With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah’s futures uncertain and Trent Alexander-Arnold departing Liverpool, who else should Arne Slot target this summer?

The Reds may be riding high at the top of the Premier League but several major stars are facing unclear futures at Anfield…

These days at Anfield are peculiar. When the international break, Premier League action will return next week. In Arne Slot’s first season as manager, Liverpool leads the table by 12 points, but many supporters are already incensed after credible rumors surfaced that Trent Alexander-Arnold was finalizing a free transfer to Real Madrid.

Although many fans are angry with the player, the club is receiving a lot of criticism for letting Alexander-Arnold finish the last few months of his contract, which means a multi-million-pound asset will be wasted. The right-back’s situation is definitely not unique, as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will both have contracts expiring in a few months.

Given that Liverpool’s lack of depth was once again shown while attempting to fight on four fronts, there is a very real prospect that a title-winning club will need to undergo a big change this summer. Signings would have been necessary otherwise. Naturally, generating revenue from departures will be essential to bringing in new players given the frugal/prudent manner in which Fenway Sports Group (FSG) manages the team.

In light of this, Onka Sports has made the decision to review every member of the Liverpool team who has played in the Premier League this season in order to determine whether they should be retained or permitted to follow Alexander-Arnold out of Anfield this summer.

Alisson
Alisson Becker is still the best goalie in the world, as demonstrated by his heroics against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League first leg. This is not a bad thing. But Liverpool is in a bit of a bind because of the Brazilian’s consistent brilliance. This summer, Giorgi Mamardashvili will go from Valencia to Anfield, and it has been stated that he has no plans to be an understudy. Given his performance this season, it may be wishful thinking on the Georgian’s part to go right into the starting lineup, but it is impossible to ignore the question of whether the Reds plan to cash in on the injury-prone Alisson, who garnered significant interest from Saudi Arabia this summer despite the fact that the 32-year-old is playing as well as ever.

Verdict: Hold unless a significant offer is made.

Bradley 
Bradley is the clear choice to take Alexander-Arnold’splaceat right-back, which will be a huge vacuum. With an impressive performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage this season, the Irishman demonstrated his elite potential. He is unquestionably a superior one-on-one defender to Alexander-Arnold. Bradley will therefore have a significant role to play next season, either as a starter or as a superb backup to a probable new acquisition, despite some slight doubts over his ability to remain healthy for the whole of a campaign.

Verdict: Hold

Chiesa 
Since taking on the almost insurmountable challenge of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, Slot has hardly made a mistake, but his handling of Chiesa has been completely out of the ordinary. The Italian clearly arrived at Anfield in bad form since then-coach Thiago Motta had barred him from Juventus’ preseason plans. He also had a number of niggles in the first half of the season, which has essentially been Chiesa’s career. Slot’s unwillingness to give him any significant playing time, particularly in the second leg of the PSG match, was illogical, and his late goal in the Carabao Cup final only served to highlight how absurd that was.

Chiesa is obviously not at the top of his game, but unless he is given more playing time next season, his time at Liverpool will end too soon.

Verdict: If Slot won’t play him, sell.

Diaz 
The Colombian is an interesting example. Diaz has now scored nine goals this season, making it the most productive of his Anfield career. Liverpool had hoped for more goals from Diaz this season. But Diaz’s final output still irritates me, and he is still incredibly erratic. Although he is still the team’s finest dribbler and has shown that he can play through the middle this season, Cody Gakpo has become a more viable option on the left wing, and it is believed that Liverpool would accept a sizable offer this summer (presumably from longtime rival Barcelona).

Verdict: If the price is appropriate, sell.

Elliott
We seem to be at a turning point in Elliott’s Liverpool career. Although he has once again demonstrated this season how valuable he is off the bench (most notably against PSG at the Parc des Princes), the fact that the England hopeful has yet to receive his first Premier League start of the year is a serious concern for him as he turns 22 next month. Elliott undoubtedly has a lot to give, but it’s difficult to determine exactly where he fits into Slot’s team because we don’t yet know where he performs best. In fact, the best course of action for all parties concerned might be to separate ways.

Verdict: Sell for a fair price.

Endo 
In recent months, the Japan captain has essentially become Liverpool’s “closer” and is the Klopp favorite that Slot sends on to watch games, turning him into something of a cult legend on the Kop. Endo hasn’t started a Premier League game this season, though, because, as we discovered during preseason, he doesn’t provide the defensive midfielder the manager is looking for. Therefore, even though the 32-year-old is well-liked by everyone for his professionalism and ability to win balls, his time at Anfield may be coming to an end.

Verdict: If Slot won’t ever start him, sell.

Gakpo 
One can’t help but wonder if Cody Gakpo’s injury would have prevented Liverpool from still qualifying for the Champions League. Around the beginning of the year, the Dutchman was playing at his peak, but since rejoining the first team, he has had difficulty getting back to his former level. However, with 16 goals from just 25 starts, Gakpo has already done more than enough to persuade Slot and everyone else that he should be a regular next season.

Verdict: Hold

Gomez
The utility guy for Liverpool has been missed. Since the beginning of the year, the versatile defender—who at times even filled in as a makeshift defensive midfielder under Klopp—has been out due to a severe hamstring injury, and Ibrahima Konate has been feeling the effects of his absence, as he has been exhibiting indications of exhaustion lately. Although it would be understandable for him to consider all of his choices considering that he will turn 28 in May, players like Gomez are vital, and it is hoped that he will remain at Anfield.

Verdict: If he’s prepared to keep battling for a starting position, keep him.

Gravenberch
There were undeniable concerns during the Dutchman’s debut season at Anfield if he were actually cut out for the Premier League. Gravenberch, though, has now established himself and his role. Gravenberch has been a revelation at No. 6, and no Red has played in more Premier League games this season than the Netherlands international (29), which helps explain why the 22-year-old has been more than a little worn out in recent weeks. Liverpool was in severe difficulty after being passed over by Martin Zubimendi last summer.

Verdict: Hold

Jaros

Jaros has only played in the Premier League once this season, and that was for just 11 minutes. In the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace in October, the Czech substituted for the injured Alisson. He produced one incredible save in his lone other appearance, against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, although he also appeared a touch shady at times. It would be shocking, though, if the 23-year-old was not asked to continue covering for the 2024–25 season considering the current state of Anfield’s goalkeeping situation.

Verdict: Hold

Jones
Jones will probably be the only Liverpudlian playing consistently for the Reds next season given Alexander-Arnold is leaving. It’s uncertain if he can establish a consistent starting sport. It would undoubtedly help to get rid of the minor muscular issues that have been holding him back in previous years. In any case, Jones possesses the necessary drive, skill, and adaptability to guarantee that he stays a vital part of Slot’s team in the future.

Verdict: Hold

Jota
The Portuguese forward’s future at Anfield wouldn’t even be a matter of discussion if he could stay fit. Unfortunately, he can’t. Jota has been once again beset by injuries this season and, worryingly, has appeared a shadow of his former self since returning from his current setback. Jota was essentially destined for Klopp’s Liverpool, but considering how frequently his body betrays him, it is unlikely that he will play a significant role for Slot’s.

Verdict: Sell

Konate
It’s obvious that Konate has what it takes to be a top-tier center back. He is extremely powerful, has a good turn of pace, is strong in the air, and is good with the ball. He’s also a disaster waiting to happen, though. Rarely does a few games pass without Konate making a dumb move. Liverpool should get as much as they can for Konate if PSG’s reported interest in the 25-year-old is real.

Verdict: If a good offer comes up, sell.

Mac Allister
During his first season at Anfield, the former Brighton star was arguably Liverpool’s best player, and he has excelled this season as well. The World Cup-winning Argentine’s versatility only increases his value, and his combination of skill and perseverance makes him an essential member of the midfield and the team overall. Mac Allister will probably continue to be a starter for many years to come because he is still only 26.

Verdict: Hold

Nunez
Darwin Nunez’s time is unfortunately up. The Uruguayan was supposed to step up this season and finally show that he could lead Liverpool’s line, but he has fallen far short of expectations. Nunez has only scored five goals in the Premier League title race, and it has become abundantly evident in recent weeks that Slot no longer believes in the team’s costly No. 9. It is currently hoped that a Saudi Pro League team will make a significant offer this summer.

Verdict: Sell to generate money for a quality striker.

Quansah
During the first half of the 2023–24 season, Quansah emerged as a viable option at center-half, which was a very welcome development for Klopp, who already lacked numbers at the back before injuries became a problem. The academy product appeared authentic for a few months. Despite being a member of Thomas Tuchel’s first England team, the versatile Quansah hasn’t performed up to par this season, and with reports that Newcastle is prepared to make another attempt to sign the 22-year-old after failing to do so last summer, there’s a genuine chance that Liverpool will let him go.

Verdict: Sell for a healthy profit.

Robertson
Sadly, the fiery Scot is no longer the force of nature he once was on Liverpool’s left flank, despite playing with the same level of aggression as always. In addition to not contributing a single Premier League goal or assist this season, Robertson has appeared more and more defensively exposed and was foolishly sent off in a match against Fulham in December. Liverpool is therefore anticipated to acquire a new left-back this summer.

Verdict: Retain to assist in improving his successor.

Salah 
Salah is simply too important for Liverpool to lose this summer. There is simply no substitute for the Egyptian. Among the players in Europe’s “Big five” leagues, he has contributed directly to more goals this season than any other player (54). Despite approaching his 33rd birthday, Salah is playing at his best. Liverpool must do everything in their power to keep their lucky charm.

Verdict: Hold

Szoboszlai
Slot has mentioned it as well, and Jamie Carragher is one of the people calling for Szoboszlai, who has seven goals and five assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this season, to produce better work. Though his position as a certain starter may be threatened if a No. 10 is signed this summer, the Hungarian’s unrelenting running and intense pressing have been crucial to Liverpool’s title challenge, and his place in the squad is guaranteed.

Verdict: Hold

Tsimikas
The Greece international has put Robertson under more pressure than at any previous point during their time together at Liverpool but it’s still not been enough to usurp the Scot. So, with the Reds’ recruitment team looking at other possible replacements, this feels like the right time for Tsimikas, who has served the club well, to bid farewell to the Kop. He deserves and needs consistent first-team football at the age of 28.

Verdict: Sell

Van Dijk
Another player that Liverpool just cannot do without. Van Dijk is the glue that holds the entire defence together, the intimidating but elegant centre-back that makes going up against the game’s most fearsome forwards look so easy. It’s safe to assume that Liverpool would be without their leader given the uncertainty surrounding almost every player in an increasingly fragile back line. Now is the time to offer the captain a new contract!

Verdict: Hold

Kelleher
After finding out that Liverpool had successfully lined up Mamardashvili to replace Alisson in goal, the Irishman was understandably furious. With his recent Carabao Cup exploits, Kelleher believed he had done enough to persuade his employers that he could be the team’s new number one. Last summer, Liverpool prevented him from leaving, but they are unlikely to stop him this time around, especially since they could receive a respectable price for a goalkeeper who has drawn interest from several mid-level Premier League teams.

Verdict: Sell