Liverpool's dream squad for next season includes $81M Mohamed Salah successor

Liverpool has key areas of its squad to address before the 2026-27 season, with Adam Wharton among the transfer targets and a potential Mohamed Salah successor already being linked to Anfield

Eli Junior Kroupi is one of the Premier League's best young players(Image: Getty Images)

Sunday's Merseyside derby triumph appears to have all but guaranteed Liverpool's place in next season's Champions League.

That could prove transformative for the club's recruitment ambitions ahead of what is shaping up to be a huge summer window. Arne Slot already carries considerable pressure on his shoulders following a tough campaign. The Reds have fallen short of expectations in the aftermath of last summer's $600 million spend, with few anticipating a comparable level of investment this time round.

But with Mohamed Salah leaving the club and Hugo Ekitike facing a prolonged injury absence, Liverpool is conscious of where its priorities lie. That said, recruitment needn't stop there, as Liverpool.com outlines what a dream squad could look like for next season.

Wharton signs

One name that is certain to capture the attention of Liverpool supporters is Adam Wharton. Manchester City and Manchester United have been credited with leading the chase for the midfielder for several weeks, yet it has now come to light that Liverpool has also entered the running.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also been touted as potential destinations for the England international, though talkSPORT has identified Liverpool as a fresh contender in the running.

At 22, Wharton would almost certainly represent Slot's most costly acquisition of the summer should the deal go through, particularly given that midfield reinforcement is not currently the most urgent priority.

Adam Wharton continues to be linked with Liverpool(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

But Wharton stands out as a top-quality replacement capable of thriving in that controlling playmaker role, easing the burden on those around him. And while there are other positions where considerable investment may be required, moving quickly to secure the Crystal Palace star now could prove to be an astute decision further down the line.

Salah's heir

A significant gap looks set to emerge on Liverpool's right flank this summer. Salah has already confirmed his departure, placing immense pressure on whoever is selected to fill his shoes at Anfield.

Expecting a direct replacement to replicate Salah's output would be unrealistic. However, bringing in Eli Junior Kroupi from Bournemouth would give Liverpool a development prospect with outstanding potential to achieve comparable levels one day.

The 19-year-old is classified as a striker or supporting forward, but Kroupi regularly drifts out to the right flank to fashion chances. This trait was on display once more in Bournemouth's recent wins over Arsenal and Newcastle, scoring the opener against the former.

Kroupi wouldn't come cheap, as the Daily Mail claimed Manchester United, Chelsea, and Spanish sides are keen. It's been suggested that the player is prepared to depart the Vitality Stadium but would still command a substantial £60 million ($81 million) fee.

Senesi strengthens defense

Liverpool has already moved swiftly to secure a defensive reinforcement ahead of the summer window. The January signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes served as the clearest indication yet that changes to the back line could be forthcoming.

With Virgil van Dijk expected to leave in 2027 and Joe Gomez's contract expiring at the same time, further additions will be necessary. Van Dijk has been a pillar of the Reds' defense for nearly eight years, and the soon-to-be 35-year-old will leave a considerable void.

Having already secured Jacquet, it would be prudent to bring in at least one more experienced yet cost-effective option to partner with him. With this in mind, departing Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi could represent an astute signing. The three-cap Argentina international has been a dependable presence in Bournemouth's defensive unit since joining from Feyenoord in 2022.

Slot will also be well-acquainted with the quality of player he would be acquiring, given their earlier working relationship in Rotterdam. At 28, Senesi is slightly older than the typical profile Liverpool generally targets.

That said, the funds saved through his Bosman status would offset much of the financial risk. A little more experience in the role could also prove crucial in hastening the development of 20-year-old Jacquet.

Final dream 2026-27 squad

In summary, Liverpool faces losing at least Salah and Andy Robertson this summer, with Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay also expected to depart. The signings of Senesi and Wharton would bolster Slot's options in defense and midfield, while Kroupi could be the perfect addition to cushion the blow of Salah's departure.

Here is how that final squad would look: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Pecsi; Jacquet, Bradley, Van Dijk, Senesi, Konate, Kerkez, Gomez, Leoni, Frimpong; Gravenberch, Endo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones, Elliott, Bajcetic; Kroupi, Chiesa, Isak, Gakpo, Ngumoha.