Slot, backing, and a big summer rebuild
There is a growing expectation that Arne Slot stays and is backed with a handful of major signings. The big question is how Liverpool replace key attackers and refresh the squad sensibly.
David Ornstein is still insisting that Arne Slot will be backed by the Liverpool owners going into next season. The suggestion is there is money to spend, and that Slot will be given three or four star signings to try and turn things around.
The key detail is the idea we will need to replace Salah and Diaz, which points straight towards two new starting wingers. That is the sort of rebuild that changes the whole feel of the team, not just a tweak here and there.
Why the Slot situation still feels straightforward
I know plenty of the so-called ITK talk is pointing in different directions, but Ornstein has historically been very reliable. If Slot does stay, then the hope has to be that this season serves as a steep learning curve, and that pre-season gets the group much fitter.
I also cannot see the logic in Slot doing interviews insisting he is backed and involved in next season's transfer decisions if he had already been told he is going. If he was going, I would have expected it to be clearer by now.
Who goes, who stays, and what needs replacing
In my mind, Robertson, Tsimikas, Endo, Mac Allister, Elliott, Salah and Chiesa are all definitely leaving, while Jacquet is definitely joining. Jacquet is not really replacing anyone directly; it feels more like bringing in Van Dijk's eventual successor so he can be phased in gradually.
Robbo can be replaced from within, with names like Chambers and Beck mentioned, and Endo could be covered internally too with options like Nyoni and Bajcetic. Mac Allister is different, because he is a regular starter and would need a replacement ready to start in the Premier League, with names like Gomes, M. Fernandes, Wharton and Camavinga discussed.
Then there is the big one: replacing Salah and also Diaz, who was never replaced, with two new wingers. The suggested names range from Gordon and Olise to Y. Diomande, Minteh, B. Traore, M. Mane and Allan. As for Chiesa, that feels like another position where an internal solution could cover it, with Rio and Morrison mentioned.
Costs, fees, and the right sort of deals
If it really is three or four star players, that is a massive outlay if the targets are at the top end. The concern is that only Mac Allister is seen as likely to bring in a decent fee, while there might be some money for Tsimikas and Elliott, but their value could be hit after spending full seasons on other teams' benches.
That is why it would not shock me if the club looked at cheaper options like Gomes, B. Traore, M. Mane or Allan, or possibly mid-range picks like Minteh or M. Fernandes, depending on how the rest of the window shapes up.
Right-back, squad balance, and keeping a few options
There may be less obvious changes too, with futures still up in the air for players like Konate, Jones and Gakpo. But if Slot stays, I would expect them to stay, because he trusts and relies on them as regular starters.
I would also hold on to Stephenson at least until January, by which point Bradley should be back fit. I cannot see us spending crucial funds on a right-back when Frimpong, Bradley and Gomez are already there.
Personally, I would love it if Xabi Alonso came in next season, but I am increasingly resigned to Slot staying. If Xabi does arrive, it is an added bonus, but right now it feels like Liverpool are planning for Slot to lead the rebuild.
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