For the first time since 2016, a new manager will get the chance to put his stamp on Liverpool’s squad in the summer transfer window, but where are the priorities?
Jurgen Klopp has capitalized on his incredible career at Anfield, having delivered on all his early promises and then some to etch his name into the club’s folklore.
It didn’t end quite the way we envisioned it just a few months ago, but the weaknesses that were exposed towards the end of the campaign opened up potential areas for improvement across the board.
As we embark on a new era, there will undoubtedly be no shortage of names linked to Anfield in the coming weeks and months as we prepare for what will hopefully be another push for the Champions League and European Cup.
Let’s look at the key areas that Arne Slott could fill in during his first summer on Merseyside, in reverse order!
5. Goalkeeper
A lot will depend on whether the time finally comes for Caoimhin Kelleher to move on in his quest for permanent first-team football, but we’re not even allowing ourselves to entertain the Alisson rumours!
The Irishman has been an excellent stand-in for the best stopper on the planet and has stepped up in big moments when needed, the Reds can count themselves lucky to have one of the best no. 2 in business.
If he leaves, there could be an opening in the goaltending department, but it could also give some of the younger prospects a chance to show Slott what they’re capable of.
Finding a capable and willing second-in-command often proves difficult due to limited options, but Kelleher’s 47 Liverpool appearances should in theory encourage any potential newcomer.
4. Left back
With Andy Robertson now on the wrong side of 30 and Kostas Tsimikas having started just 17 times in 2023/24, the new manager may feel there is room to do something at left-back.
Owen Beck may disagree, however, as he returns after an impressive loan spell at Dundee that saw a performance in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Bournemouth in January sandwiched between them.
Joe Gomez also spent a lot of time in the position last season, but Slott is said to prefer versatile guards and may look to bring in a specialist to freshen things up.
On a side note on full-back, the Dutchman may also want to look at the right-back position and some competition for Conor Bradley if he becomes manager to finally push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield.
3. Right wing
There is room for maneuver in terms of positional specifics, but there is a strong case for Liverpool to strengthen in the attacking positions this summer.
Mohamed Salah’s contract situation remains unresolved, but regardless of his immediate future, the Reds have not signed a senior attacker since the arrival of Cody Gakpo 18 months ago.
Questions were raised about the form and fitness of all five first-team strikers towards the end of the campaign, and links with departures would not come as a huge surprise in certain circumstances.
The new era offers an opportunity for a refresh, and Slott may find the front three a good place to put his stamp on his new side.
2. Center back
Liverpool should have been in the market for a centre-back a year ago and the events that have unfolded since then have only underlined that fact.
Joel Matip’s departure, Virgil van Dijk’s age and fitness issues across the backline point to the need for another this summer.
Jarell Quansah undoubtedly saved the club some serious money with his extremely impressive breakout season, but one of Slott’s biggest jobs will be correcting the defensive deficiencies of recent months.
The Reds have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 outings of the campaign, and while that largely stems from a wider issue of the team struggling to defend as a unit, a rookie in midfield with a positive injury record would certainly not go any harm.
1. Defensive midfield
As was the case with No. 2, talk of the need for reinforcements at the base of the midfield is as loud as it was 12 months ago.
Wataru Endo’s arrival raised eyebrows back in August, as his age and price were little encouragement given the team was without a recognized No.6.
He coped well with the task during the 2023/24 season, but the reality is that Alexis Mac Allister has spent too much time protecting the back four and it is quite clear that his strengths lie further down the pitch.
Whether we’ll see attention return to some of the targets we were linked with last summer remains to be seen, but keeping the midfielder in the top drawer feels like the easiest place to upgrade the starting XI and further down the squad.
