Arne Slot hints at momentous Liverpool transfer strategy SWITCH

Liverpool are bracing to lose one of their biggest stars, Trent Alexander-Arnold, on a free transfer this summer.

The right-back’s recent announcement he would be leaving his boyhood club when his contract expires at the end of June has sparked plenty of discussion.

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Trent’s announcement has led to plenty of criticism but also a wider conversation around the world’s best players moving clubs for free.

Arne Slot has pointed out that high-profile players making massive free transfers, to Real Madrid in particular, is starting to become a bit of a trend.

Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also pointed out the trend, and suggested it will continue in the near future.

If players moving on massive free transfers is the new normal in football, are there any players Liverpool should be trying to sign on a free next summer?

Whose contracts are expiring in 2026?

There are a number of high-profile players who are entering the final year of their contract with their current clubs, and the Reds could learn a lesson from Real Madrid and target them for free transfers next summer.

Frenkie de Jong is a prime example. The 27-year-old’s current Barcelona deal expires in 2026 and, as a player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside before, he could find himself on Liverpool’s radar.

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The Athletic are reporting that Barca are keen to sign the Dutchman to a new deal, but Liverpool were keen to extend Trent’s contract and he is still leaving, so this doesn’t rule out a free transfer for De Jong.

The Reds’ search for a new striker has been widely discussed too and another former target, Dusan Vlahovic, is also entering the final year of his deal.

The Serbian striker has 69 goal involvements from 139 appearances since he joined Juventus in 2022 and could prove an excellent option for Liverpool if he is brought in for no transfer fee.

Liverpool’s Konate problem

As well as thinking about how they can benefit from free agency, Liverpool will be worrying about the potential for losing another first-team regular for free this time next year too.

Ibrahima Konate is entering the last year of his contract at Liverpool and, with PSG incredibly keen on signing him, could see out his current deal and leave for nothing.

If this were to happen, there are a number of central defenders who could be in the same position, meaning the Reds could replace Konate without having to pay out a transfer fee.

One option is Konate’s compatriot and former teammate, Dayot Upamecano, who is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal with Bayern Munich. The newly crowned German champions are reportedly looking to tie the 26-year-old down with an extension, but there is nothing to say that the Frenchman’s head couldn’t be turned by Liverpool.

An alternative from within the Premier League is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The Englishman will be a free agent next summer as it stands.

Contract negotiations have been going on between the club and player for close to two years, but an agreement doesn’t seem imminent and, if teams are priced out of a move this summer, Guehi could well walk away for free in 12 months.

Who else should Liverpool be monitoring?

There are a number of other current and former Liverpool targets who could move for free next year.

Rayan Cherki has been heavily linked with a cut-price Anfield switch this season but, if the Reds can hold out for a while longer, they could get their man for free.

Johan Bakayoko is another name that has been repeatedly linked with a move to Merseyside and, if PSV can’t convince him to extend his stay in Eindhoven, Liverpool could finally sign the exciting winger with a 100% discount.

12 months is of course a long time in football and, with two transfer windows between now and when these players will be available for free, a lot could change before this time next year.

Nonetheless, free transfers seem to be a growing trend in football and Liverpool should absolutely be looking to capitalise on that in the next few seasons.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure will leave many Liverpool supporters bitter, but the club can learn from this experience and copy Real Madrid’s transfer strategy going forward.