Liverpool next transfer priority after Jeremy Jacquet as long-term plan comes together

Liverpool has wrapped up a deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais ahead of the summer, but who else could Arne Slot and Richard Hughes target in the market?

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

On the final day of the winter transfer window, Liverpool concluded an $82 million (£60 million) transfer deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet, a highly-rated young center-back, ahead of the summer.

Even after bringing in $600M or so's worth of new players last year, though, there is more work to be done when it comes to reshaping the Liverpool roster. Arne Slot and his sporting director, Richard Hughes, will need to continue working hard behind the scenes to realize their long-term plans.

Which positions should Liverpool be prioritizing, though, and what are the biggest questions that need answering? Some of our Reds writers have had their say.

Arne Slot needs pace out wide - Matt Addison

Without question, my top priority would be adding some more pace — and depth — out wide. Liverpool lacks some explosiveness in those areas and has to think about a plan for beyond Mohamed Salah.

When Alexander Isak is back, I do wonder if we might see a bit more from Hugo Ekitike playing off the left flank. If that is to be the case, though, another option on the right would still be required.

Of course, someone like Michael Olise would be ideal. The chances of Bayern Munich letting him go, however, seem slim. Someone in that mold, though — primarily a creator rather than a goalscorer — would go a long way to easing the burden on Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool will need another center-back if Ibrahima Konate leaves — and maybe regardless — and I'd like to see another quality midfield option added into the mix. Above all, though, extra quality out wide is a must.

Florian Wirtz celebrates with Mohamed Salah after scoring Liverpool's third goal during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield on January 31 2026(Image: Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Center-back still a priority - Michael Plant

I think Liverpool’s summer business has been recast in a different light in recent months, and to claim that it was a poor window is simply not true. However, it has left the Reds light in a number of key positions.

I think a more controlled midfielder and a reliable winger are essential, and that’s before considering who may leave. I fully expect Andy Roberson to move on, while there’s a growing sense that Mohamed Salah’s time at Anfield could be entering its final months.

That said, the biggest departure would be Ibrahima Konate, whose form has steadied after an inconsistent start to the campaign. Should he move when his contract expires in June, Liverpool will need to act, even with the imminent arrival of Jeremy Jacquet.

Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk will enter the final year of his contract this summer, Joe Gomez could move on, and there are no guarantees that Giovanni Leoni will be fit at the start of the season following his long-term knee injury.

Assuming Konate departs, center-back remains a huge area to address. Personally, I think Jarell Quansah at Bayer Leverkusen is the obvious choice given the Reds have a buyback clause in his contract, but I also think Nico Schlotterbeck would be a great addition.

Trevoh Chalobah or Ezri Konsa could also intrigue Liverpool, with a need to add homegrown players now emerging. That said, the most likely addition would be aged between 18-21, as is the Reds’ preference at the heart of defense.

Right-back a must - Tom Blow

Let's be honest, several areas of the pitch must be addressed this summer. Arne Slot desperately needs a new central defender and winger, while the midfield is not looking as invigorated as it did 12 months ago.But right-back is also a problem. Conor Bradley is a popular figure at Anfield, but he's no stranger to injuries.While the 22-year-old has plenty of talent and heart, he needs a full season playing week in, week out at the highest level to convince everyone he's Liverpool's right-back of the future. And he won't be convincing anyone for a while after picking up a season-ending knee injury. Sadly, Liverpool cannot trust Bradley.Jeremie Frimpong was supposed to be the man to offer Liverpool some depth at right-back, but he's proven to be just as fragile as Bradley so far. The former Bayer Leverkusen man has already had three muscular injuries this season. That's extremely worrying.There are question marks over whether Frimpong even is a right-back; he looks far more comfortable in attack and perhaps should be deployed at wing-back, whether that's for Liverpool or another team.

Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong are among Liverpool's injury issues

As for who Liverpool could sign, there's one name that springs to mind: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Yes, he's had his fair share of injuries this season too, but the Englishman also has six 40-plus-game seasons under his belt for Liverpool.Alexander-Arnold is yet to nail down a spot in Real Madrid's starting XI and may consider his options this summer if he fails to do so between now and then. Despite the boos in November, Liverpool fans would welcome him back with open arms after the team's problems at right-back this season.Alexander-Arnold returning to Liverpool may seem ludicrous to some, but let's not forget Michael Owen heading back to England after just a year in the Spanish capital (albeit not to Merseyside). Ian Rush is probably a better example, as he spent just a year at Juventus in the 1980s before returning to Anfield to continue his legendary career.Maybe it's time to come home, Trent.