After Liverpool’s Premier League title was secured on Sunday, attention inevitably turns to what comes next for the Reds.
For several players and staff, that could involve nursing a hangover for a few days, before the focus will then begin for Chelsea ’s trip to Anfield this weekend.
There are three more games to come after that and at some point in the next few weeks there will surely be an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold ’s situation.
The defender’s contract expires in the summer and he could complete a move to Real Madrid in the mini 1-10 June transfer window that opens temporarily before the Club World Cup begins. Then the focus will turn fully to Liverpool’s recruitment plans.
Depending on who you ask, a variety of positions are seen as the priority, but another right-back will be needed if Alexander-Arnold leaves. The only question remains whether that’s a new back-up behind Conor Bradley or a regular to replace Alexander-Arnold in the starting XI.
Left-back is a position that may need to be addressed, while center-back might be strengthened. A no.6 and a box-to-box midfielder are other areas that could be looked at, plus a new center forward.
Should any of Liverpool’s current wingers such as Luis Diaz or Federico Chiesa leave, then replacements will be required.
(Image: Getty Images)
Therefore, it’s difficult to know where to begin when considering the summer rebuild, despite what has been an excellent season for the Reds. But according to the Daily Mail, three priorities have already been outlined.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen are said to be on the shortlist, amid admirers for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The report claims a midfielder ‘could be targeted’ also.
Kerkez continuously feels like a transfer that will happen. The player has even provided a few hints with his comments and social media activity. Huijsen is a more complicated deal, however.
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For a start, talented as the young center-back is, he is unlikely to command an instant starting spot in the Liverpool XI. Time spent on the bench would stunt his development, which may not seem a particularly appealing prospect for the 20-year-old with so much interest around the Premier League.
As for Ekitike, he fits the FSG recruitment model perfectly. At 22, he has already established himself as a lethal goalscorer and is on 22 strikes for the season. It could suggest Slot is looking for dynamism from his no.9 and more of a threat on the break.
Attempting to sign Ekitike would also suggest that a move for Alexander Isak is off the table. A shame, if that is the case, but perhaps not a surprise given Newcastle United’s asking price and their aims as a club.
