Now that the Premier League’s lowest teams have been decided, Liverpool may have the chance to handpick some of the top demoted players.
The three teams relegated to Championship football for the upcoming season were Southampton, Leeds, and Leicester, with blue-neighbor Everton narrowly escaping the drop on the final day.
All three teams have a number of players who could be of interest to the teams above, despite the fact that they have fallen short of the quality necessary to stay in the first flight.
The forthcoming transfer window is not going to be much different this time around from the summer, when relegated clubs frequently struggle to retain their key players.
Bringing in players like Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum after being relegated has undoubtedly benefited Liverpool in the past.
Here, we examine some of the players who might catch the Reds’ attention.
Southampton resident Romeo Lavia
The 19-year-old Southampton kid is a promising talent who became a potential target for the Reds after rumours last month said that Liverpool are “admirers” of the player.
Romeo Lavia, who generally plays at the base of the midfield, might combine well with Trent Alexander-Arnold in front of Jurgen Klopp’s defensive three at the conclusion of the season.
Southampton resident Armel Bella-Kotchap
Armel Bella-Kotchap, another Southampton prospect, might offer the boss a defensive answer this summer.
Bella-Kotchap, who is only 21 years old, has already earned two international caps for an elite German team, and after moving from VfL Bochum last summer, he made 26 appearances for the Saints across all competitions.
The center-back’s 2022–23 season was affected by injuries, which might be cause for concern given the Liverpool squad’s overall fitness difficulties last season.
Southampton resident Alex McCarthy
This may be a very smart move for Liverpool given the uncertainty surrounding their goalkeeping situation for the upcoming season.
Bringing in an English back-up goalkeeper would help allay any worries on that front as the Reds have danced on the brink of the homegrown quota allocation for a number of seasons.
In recent years, Liverpool has been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, with McCarthy being mentioned in 2019 as a possible Simon Mignolet replacement.
Southampton resident Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz, who became a stalwart in the midfield as Southampton fought to maintain their Premier League position, is the last Southampton player to be evaluated.
The 20-year-old, who only joined the club in January, scored four goals and provided two assists in 18 league games, showcasing a capacity to have an influence at the top of the pitch that may be helpful in Klopp’s team.
Leicester’s Harvey Barnes
Regarding Leicester, Harvey Barnes is one of several members of Dean Smith’s team that may be deemed to be too talented for the Championship.
He has previously been tenuously linked to Liverpool and may offer Klopp options for both up front and in the middle of the field.
Leicester’s Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas might be a temporary left-back replacement with supporters predicting that Kostas Tsimikas will leave this summer after crying during the season’s final home game.
The 21-year-old would improve the homegrown player quota, but it’s still unclear whether he can operate in a back three.
Leeds’ Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams of Leeds, who has been linked with a transfer away ever since his team was relegated on the last day of the season, might be another adaptable choice.
The hamstring operation that has kept the American out of action since March may deter Liverpool from making a high-profile bid for him. The American often plays in a holding midfield position for both club and country.
