Liverpool can be fairly pleased with how they’ve started the 2025/26 campaign, having fallen to Crystal Palace on penalties in the Community Shield before bouncing back with a thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth to open their Premier League title defence.

At this early juncture, it’s mainly about gaining rhythm and building consistency, but defensive weaknesses have already become a major concern, with many critics pointing out Arne Slot’s squad suffers from an imbalance.

The high-tempo, aggressive style of this evolving Liverpool outfit makes them entertaining to watch, though it has also left them vulnerable to quick counters and aerial deliveries.

It’s not something to panic about yet, though it certainly needs attention. The Reds are still working on a transfer for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, having already added 18-year-old centre-half Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

Meanwhile, the chase for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak continues, as the Merseyside club remain in need of additional depth to complete their attack.

Isak remains Liverpool’s priority target in this window, but Newcastle are tough negotiators, refusing to sanction the Swedish striker’s departure without recruiting two replacements.

With just two weeks until deadline day, the Magpies are yet to secure a centre-forward, missing several potential deals. Nonetheless, things are moving behind the scenes, and Liverpool are prepared to table a second bid after seeing an opening £110m offer rejected earlier in August.

Even so, it’s unrealistic to think Isak could arrive alongside another elite forward this month, and if Newcastle stand firm, sporting director Richard Hughes already has a back-up plan.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool – alongside Arsenal – have maintained interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though Manchester City are leading the chase.

Valued at €100m (£86m), Rodrygo is considered available by Madrid, though only if their valuation is fully matched.

And the investment would be worthwhile. The 24-year-old is regarded among the finest wingers worldwide, and his attacking flair could help unlock Florian Wirtz’s potential in Liverpool colours.

Cody Gakpo did find the net in Friday’s win over Bournemouth, but his display left plenty to be desired. Slot, however, would gain a much more dynamic and explosive left-sided attacker in Rodrygo.

Despite not reaching top form last season, Rodrygo still produced 14 goals and 11 assists across competitions, while ranking in the top 2% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion and in the top 14% for progressive carries per 90, according to FBref.

Indeed, teammate Jude Bellingham hailed the Brazilian as “probably the most talented and most gifted player” in the Real Madrid squad.

Such qualities could make him an excellent partner to help Wirtz flourish, with the German star showing early promise since joining Liverpool but still searching for consistency in his performances.

Signed in June for a British-record £116m, the 22-year-old is rated as one of football’s brightest young stars, yet against Bournemouth he struggled to dominate, though he did create three chances and win three duels, as per Sofascore.

Comparing Rodrygo to Gakpo over the past year highlights his broader skill set, something that could complement Wirtz’s creative instincts perfectly.

Slot built something special at Anfield last term, much of it down to his system of fluid interchanges; Rodrygo would bring that same versatility, operating as a roaming wide forward capable of stretching play or cutting inside.

Rodrygo knows how to score. Deployed correctly at Liverpool, he could evolve into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous weapons, offering Wirtz both an outlet and a partner who opens up space with sharp movement.

While Isak stays the primary objective, Rodrygo is already established as “world-class,” in Luka Modric’s words, and his adaptability could greatly benefit Liverpool – while giving Wirtz the perfect platform to shine.