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It only feels like a short time ago that Liverpool was celebrating lifting the Premier League trophy. But there are now only two weeks to go until the new season begins — and a month remains of the transfer window.
In that time, Arne Slot and the Liverpool sporting director, Richard Hughes, have some big decisions to make. On and off the training field, this is an important period coming up that could shape how things pan out in the upcoming campaign.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak remains a target, for instance, and there will be an outcome one way or another there. Liverpool travels to St James' Park on August 25. Here is what Liverpool.com believes will definitely happen this month.
Alexander Isak decision
As it stands, Newcastle United does not want to sell Isak. But should Liverpool get any hints that the Swede might be available, it would be prepared to go big for the 25-year-old.
Isak scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season and is one of the best number nines in the world. He would be open to making the switch to Anfield, but his current club will need some more convincing first.
With a month to go until the end of the transfer window, there is still plenty of time for the saga to develop. And one way or another, Isak's future will be decided: will he move, or will he be forced to knuckle down?
Center-back signing considered
With Jarell Quansah having joined Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Liverpool is looking light at the heart of Slot's defense. The minor injury that Joe Gomez sustained in Asia didn't help that perception, either.
"I don't think we have a concern at center back," Slot said after facing AC Milan last weekend. "Ryan [Gravenberch] showed he can play that position; he did it as well, although we favor him as a No.6.
"Wataru Endo can play there. So we have enough options, but it is true that Jarell left, and we haven’t replaced him yet."
Those last few words — "We haven't replaced him yet" — would suggest that something is going to happen there. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, at the right price, would be one option.
Starting XI hint
In Monday's double-header with Athletic Club, the team that starts the first game is unlikely to be far away from the one that starts against Crystal Palace at Wembley in the Community Shield or Bournemouth on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
Alisson Becker has been back in Brazil for personal reasons lately, but Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez made up the back four against Yokohama Marinos last time out. That might be the same again.
Ryan Gravenberch is suspended for the first game of the Premier League season, but that should allow Dominik Szoboszlai to partner Alexis Mac Allister, with Florian Wirtz as the number 10. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike could be the front three.
Vice-captain confirmation
With Trent Alexander-Arnold having departed, Liverpool is lacking a right-hand man to club captain Van Dijk. But Slot has already explained that his decision has been made behind the scenes.
Indeed, the player who will be taking on the duties has already been told. The rest of the squad doesn't know yet, and Slot has refused to name the person publicly until that happens. Before the start of the new campaign, that will surely change.
Alisson, Salah and Andy Robertson would appear to be the obvious choices. Each are very experienced and already part of the leadership group, which would make stepping up seem logical.
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