Liverpool will already be working hard on bringing new players to Anfield ahead of the new season getting underway.
Many players will be preparing for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, but perhaps managers and club chiefs will be reserving their focus for improving their squads.
And that should be the case at Anfield, with new manager Arne Slot needing all the help he can get in his first transfer window on Merseyside.
Fortunately, he has former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to call upon, who is now in a new role with Fenway Sports Group as CEO of Football.
There is also the presence of new sporting director Richard Hughes, who has arrived from Premier League rivals Bournemouth.
Liverpool eye move for Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz
Gaps have already appeared in the squad at central defence and central midfield, with Joel Matip and Thiago having left Anfield.
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And there is already a plan to replace the former, with TuttoJuve reporting that Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz has been identified as his successor.
The Brazil star, who has been lauded by Gabriel Agbonlahor as ‘outstanding’, will be available for £70million in the summer transfer window.
Is Douglas Luiz the right fit for Liverpool?
There will undoubtedly be plenty of other clubs interested in Luiz, who had a superb season for Aston Villa last time out.
The 26-year-old was key to the success enjoyed by Unai Emery’s side in all competitions, with the midfielder registering tallies of 10 goals and 10 assists from his 53 appearances.
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Despite being constantly plagued by injury issues, his fellow midfielder Thiago will be sorely missed at Anfield.
But the pain of Thiago’s Merseyside frustrations could be offset by the signature of Luiz, who would undoubtedly improve Liverpool’s midfield.
Capable of playing in both central and defensive midfield, he would certainly be an upgrade on Wataru Endo, who could leave Anfield after just one season at the club.