composure, passing quality and defensive intelligence. Injury concerns may explain the quieter transfer buzz, but Liverpool could still move if Jones departs.

If no deal materialises, Liverpool may simply promote from within. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai look the likeliest opening-day starters, with Trey Nyoni climbing the depth chart.

Liverpool’s reported position on Cody Gakpo has added another layer to their planning for the 2026/27 season. The club are said to be unwilling to part with the forward for less than $160 million, if they are willing to sell him at all.

At first glance, that stance appears to run against expectations. Liverpool have already brought in Víctor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha is continuing to develop, and they are still pursuing Bradley Barcola. That trio led many to think Gakpo could be moved on, particularly with Muñoz operating on the left and Ngumoha also preferring that side. Barcola, meanwhile, can play on the right, a position Liverpool still need to strengthen after the release of Mohamed Salah, even though his best work at Paris Saint-Germain came on the left.

A report from The Athletic saying Liverpool have “no intent” to sell Gakpo therefore came as a surprise on the surface. Tottenham Hotspur have “registered interest” through the player’s entourage, but no formal talks have started and there has been no contact with Liverpool.

Liverpool’s valuation is said to reflect this summer’s completed deals, including the sales of Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, both of which were completed for just under $160 million to Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

There is also a clear footballing reason behind Liverpool’s thinking. With Salah gone and Hugo Ekitiké expected to miss the start of the season after suffering an Achilles injury in April, the club do not want to “reduce” their attacking options. The intention is to “add” to them instead. Gakpo may also be receiving the benefit of the doubt because Andoni Iraola is arriving as a new manager with fresh ideas.

Gakpo’s value is not limited to the left wing. During his Liverpool career, the 27-year-old has also been used as a No. 9, including several times last season. That role was his main position in 2023/24, his first full campaign at the club, when Luis Díaz started on the left. He also played centrally in the second half of 2022/23, scoring seven goals in 21 Premier League matches, which remains his most productive spell for Liverpool.

Paris Saint-Germain are still believed to be in a strong position to land Maghnes Akliouche before the summer window closes, even after Monaco rejected another improved offer.

According to L’Équipe, PSG have already seen two bids turned away. Their highest proposal so far was valued at $45.5 million (€40 million), before a third package worth $57 million (€50 million) was also refused. That latest bid was structured with around 90% guaranteed and the rest in conditional add-ons.

Monaco are open to selling Akliouche, but only on terms they consider acceptable. The club are said to be determined not to go below their asking price, though the figure has not been stated in this latest report. Existing estimates place it between $57 million and $80 million (€50 million and €70 million). If the lower end is accurate, PSG may not be far away, but negotiations between the two clubs are expected to continue.

For Liverpool, the interest is understandable even if Akliouche is not a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah. He is viewed more as a creator than a scorer, and the challenge of finding a direct Salah successor remains a difficult one. Bradley Barcola is mentioned as the closest comparable option, though he is primarily a left winger and carries a price tag of $193.5 million (€170 million).

Akliouche is also regarded as an active presser without the ball, a trait shared by new left winger Víctor Muñoz and one that fits new manager Andoni Iraola’s approach. A move for a creator in Salah’s role could also influence how Liverpool build around Florian Wirtz and centre forward Alexander Isak.

Even so, the situation may still swing away from Liverpool. Other reports in France this month say Akliouche would prefer a move to PSG. If he does head to the capital, he would begin as backup to Désiré Doué on the right flank, while Barcola’s frustration has grown after seeing his role reduced since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia arrived from Napoli 18 months ago.