There have been reports of a five-position overhaul for Liverpool this summer, while Alisson continues to be linked to an exit, and Virgil van Dijk speaks out.
Liverpool looking at five-position summer overhaul
Liverpool are expected to have yet another busy summer in the transfer window with outgoings and incomings, with few players seemingly assured of their Anfield future.
The holes in the squad have been identifiable for some time, and Sky Sports report “both full-back positions, centre-back, defensive-midfield and the forward line are all being looked at.”
A goalkeeper could also be on the cards if Alisson does depart, which would make it six positions!
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Friday, July 5, 2024: Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot (L) and Sporting Director Richard Hughes (R) are presented at a photo call at the club's AXA Training Centre. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
None of that comes as a surprise, with Andy Robertson departing, injury issues at right-back, the possibility of Ibrahima Konate still leaving, no specialist No. 6, and the need for wingers.
The club invested at a record-breaking level last summer, but if the club is to compete deep into every competition, all key areas need tending to.
The big question, though, is whether Liverpool’s business will still be conducted in Arne Slot‘s image?
LFC News: Juventus make Alisson ‘top target’ and Virgil van Dijk speaks out
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk reacts to conceding the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Juventus have reportedly identified Alisson as a “top target” this summer, prompting Liverpool to consider signing a new goalkeeper – this is a reality I don’t even want to consider
• Virgil van Dijk has spoken out against claims over the number of days the Liverpool squad get off, insisting, “it’s not that we have a holiday.” It was quite the interview that promised more in the months to come!
• Daniel Sturridge vocalised what we are all thinking, that Liverpool have to sign a specialist defensive midfielder this summer – we can’t become like Arsenal!
• Reports suggest Slot is considering changes or additions to his backroom staff, but the report added the ominous caveat: “In the event of him staying.” The tone is shifting
• According to Spanish outlet AS, Jurgen Klopp is “waiting” for the Germany job, though he is “in no hurry.” That’s not a wild claim, unlike any links between Jurgen and Real Madrid!
STATS: 0 wins from 8 away games vs. the top 10
After losing at Old Trafford, Liverpool have now failed to win any of their eight games against the Premier League‘s current top 10. Joanna Durkan took a closer look:
“Liverpool have conceded 18 goals and scored 10, and as per FotMob, ended the match with the most possession in seven matches, but with more total shots on only three occasions.
“That is an average of 2.25 goals conceded per game, where’s the control in that?
“Slot’s side finished with a lower expected goals (xG) total in all but two games, and managed an xG total of less than 1.0 across a whole match four different times, or in this instance, 50 percent of the games.”
Football News: Pep Guardiola’s future and Chelsea out of top 5 race
• Pep Guardiola told reporters ahead of his side’s match against Everton that he still has “incredible energy” for his job amid rumours of a summer exit – maybe 115 charges could change his mind, if we ever get the verdict?
• Chelsea now cannot finish in the top five after their heavy loss to Nottingham Forest, who have now moved six points clear of the relegation zone. Spurs or West Ham it is!
• At a time when seemingly every club is on the search for a new manager, Brighton have agreed a new long-term deal with Fabian Hurzeler (BBC Sport)
• Matheus Cunha believes Michael Carrick “has the magic” to continue as Man United boss beyond this season – hopefully one to bookmark for the future! (Sky Sports)
Liverpool FC: On this day
1974 FA Cup final Wembley Emlyn Hughes. 1970s
May 4 has twice seen a Liverpool trophy lift, first in 1974 as Liverpool won their second FA Cup, and then again in 1976 as the club’s ninth league title was clinched.
Liverpool were dominant in their FA Cup win, putting three unanswered goals beyond Newcastle thanks to a Kevin Keegan brace and a Steve Heighway goal.
It was to be Bill Shankly‘s final competitive game in charge as he announced his shock retirement two months later.
Notably, future players Alan Kennedy and Terry McDermott both played for the Magpies at the time!
As for the league title, a 3-1 win at Wolves delivered the first of six for Bob Paisley as manager, with Kevin Keegan, John Toshack and Ray Kennedy all on the scoresheet.