The £40 million transfer mistake Liverpool simply can't afford to make this summer

As Liverpool enter the post-Jurgen Klopp era, a number of significant changes have already been made and there are plenty still to come. The return of Michael Edwards as FSG’s chief executive of football and his appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director has left fans excited over what business could commence this transfer window.

Arne Slot’s arrival sees him inherit a strong Liverpool squad but he still has plenty of time before his first season to tinker with the setup. He is also keen to bring in players of his own and there are plenty of rumours to explore before fans see anything concrete decided.

The Reds had a quiet January window, seemingly saving the excitement for the post-season scramble. They also have players of their own to consider, as the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz have an uncertain future as things stand. The latter has attracted the attention of Barcelona and his father has confirmed that it would be ‘a dream’ for the Colombian to represent the La Liga giants.

Salah has been a hot topic of conversation since last summer and Saudi Arabia remain eager to snap him up in an eye-watering deal. It remains to be seen whether he or Díaz will depart before the 2024/25 season starts, but the Reds need to be prepared for this outcome regardless. They simply can’t afford to be caught without a replacement if one — or both players — depart later on in the window.

That’s why Liverpool have found themselves linked with a number of potential suitors in recent weeks and months. The links started with blockbuster rumours like Leroy Sané but there are smarter options the Reds could explore that could also save them some money. Crysencio Summerville has been on the club’s radar for some time but a report from LeedsLive has claimed that Liverpool have ended their interest in the Dutchman and are instead focusing on Michael Olise.

The Crystal Palace star would absolutely not be a disappointing signing but it’s going to take a look to convince the Eagles to part ways with him. Leeds United on the other hand are in a position they were dreading, as missing out on promotion has now placed them in a vulnerable position on the transfer market.

The Whites were hoping to return to the Premier League and keep hold of their star players but with another campaign in the Championship looming, players like Summerville are at risk of leaving Elland Road. The 22-year-old contributed 21 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season and is naturally being pursued by a number of top flight clubs. An update from SportBild has reported that Bayer Leverkusen are the latest to enter the race for Summerville and they are ‘aiming’ to secure a £17 million for his signature.

This is an incredibly low figure for someone of Summerville’s calibre, in today’s market anyway. Leeds had reportedly valued their star winger between £35-£40 million, so the reported £17 million figure is extremely low of the mark. However, Leeds could be forced to accept whatever comes their way following their failed bid to secure promotion. A new update claims that Leeds owe as much as £190 million in transfer fee instalments to other clubs, and £73 million of it is due before the end of June.

Cashing in on Summerville would be a huge loss for the Whites but the money raised would chalk off a significant amount of what they owe. Whether they settle for Leverkusen’s bold £17 million idea or stick to £40 million, Liverpool will still be signing a top talent for a relatively low fee. And if they are to see Salah, Díaz and potentially others leave this summer, they will have snapped up someone capable of plugging the gap.

It has been reported that Slot is a fan of his fellow Dutchman, so this could be the perfect way to start the new manager’s first transfer window at Anfield.