Nineteen current first-team stars have been on international duties over the past fortnight but have now all returned to Merseyside ahead of this weekend, where Arne Slot will be aiming to make it four wins in a row to start the new campaign.
But while all eyes will be on the action on the pitch, few will remain off it as clubs get to work early on potential deals for January and even next summer. In recent weeks, Liverpool has been linked with a number of players outside the transfer window, suggesting something could be brewing ahead of the near future.
Perhaps the biggest story ahead of the January transfer window is the long-term future of Mohamed Salah, who has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Liverpool and will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season as things stand.
In fact, the Egyptian can discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs in less than four months time, meaning the Reds are really up against the clock if they want to avoid such a scenario. According to the latest reports, however, teams are already queuing up for the 32-year-old.
Spanish outlet TDF states that Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Juventus, are following Salah’s situation "closely" and lining up a swoop if he doesn’t prolong his stay with the Reds. Both sides are on the lookout for a big name signing and Salah would certainly fit that bill, although PSG is most likely to be able to afford his wages.
Mohamed Salah could be lured to the Parc de Princes next summer
Should Salah leave, however, then Liverpool may already have his replacement ready and waiting. While the Reds brought in Federico Chiesa from Juventus this summer, reports suggest that another right-winger could be on his way to Anfield in order to fill the void left by the Egypt international.
And according to Fichajes, the player in question would be Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, who Liverpool was strongly linked with earlier this summer. The report now claims Liverpool is prepared to trigger Kubo's €60million ($66m/£51m) release clause, reflecting its serious intent.
The Japanese international recently spent time with current Reds midfielder Wataru Endo during the international break for high-scoring victories over China and Bahrain, and Liverpool could look to exploit their friendship in order to get a deal over the line.
Liverpool is reportedly willing to pay Takefusa Kubo's release clause next summer
Elsewhere, Liverpool has been named as one of several clubs who could swoop for Lille midfielder and recent England international Angel Gomes, who will become available on a free transfer at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract.
That's according to the Metro, although the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham and Newcastle are also interested in the former Manchester United midfielder, with the latter said to be weighing up a move for the player in January.
It comes amid a report from Caught Offside that claims Liverpool has been "firmly put on red alert" over the contract situation of Jamal Musiala, with negotiations over an extension with Bayern Munich said to be far from being finalized.
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