Arne Slot and Liverpool will have to make some significant decisions this summer. While Luis Díaz’s future is uncertain, Mohamed Salah’s contract remains a top focus.
Liverpool faces some intriguing decisions this summer. With Arne Slot succeeding Jürgen Klopp, it would be prudent not to make too many major changes aside from the manager/head coach—but there will be adjustments within the squad.
Markets are also full of surprises. Who could have predicted Jordan Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia last summer? Liverpool sanctioned a move to the Saudi Pro League for both the former Reds captain and Fabinho in 2023, when few expected either transaction — worth $66 million (£52 million/€61 million) — to be possible.
What can we expect this summer? Liverpool requires a center-back, as Joël Matip is a free agency and Ibrahima Konaté has a poor injury record. Ideally, another midfielder and forward would be added as well.
Liverpool could make a few more ‘wildcard’ selections, but none are as bizarre as Henderson’s departure to the Middle East. The suspicion around Luis Díaz persists.
According to AS, Barcelona is interested in signing Díaz this summer, but would need to sell Raphinha first to fund the transfer. Deco, the sporting director, has reportedly reached out to the 27-year-old Colombian’s reps. Díaz’s father has expressed his desire for his son to play in Spain.
Díaz has officially claimed that he is ‘happy and comfortable’ at Anfield, but there is evident interest from Barcelona. Last month, The Telegraph reported that Liverpool would seek $95 million (£75 million/€88 million) to let him go.
Given the extended Champions League structure next season, and the fact that Liverpool’s return to UEFA’s top competition would entail far more difficult and intense matches, losing a forward this summer would be a wildcard move. Instead of considering cashing in, the Reds should add more depth in that category.
If Díaz is sold, it is conceivable to buy two forwards, although this would be a significant move in a single window. It would also increase the pressure on those guys to settle in and get started right away.
Sticking with the forward line, a decision must be taken on Mohamed Salah’s contract. According to current circumstances, the 31-year-old Egyptian will be entitled to depart Anfield on a free transfer next summer.
Salah has already confirmed that he will join Liverpool for Slot’s first season, but the Reds should not consider losing him for free at the end of his contract. He is still good enough to have a few successful seasons at the highest level, so he should be signed to an extension. Even if he leaves next year, Liverpool will undoubtedly want a sum in order to reinvest in the transfer market, given his level of quality and the level of interest shown in him.
The wildcard move would be to allow Salah to start next season without reaching an agreement on a contract deal. Hopefully, something can be worked out ahead of time to avoid the rumor mill going crazy, but if the previous negotiations with Salah’s representation are any indication, it won’t be a quick process.
Aside from that, there aren’t many obvious locations where a surprise may be sprung — but no one saw Henderson’s exit coming, so nothing is really ruled out. Liverpool has previously defined the transfer market as fluid and ever-changing, and the summer of 2024 is likely to be no exception.
