Arne Slot’s Anfield revolution has had to take a bit of a back seat as the Euros and Copa America play out, but that doesn’t mean that work isn’t being done behind the scenes. With potential signing targets involved in international action, the new Liverpool boss will have to wait before deals can be worked out.
One of the most interesting areas of the field that could see big changes is the Liverpool forward line. With one of the world’s best goalkeepers, centre-backs, and left-backs in the squad, Slot will be looking at strengthening the forward line, especially if rumours about Salah are to be believed.
The Salah Situation
There is no doubting how integral Mo Salah has been to Liverpool’s recent successes. Widely regarded as one of the best right-sided forwards in the world, the idea of losing him will be hard to take for many fans.
It could even see Liverpool, who are the bookmakers’ third favourite for the Premier League next season, drop down the list unless he was replaced. Some of the top bookmakers have already priced up the Premier League to provide football fans with a market to back, but prices will change based on team changes and across different operators (source: bettingsites.ltd).
However, after coming back from the African Nations, Salah took time to get back into his groove, dropping out of the team and being involved in a touchline spat with departing manager Klopp.
One of the most important factors that will impact Salah’s Liverpool future is his contract situation. With his deal ending at the end of the 24/25 season, Liverpool would risk losing an extremely valuable asset for nothing if he doesn’t sign an extension.
This would come as a blow to the club which rejected a reported £150m bid from Saudi club Al-Ittihad, and if a decent bid came in this summer they might not be able to refuse.
Kvaradona
Napoli’s Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation and has been linked with a big-money move from the Italians for a few years now.
He has been strongly linked with moves to Liverpool or PSG and would represent a wise investment as a player who has proved his quality at the top level, and at just 23 would have the potential for a huge sell-on.
Kvaratskhelia operates on the left and his arrival might not signal the end of Salah’s Liverpool career. Signing a player of this calibre could encourage the Egyptian talisman to prolong his stay and help to create an extremely dangerous frontline.
Potential Real Raid
Following Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid, Rodrygo could see his playing time cut and Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in spending around £100m to secure the versatile Brazilian.Â
He would most likely be seen as a replacement for Salah, favouring the right wing, but he can deployed anywhere up front which makes him a particularly tempting target.
Gakpo, Núñez, Jota, and DÃaz
Darwin Núñez has taken a bit of time to settle and has come in for some unjust criticism, but the 24-year-old is starting to justify his £64 million price tag.
He is young enough to develop even further and should be a part of Slot’s plans going forward.
One player that has been linked with a move to Barcelona is former Porto winger Luis DÃaz. The Colombian could move for around £75 million, representing a great return on investment for a player that cost around £37.5 million in 2022.
Diogo Jota has been an excellent squad player for Liverpool since signing from Wolves in 2020. Injury setbacks have plagued his stay, but he has always performed when called on.
Gakpo started his Euro 2024 campaign with a blistering performance and will likely be a key player for fellow Dutchman Arne Slot’s new-look Liverpool in 2024/25.
If Salah does move on, fans might wonder where the goals will come from. However, with so much talent in the current squad and exciting potential targets, this should not be an issue.
Checking the best sports betting and crypto gambling sites for top scorer odds will give you a better idea, and Darwin Núñez could be a dark horse to finish near the top.
