Less than three weeks before the Premier League 2026-2027 kicks off, Liverpool still has a lot of work to do in the transfer market. The US tour has helped coach Andoni Iraola have a clearer view of the current force, but the 2-4 defeat to Leeds United also exposed many weaknesses that need to be overcome soon.
Some key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister have not yet joined the team after the 2026 World Cup, making it impossible for Iraola to fully assess the strongest squad. However, what happened in the pre-season period is enough to point out the four positions Liverpool needs to prioritize to add.
Central defenders are the most urgent need. Liverpool's defense is heavily affected by injuries when Giovanni Leoni broke his cruciate ligament right in his debut match, Jeremy Jacquet cannot play yet, and Joe Gomez will also be absent in the early stages of the season.
In the match against Leeds, young center-backs continuously made mistakes after the break and could not resist the opponent's pressure. Although Van Dijk's return will make a difference, the "Reds" still need another experienced center-back to increase depth and reduce pressure on the Dutch captain.
The left-back is also a position that needs to be strengthened. Milos Kerkez will almost certainly be the number one choice after Andy Robertson leaves Anfield. However, Liverpool still lacks a quality backup option. Kostas Tsimikas is not sure to stay, and Luke Chambers is still too young to shoulder the role of regular backup for Kerkez in a long season.
Meanwhile, the right winger is a strategic problem. Mohamed Salah has left and The Kop needs to find a replacement soon. Bradley Barcola emerged as the top target but the transfer price could exceed the 100 million pound mark. Whether recruiting Barcola or another option, Liverpool needs a world-class player to replace Salah.
Finally, central midfielder. If Curtis Jones leaves Anfield as predicted, Liverpool will lack a reliable option in midfield. Harvey Elliott is still uncertain about his future after the loan period, while Trey Nyoni, although impressive, still needs more time to mature. Therefore, adding an experienced midfielder will help Iraola have more rotation options when the team has to fight in many arenas.
The defeat to Leeds is not just a simple friendly match but also a timely warning for Liverpool. Iraola has a clearer view of the strengths and weaknesses of the team. If he wants to compete for the Premier League title right in his first season leading the Anfield team, the Spanish strategist needs more quality additions before the transfer window closes.
One center-back, one left-back, one right-winger and one central midfielder may be the last four pieces for Liverpool to have a squad with enough depth for the long-distance race.
