Liverpool’s upcoming transfer window will require careful consideration of the Premier League’s homegrown rules. In order to register a full 25-man squad, a club must have eight homegrown players, with a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players. Currently, Liverpool has five homegrown players in their senior squad: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Vitezslav Jaros. However, Kelleher and Jaros may leave the club, necessitating the registration of additional homegrown players.
Fortunately, Liverpool has several homegrown-eligible players already on their books. Fabio Carvalho, Owen Beck, and Tyler Morton are newly qualified and could fill the homegrown quota if they remain in the squad. Other options include Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Billy Koumetio, Rhys Williams, and Tom Hill. However, it is expected that some of these players will leave the club permanently.
Goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga is also eligible as homegrown but is currently on loan. Additionally, players like Harvey Elliott, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, and Ben Doak could be registered as homegrown, although it would use up spots reserved for overage players.
Liverpool’s homegrown quota will heavily influence their transfer plans for the upcoming season. They will need to ensure their squad has enough genuine quality to compete. This means they will prioritize signing players in key positions like centre-back, defensive midfield, and right-wing who are not only first-team ready but also eligible as homegrown. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is a prime example of a player who fits these criteria.
Conversely, signing players like Lille’s Leny Yoro, who is only 18 and does not need to be registered as homegrown, would not impact Liverpool’s homegrown situation in the Premier League. However, Yoro would take up a senior spot in the Champions League squad if he were to make the switch to Merseyside.
While homegrown eligibility will guide Liverpool’s signings, it may also force them to make tough decisions regarding player departures. If both Kelleher and Jaros leave without another homegrown goalkeeper arriving, it would leave a gap in the squad. Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, who will be a free agent, could be a potential solution if Adrian also leaves.
In terms of non-homegrown signings, Liverpool currently has 14 non-homegrown players in their senior squad, with a maximum of 17 permitted in the Premier League. This allows for the potential signing of three more foreign players this summer. Players like Riccardo Calafiori, Johan Bakayoko, and Bryan Mbeumo have already been linked with the club.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s transfer strategy will require a delicate balancing act. They must consider both the homegrown quota and the overall quality of their squad. Retaining promising players like Jaros, Beck, Morton, and Carvalho will be crucial, as they have the potential to become important first-team options. The transfer staff will need to carefully navigate these considerations and ensure they sign players who not only enhance the squad but also meet the homegrown requirements.