It still does not seem real. But I am so happy I got to see Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool at their absolute peak. For 2-3 years there in 2018-2021, Liverpool were the best team on the planet. Thank you Jurgen for leading our club, thank you fro dreaming right along with us, and thank you for being an exemplary human being with a kind heart.
Arne Slot has some big shoes to fill. But with Michael Edwards working behind the scenes I am begrudgingly and cautiously optimistic.
As is usually the case, I do not expect much activity from us in the transfer market. I think focus will be spent on renewing VvD and TAA. And then figuring out what to do with Mo Salah. You know Saudi Arabia is going to come hard for him. He has said all the right things, saying he will "fight like hell" for Liverpool next season. But I think it will ultimately come down to what Edwards want to do. I think you try to extend his contract and if terms cannot be met, sell him this summer for likely 125M+ GBP. There has also been rumors of the Saudis coming for Alisson. They can offer whatever they want, he is not for sale, imo.
There have also been mumblings that Barcelona want Alexis Mac Allister and that there is a 60M GBP release clause in his contract. I can't imagine we put a release clause the low in there and, even if we did, I do not know how Barcelona could swing it with their alleged financial situation. Luis Diaz is also reportedly being kept tabs on by Barcelona. I understand the sentiment of wanting to play for Barcelona especially as most of these guys were kids during peak Barca time. But now? The club is a dumpster fire and I, personally, would stay away as a player.
I expect Caoimhin Kelleher to push for a move. He has been a very reliable No. 2 and, at 25 years old, deserves a chance to try to make it as a No. 1 somewhere. Signing a replacement would then have to happen. Adrian's contract expires next month too...
And then there is the Darwin Nunez situation. The guy has load of potential. He misses a lot of shots but continues to consistently find himself in positions to take shots. If he can figure out how to score the tap in or the "easier" goals, the sky is the limit for him. If Liverpool are forced to sell either Diaz or Nunez, I think Diaz is the odd man out as he would fetch the better combination of higher fee + replacement costs. Could Ben Doak stay injury free and step up in a role here? With Salah, Diaz, Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota, the forward room is crowded. I think a decision needs to be made whether you think Doak can compete at this level.
Decisions will have to made up and down the depth chart. None bigger, I think, than Fabio Carvalho. He has proved at Fulham and Hull City that there is a really good player in there. Does he have what it takes to play first team football at a club like Liverpool? Tyler Morton had a very good season at Hull as well. Has he done enough to merit regular first team action or is he better served with another year out on loan?
Who would I want to sign? Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta has caught my eye this season. I think we're gonna need a new LB soon so I'd address that here, if possible. I like Antonee Robinson, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Milos Kerkez, and Lloyd Kelly (who would be a free transfer). I also like Santiago Gimenez if we are in the market for a striker. And lastly, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and Michael Olise from Palace would slide in nicely in our attack I think.
