Even though Liverpool is headed for its 20th English Premier League championship and only their second Premier League title under Arne Slot, things aren’t looking good on Merseyside. Even if the Reds are in a strong position, when the dust settles, fans might not feel like celebrating.
This is due to the club’s poor handling of the contract situations of three of the biggest stars at Anfield. Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all played key roles in any success the English giants have had since Jurgen Klopp’s reign at the club began. This summer, though, all three men might be able to leave for nothing.
Given the highly visible nature of the contract situation, any rational Liverpool supporter would be beginning to worry that none of the three players will extend their contracts. It would be disastrous for Slot heading into his second season without his current captain, vice-captain and best player. With a big overhaul waiting for the club’s management, we’ve put together an XI that the Reds may feasibly deploy next season.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Marc Guehi, Milos Kerkez, Ibrahima Konate, Alisson, and Jeremie Frimpong
Nobody anticipates that Alisson Becker will be leaving his position in goal at Anfield anytime soon, even though Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to arrive soon. As long as he is alive, the Brazilian will continue to be regarded as the best custodian in the Premier League.
The backline would see the most of this summer’s upheaval, particularly if both Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold were to leave. For a few years now, Jeremie Frimpong has been regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world of football, and he seems to be the most likely contender to try to match Alexander-Arnold’s offensive output.
The former Manchester City star may be persuaded to leave Bayer Leverkusen in pursuit of a fresh challenge by Slot’s strong core of Dutch players. Sport Bild claims that in recent months, the full-back and Slot have had “regular contact.”
Ibrahima Konate could be forced to step up as the main man at the heart of the defence with Van Dijk’s absence leaving a gaping hole. Marc Guehi’s representatives have been contacted by the Reds in the past week at the time of writing and the England international could be the Dutchman’s replacement. Those are big shoes to fill for anyone.
Andy Robertson could be kept around for experience with other vital members going, but the Scotland international isn’t likely to be the starting left-back after this year. According to Fabrizio Romano, Anfield managers ‘love’ Milos Kerkez, who is essentially a younger Robertson.
Players in the middle
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch
After being turned down by Martin Zubimendi in the previous summer window, Slot decided to stick to what he had in the engine room and that decision has paid off massively. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the best midfielders in the Premier League.
While Szoboszlai contributes the effort rate of two players, Gravenberch and Mac Allister offer the technical skill of seasoned professionals. The three of them have collaborated remarkably. Signs of tiredness have developed in recently as Curtis Jones is the only rotating option Slot appears to trust. Reinforcements may be added to the roster, but it’s hard to imagine this won’t be the starting three next season.
Forwards
Cody Gakpo, Julian Alvarez, and Luis Diaz
Even before taking into account that the talisman might be useless, the forward line already appears to need work. Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have all been linked with moves away from the club in the summer, but it’s hard to see all three leaving on top of Salah.
Under Slot, Diaz has flourished the most out of the three and might even be asked to play on the right flank once more to demonstrate his versatility. Alexander Isak feels like a pipedream with all the other additions that will be required. Cody Gakpo will continue as the starting left-winger.
Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is another pricey but intriguing alternative that has emerged recently. When he left Manchester City last summer, Liverpool showed admiration for the 2022 World Cup winner, but adjusting to a different Premier League team proved challenging. Could Salah’s output be replaced by the 23-goal forward if the Reds return to the table?
xz
