Liverpool face a crucial week that could shape both their UEFA Champions League ambitions and their summer transfer plans. The Reds meet Galatasaray in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie later today before hosting the Turkish side at Anfield next week.
Sandwiched between those matches is a Premier League clash with struggling Tottenham Hotspur. Arne Slot and his players are aware of the importance of securing Champions League football again next season, particularly with the squad likely to need further additions during the summer transfer window.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged that failing to qualify for the Champions League could have a negative impact on Liverpool’s ability to strengthen the squad in the upcoming transfer window.
“One hundred per cent [it will have impact],” Van Dijk conceded. “The stakes are very high. Listen, if you play for Liverpool, it’s always been like that. It’s down to us, together with our fans, to get the results we need to get into the Champions League.
“We’re also still playing in the Champions League and the FA Cup this season and trying to make it successful. Now the decisive period starts. We have to just go for it. We have to take this on the chin.
“No matter how hard it is to take. Either we get it and we deserve it or we don’t get it and we don’t deserve it. We have to go through our difficulties to get consistency. It’s part of the process of this team. Everyone wants to win.”
Liverpool are also working to secure the futures of their young talents within the academy. 17-year-old Finn Inglethorpe has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The midfielder has been with Liverpool since pre-academy level and began his journey as a first-year scholar at the start of this season.
Meanwhile, the club have also offered a two-year deal to Under-16s goalkeeper Abs, as they continue to reward promising youngsters within the academy setup.
The young shot-stopper reacted to the news on social media, expressing her happiness after being offered the new contract. She posted on Instagram: “Delighted to announce that I have been offered two years at Liverpool U16’s PGA. Can’t wait to get started! ❤️ Thank you to @ck_thegkn for everything 🧤”
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