Arne Slot’s future is still up for debate. (Image: Getty)
Liverpool are pushing hard to establish their authority in the summer transfer window after a difficult season. Arne Slott’s side had a disastrous result in defending their Premier League crown, finishing 24 points adrift of last season’s title-winning campaign.
The club qualified for the Champions League with a 1-1 draw at Brentford on Sunday, but their points tally was their lowest in more than a decade with 60 points. Even putting aside the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, the upcoming window is always going to prove crucial to Slot’s long-term future.
Just 12 months after spending £450m on new recruits, the Reds appear ready for another summer of big-money action. As speculation continues over Slott’s position and the latest developments regarding the club legend’s possible departure, Express Sport examines the latest stories to emerge from Anfield.
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Slott appears intent on remaining at Anfield for his third stint as Reds manager later this year, but that has done little to quell public debate over his future.
The club’s disastrous season has left Slott in a precarious position where the team needs to be in full swing heading into August, or speculation about his position will intensify again, according to former Liverpool favorite Danny Murphy, who is also offering advice to his former club on who would be best to replace him.
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“If he doesn’t get a good start in the slot, there’s going to be pressure on him again. By the way, I don’t think he’ll have a big say in the players (reinforcements), but I think he’ll have some say in the players that come in,” Murphy said on TalkSPORT.
“But if he starts poorly and the team is sitting in fifth or sixth place after eight games, then it’s over.” Asked if he had considered inviting soon-to-be Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to Anfield, Murphy said Liverpool’s dream signing for the dugout would have to be Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
He explained: “I would spend a lot of money and do everything I can to get Luis Enrique. If Enrique wins the Champions League again, what more can he do?”
Luis Enrique will lead PSG in the Champions League final. (Image: Getty Images)
“He must be bored there. He’s playing in the Mickey Mouse League where he can win every week. The only thing he’s looking forward to is the Champions League. I’m sure he wants more of a challenge, right?”
The Reds have already been forced to part ways with Salah and Robertson, with reports now suggesting Alisson Becker could complete the high-profile trio in connection with a possible move to Juventus.
But the Brazilian shot-stopper, whose contract with Liverpool expires next season, could be looking to extend his eight-year spell at Anfield, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
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The Reds have made it clear they are keen for the 33-year-old to stay on next season.
Although the goalkeeper finds interest from the Italian giants attractive, it is understood he may be persuaded to stay for what will be his ninth season on Merseyside after all, as he is reluctant to sour his ties with Liverpool.
