Advertisement

Liverpool tipped to make 'three or four' signings in Arne Slot's first transfer window

Arne Slot is expected to be confirmed as Liverpool's new manager
Arne Slot is expected to be confirmed as Liverpool's new manager -Credit:Getty Images


Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has predicted the Reds will make “three or four” signings in Arne Slot’s first transfer window in charge.

Slot is expected to be confirmed as the new Liverpool boss soon, succeeding Jürgen Klopp as the German prepares for his final three games in charge. A deal is expected to be finalized with the Feyenoord boss before he officially takes over in the summer.

It will be an important first few months in charge for the 45-year-old. Despite showing signs of improvement after last season, recent weeks have proven there is still work to do in rebuilding the squad.

READ MORE: Alisson Becker assessment speaks volumes as biggest ally leaving Liverpool this summer

READ MORE: Tottenham receives double injury blow before Liverpool as pair to miss rest of season

To that end, Warnock believes Slot will aim to make his mark in the transfer window, although he doesn’t expect sweeping changes. “One thing the new manager will want is to stamp his authority on the squad, and Liverpool need a few more bodies through the door,” Warnock told NewBettingSites.uk.

“I don’t see five, six signings but I do see three or four. Any more disrupts the squad. You look at Liverpool at the moment and you can say they are in a healthy position but they can still improve.”

Warnock also had his say on the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three players will be entering the final year on their contracts this summer.

Salah in particular has raised questions over his immediate future after clashing with Klopp at West Ham. Recent reports though have suggested Liverpool expects the Egyptian to stay at Anfield next season.

“I thought if he left it would be at the end of his current contract — no earlier. I thought he would do that next year, so he can end his time at Liverpool on his terms. He would then be able to pick where he wants to go next — whether that is Saudi or somewhere else — but either way I was thinking he would be off next year.

“Now, I think he will also be wondering what this new manager is like. Liverpool haven’t won the title now for a few years, and he will be fearful of missing out next year if he leaves and they go on and win it.

“Arne Slot could come in, have great ideas, and take Liverpool to the title. If Salah leaves this summer and he sees Liverpool lift the title he’ll just be thinking ‘I could have been part of that’.”

“It’s not just Salah who’ll be thinking that either. That’s the fear element that a lot will have at the moment. What is next? How good is Slot going to be? Could he be the guy that pushes Liverpool to that next level? Liverpool have been very close to winning the title with Jürgen Klopp on several occasions but let’s not forget they’ve only won it the once [under Klopp]. You don’t know what the new manager is going to do.

“Van Dijk is an interesting one because people are often talking about his age. But it was only a few weeks ago that fans around the world were saying that he’s back to his brilliant best. So why would Slot want to get rid of Van Dijk? I think that will come down to a contract situation and what he wants.

“I don’t see Trent Alexander-Arnold going, unless he wants to leave. I think that will come down to his choice, not Liverpool’s, and if he feels that he wants a completely different challenge that will be down to him.”

Liverpool.com says: It will be something of an uncertain time for Liverpool's players this summer as Slot replaces Klopp. The Dutchman will need the backing of the club to put his stamp on the squad, and continue the rebuild that was started last year.

We'll have to wait and see what he decides on the futures of Salah and Van Dijk. There should be no question over Alexander-Arnold though, and hopefully we'll see him extend his stay soon.