Liverpool grapples with star player exits, failed signings and looming sporting director departure

Liverpool have begun the 2026‑27 season with a wave of high‑profile departures. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté all left after their contracts expired, and head coach Arne Slot was replaced by Andoni Iraola. At the same time, the club’s recent attempts to sign players such as Marc Guehi, Moisés Caicedo, Nabil Fekir and even past target Dani Alves fell through at the last minute, leaving gaps in the squad.

Senior figures at the club have reportedly tried to keep the situation calm, but the sporting director Richard Hughes is now expected to exit at the end of the summer for Saudi club Al‑Hilal, joining his former assistant Steve Francis. The combination of key player exits, a new manager and the imminent loss of the sporting director puts significant pressure on Liverpool to rebuild quickly.

The failed transfers were caused by a range of issues, including last‑minute medical refusals, contractual promises to other clubs and disputed agent demands, highlighting the club’s challenges in re‑tooling the squad under new management.