How Champions League place could transform Liverpool’s transfer window

David Lynch

• Updated: 25 May 2021 15:38 BST
• 4 min read

Liverpool now know that victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season will guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League.

So poor for large parts of the campaign, the Reds have somehow dragged themselves into a position where three points at Anfield takes them into Europe’s premier cup competition.

And, while that is no doubt good news for the group of players who have turned things round in recent weeks, it also a major boost to the club’s sporting director Michael Edwards.

Here, we examine the potential impact of a place in the top four on the Reds’ summer plans.

Defence

Should Liverpool get their win over Palace, expect Ibrahima Konate to arrive from RB Leipzig.

The Reds have made no secret of their interest in the Frenchman, who would bolster a defence that has been decimated by injuries this season.

But the only issue is Red Bull’s insistence that their players’ release clauses be paid in a single lump sum.

A place in the Champions League would make paying Konate’s much easier, and help Liverpool improve their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.

Midfield

Not even a place in the Champions League will prevent Georginio Wijnaldum from leaving Liverpool on a free transfer this summer.

Contract talks with the Dutchman ended some time ago and he will seek out a new challenge away from Anfield when the season comes to a close.

With European football guaranteed and his other experienced midfield options a year older, Jurgen Klopp will need to replace a man who has been a virtual ever-present since his arrival.

Yves Bissouma has long been admired by the Reds’ recruitment staff and tempting him to turn down reported suitors such as Manchester City and Arsenal will be more straightforward if they finish in the top four again.

Forwards

Jadon Sancho continues to be linked with a move to Anfield, but he will only arrive should one of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane depart.

That is currently considered unlikely, not least because it is hard to imagine many clubs being able to afford any of that trio, but Liverpool still expect to augment their forward line.

Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri will leave in the event that acceptable offers are received, while Takumi Minamino’s future is in doubt, meaning a spot is likely to open for a flexible forward in the Diogo Jota mould.

Klopp won’t be guarantee regular minutes from the off, but offering Champions League football makes those discussions with potential targets easier.