Despite a recent loss to Fulham, Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League this season remains unchallenged. The Reds are just 11 points away from securing their 20th championship title, tying the record.
Arne Slot’s first season in England has been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly given the scepticism that surrounded Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s departure after nine successful years. Defying expectations, Liverpool currently holds an 11-point lead at the top of the table, with only two losses all season, including the recent one against Fulham.
What makes Liverpool’s success under Slot even more remarkable is that he’s largely working with a squad he inherited. Federico Chiesa was the only new face brought in over the summer, and he’s made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League so far.
Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Adrian were the only senior players to leave, with their contracts expiring. Matip and Alcantara chose retirement, while Adrian returned to Real Betis on a free transfer.
This stability has undoubtedly contributed to Liverpool’s success this season, aiding Slot’s team on their journey towards the Premier League title. With other title contenders falling behind, it’s been up to the Reds to seize the opportunity.
Liverpool’s next season is set to be a different ball game as Slot fully integrates his style into the squad, with the Reds expected to be quite busy once the transfer window swings open. Several players in the Liverpool team have uncertain futures, led by the contract-expiring trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
While the latter two have both openly expressed their desire to remain at Anfield, the former appears to be inching closer to an exit towards Real Madrid. If any of the trio leave, Liverpool will need to respond.
In addition, apart from Alisson Becker, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Conor Bradley, it wouldn’t be a shock if any of Slot’s other contracted players left this summer for various reasons – though that doesn’t mean we should brace for 20 senior exits.
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Liverpool has already sealed a deal with Valencia for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, and will also be scouting for a center-forward and a left-back at the very least.
However, with potential departures, further recruitment will be necessary, and it’s not out of the question that Liverpool could also require a new centre-back, right-back, defensive and attacking midfielders or additional forwards.
Liverpool’s last significant transfer activity was back in the summer of 2016 when they made more than four senior signings. However, this could change as the Reds look to revamp Klopp’s remaining squad under Slot.
This move may disrupt the stability that gave them a quick start under the Dutchman, but it seems necessary for the club’s evolution.
Interestingly, Liverpool’s potential title rivals could also be busy in the transfer market. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has already hinted at a ‘big summer’ for the Gunners, who have missed out on the title for the third consecutive year.
“It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it,” he said recently. “The way we planned the five first summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different.
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“But now when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary.”
Over at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is preparing for a significant overhaul after what’s been considered their most challenging season under his management. Chelsea has already secured a double deal with Sporting Lisbon for midfielders Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo and is also set to sign Estevao William from Palmeiras and Kendry Paez.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, currently languishing in 13th and 14th place in the Premier League respectively, will need to significantly bolster their squads. However, Champions League qualification could be on the cards if either team manages to win the Europa League this season.
Nottingham Forest, currently sitting in third place, are on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also in contention, suggesting that there will be significant recruitment activity among the teams that secure their place in Europe’s premier club competition.
