Arne Slot has been urged to complete a swap deal for a player earmarked as the replacement for Mohamed Salah
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool's summer plans will revolve around replacing Mohamed Salah(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Liverpool have the chance to salvage some pride from their inconsistent campaign across their final four fixtures of the season. The Reds' reign as Premier League champions will come to an end in less than a month, with either Arsenal or Manchester City likely to succeed them as title holders.
Having climbed to fourth in the standings following their 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace last weekend, victory against Manchester United on Sunday by a two-goal margin would see them overtake their bitter rivals into third place.
While a top-three finish will hardly erase the frustration of what might have been in Arne Slot's second campaign, it could offer positive momentum heading into next term. We examine a swap deal the Dutchman has been encouraged to pursue, as well as Virgil van Dijk addressing transfer speculation surrounding his team-mates.
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Slot urged to pursue swap deal
Amongst the problems that have hampered Liverpool's progress this season, the shortage of goals from their attacking line could well sit at the top of the list.
While the club may invest again in their forward options this summer, former Reds midfielder Jermaine Pennant has called on Arne Slot to bring in Michael Olise as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will depart the club at the end of the season.
Michael Olise celebrates scoring a goal for Bayern Munich
Michael Olise has been earmarked as a replacement for Mohamed Salah(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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The Bayern Munich star has enjoyed an outstanding second campaign in Germany, registering 20 goals and 29 assists across 47 appearances. Despite his contract at Bayern not running out until 2029, Pennant maintained that securing the France international must be achieved "at all costs" for Liverpool.
After witnessing the 24-year-old score a superb goal in Bayern's 5-4 Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Pennant posted on X: "Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo Salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus Gakpo."
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Cody Gakpo has faced criticism from Liverpool supporters for his underwhelming displays, having managed just eight goals and six assists in 48 outings across all competitions.
Van Dijk speaks on speculation
With Salah and Andy Robertson departing Liverpool, the future of Curtis Jones continues to generate discussion. The midfielder is entering the final year of his contract with no indication yet of a potential fresh agreement.
The 25-year-old was reportedly linked with a surprise switch to Inter Milan during the January transfer window but remained at Anfield and has since caught the eye at right-back in recent fixtures.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates with Curtis Jones
Virgil van Dijk admitted he wants Curtis Jones to stay at Liverpool(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
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Having made only 14 league starts this term, there has been speculation that the England international has become frustrated with his role. When Van Dijk was quizzed on whether he hopes to see the academy product remain at Anfield, the skipper responded: "Of course. I don't know what's going to happen because I'm not the boss.
"Curtis I thought was outstanding against Everton, was not too much spoken about but especially in possession he was quite a big game-changer, especially in his positioning. It's nice to be in your original position but he is so comfortable on the ball, he understands what is asked from that position."
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