Liverpool is in danger of missing out on Champions League soccer as the Reds' difficult season continues following defeat to Aston Villa, with transfer talk and dressing room questions ramping up at Anfield
Tom Victor
08:29, 18 May 2026Updated 08:33, 18 May 2026
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Just 12 months on from securing the Premier League trophy, Liverpool faces the prospect of missing out on Champions League soccer entirely.
Following defeat at Aston Villa on Friday, the Reds could enter the final day of the season requiring a victory over Brentford simply to secure a top-five finish. This has heaped pressure on manager Arne Slot, despite him delivering that 2024/25 league title. One of the potential candidates to succeed him — former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso — has now taken charge at Chelsea.
Despite considerable expenditure last summer, there's a sense that Liverpool may require additional reinforcements this summer. Liverpool.com has examined transfer speculation and dressing room matters, as we bring you the latest updates from around Anfield.
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Timber open to m ove
Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber is prepared to make the switch to the Premier League, according to L'Equipe.
The 24-year-old played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord and has previously been linked with Liverpool, though other English clubs could also enter the race.
Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal center-back Jurrien, has only been with Marseille since January.
Slot needs reinforcements after a tough season
Slot needs reinforcements after a tough season(Image: Getty Images)
Nevertheless, the French side is anticipated to consider bids for several squad players following their failure to secure Champions League soccer.
The Provence-based club concluded last season in second position under Roberto De Zerbi but severed ties with the Italian manager in February. His successor, Habib Beye, has guided the team to sixth place with one fixture left to play.
Locker room issues
Liverpool supporters have construed social media messages from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones as indicators that the Reds' locker room has started to lose faith in Slot.
"Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve," Salah posted as part of an extensive Instagram message.
Jones' social media declaration was more concise, stating: "Thank you for your continued support in a disappointing season. It's way off the standards expected at this football club."
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A number of supporters backed the players' stance. "Don't usually agree with questioning the coach in public, but this is an exception," commented one fan, while others interpreted Salah's mention of "heavy metal football" as an endorsement for ex-boss Jurgen Klopp, if not an outright criticism of Slot.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson also weighed in on the matter, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "I mean, the relationship with the manager has been fragmented for a long time since he was left out of the side.
"And I think he's just echoing the voices of the Liverpool supporters that have watched their team and they've watched their team in a slow demise, really, this season in their style of play."