‘They have to buy…’ – Reliable reporter hints Liverpool could need at least 5 summer signings

Pearce is also keen for LFC to bolster their options in the middle of the park, writing: ‘The midfield needs strengthening and how much needs to be done in that area depends on whether Curtis Jones moves on.’

In terms of the defence, he stated: ‘There are issues to address in both full-back positions. Liverpool must decide whether to buy a left-back to act as Milos Kerkez’s understudy following Andy Robertson’s exit or turn to Kostas Tsimikas after his loan at Roma. I think they also need a right-back to compete with [Conor] Bradley once he’s fit again.’

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It’s a lot for Liverpool to pull off in one summer, but it’s needed

Two forwards, two full-backs and a midfielder – it’s a lot for FSG to try and address in one transfer window, especially after such heavy recruitment last summer, but that needs to be the target if Liverpool are to be competitive next season.

The forward line simply has to be addressed given Salah’s exit, Ekitike’s injury, ongoing fitness worries over Alexander Isak, the decline of Cody Gakpo’s form and Chiesa’s continued peripheral status.

A winger like Yan Diomande would provide the Reds with the injection of pace that Pearce has rightly identified as essential for the summer transfer window, and ideally a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the frontline will also be added.

There’s a growing sense that Jones could soon depart, and Liverpool don’t have a long-term natural defensive midfield option at present. Somebody like Adam Wharton or Mamadou Sangare would address that void.

Further competition for Kerkez would be welcome if Tsimikas exits permanently, and while we have two capable right-backs in Jeremie Frimpong and Bradley, both have missed a sizeable portion of this season with injury problems.

Player sales will be inevitable in order to fund incoming activity this summer, and the mission for FSG is to ensure that they get the balance right and don’t leave Slot with a dearth of options in any part of the squad.