Liverpool have work to do if they want to secure Champions League qualification and make the club an enticing possibility for summer transfer targets
Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot speaking
Virgil van Dijk's form has come under scrutiny this season(Image: Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
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The coming weeks will provide a real test for Liverpool both on and off the pitch. Arne Slot's side are under pressure to battle back and secure Champions League qualification, while new names are being mentioned as the Reds eye summer reinforcements regardless of who is in charge.
Fans already know Mohamed Salah won't be at Anfield next summer, while Ibrahima Konate is yet to reach a decision on his future. If Konate goes then at least one more centre-back will be required, while new faces may well be needed in midfield and attack and a Serie A star has been linked.
Slot and his players will be back in action over the weekend in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. They have a tough draw in the form of last season's losing finalists Manchester City but victory on Saturday could help give them a boost heading into the final seven games of the league campaign.
Plenty of squad members have been away with their national teams during the international break and one of those - captain Virgil van Dijk - has ensured there are some Liverpool-related headlines which don't involve transfer speculation. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines.
Three-way Thuram battle
Liverpool could face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle if they want to land Khephren Thuram in the summer. The Juventus midfielder - son of France legend Lilian - has reportedly attracted Premier League interest with his performances in Serie A.
According to reports in Italy, all three English sides could be about to make 'serious' approaches for the 25-year-old. Thuram, who joined Juve from Nice in a deal worth less than £20million in 2024, has missed just three games this season across the league and Champions League.
Khephren Thuram playing for Juventus
Khephren Thuram has caught the eye with his performances for Juventus(Image: Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Both United and Newcastle could find themselves desperate for midfield reinforcements due to outgoings this summer. Casemiro has already confirmed his plans to leave Old Trafford, while Sandro Tonali could yet depart St James' Park - potentially as a Casemiro replacement, though Arsenal have also been linked.
Van Dijk row
Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr has called out perceived criticism of Virgil van Dijk in the English media. Van Dijk captained Liverpool to Premier League glory last term but has found his form under scrutiny this term as the Reds' title defence has fallen flat.
Virgil van Dijk during Netherlands vs Norway
Van Dijk impressed in the Netherlands' win over Norway(Image: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
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“In England, the analysts, columnists, and the self-proclaimed know-it-alls have completely lost their minds,” Kraay Jr wrote for Voetbal International. “After four league matches this season, Van Dijk was dubbed the very best central defender ever in the Premier League. Four games later, and two Arne Slot defeats further along, it was more or less over for Virgil. In short: Virgil van Dijk’s career was almost over.”
The pundit's comments came after Van Dijk, 34, scored against Norway in the Netherlands' recent international double-header. He also started as captain against Ecuador on Tuesday but was given a rest after 45 minutes, with Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven taking his place.
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