Michael Olise
March 2026
Liverpool are stepping up plans for life after Salah and are tracking Bundesliga options, including Olise, as a potential long-term replacement profile. The report notes Liverpool’s history of Bundesliga recruitment, but flags Olise as difficult due to a long Bayern contract to 2029 and no release clause, making a deal unlikely unless Bayern soften their stance.
Ryan Gravenberch
March 2026
Nagelsmann said Gravenberch found it hard to adapt from being a regular starter to a bench role, and struggled to impact games in short substitute spells. Nagelsmann described the psychological and tactical challenge of accepting a lower squad ranking at an elite club, saying some players cannot quickly develop the rhythm needed to change matches in the final 20 minutes.
Florian Wirtz
March 2026
Slot said Wirtz is likely to miss more time with a back injury that has already kept him out of wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
The back problem began in the warm-up before Forest; despite a strong January run (four goals, two assists), Slot indicated the Wolves league and FA Cup games may come too soon to risk him.
Hugo Ekitike
March 2026
Ekitike scored and created goals as Liverpool beat West Ham 5-2, then said he is not satisfied with his goal return despite reaching 16 in all competitions. He pointed to missed chances in recent games and a four-match scoring drought, framing his output as improvable while stressing contributions through assists and overall involvement as Liverpool push for a strong finish.
Mohamed Salah
February 2026
Reports claim Salah may leave this summer, with Liverpool preferring a sale rather than risking him running his contract down toward a free departure. Tension has followed a public complaint about being benched, later apologised for, plus January exit talk that did not happen; with his contract clock ticking, Liverpool could choose to sell to protect value.
Florian Wirtz
February 2026
Florian Wirtz
February 2026
Florian Wirtz was pulled from Liverpool’s starting XI during warm-ups due to a back issue, but Arne Slot said it does not look serious and hopes he returns next week. Wirtz felt his back “too much” to be close to full fitness, so Slot replaced him with Curtis Jones. Liverpool still won 1-0 through Mac Allister’s 96th-minute goal, and Slot stressed that in the Premier League you must be at 100 percent to play, even if you are elite on the ball.
Arne Slot
February 2026
Arne Slot responded to Wayne Rooney’s claim that he lacks “aura,” arguing that trophies create perception and pointing out he has already won the league, while Liverpool now fight to secure Champions League qualification. Rooney questioned Slot’s presence after a drop-off in Liverpool’s second season, comparing the backdrop of Klopp’s reign. Slot countered that managers are different, Klopp clearly had aura, and winning increases it.
Dominik Szoboszlai
February 2026
irgil van Dijk said Dominik Szoboszlai could develop into a leadership figure capable of captaining Liverpool, with the midfielder’s form and versatility standing out during an inconsistent season. Szoboszlai has reached 10 goals this season, scoring again in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and has filled multiple roles including a stint at right-back. With uncertainty around Robertson’s long-term future, Van Dijk said Szoboszlai is “leading by example” but still has steps to make as a leader.
