Liverpool’s Premier League title dream is dead and the Jurgen Klopp farewell tour is set to go out with a whimper.
The Liverpool squad fell out of form at the wrong time, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Dominik Szoboszlai all hitting a low point in recent weeks, unable to lead the Reds over the line.
Klopp’s nine-year reign at Liverpool will end in three matches left until newly-appointed manager Arne Slot arrives to usher the Reds into a new era.
🔴❗️ Liverpool have already started looking at centre backs for the summer transfer window as one of the priority positions to cover.Internal talks are taking place about options and list to be discussed with Arne Slot in the next weeks. pic.twitter.com/OPhW1pPtb4— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 29, 2024
🔴❗️ Liverpool have already started looking at centre backs for the summer transfer window as one of the priority positions to cover.Internal talks are taking place about options and list to be discussed with Arne Slot in the next weeks. pic.twitter.com/OPhW1pPtb4
Slot will join Liverpool from Feyenoord, a club he led to the Eredivisie title in 2022-23 and the KNVB Cup in 2023-24.
Slot's public eagerness to succeed Klopp undoubtedly facilitated the process.
The Eredivisie side managed to secure £9.4m in compensation after Slot was earmarked by Liverpool’s data-crunchers as the ideal coach to succeed Klopp.
Despite inheriting a talented group of players, Slot could bring some familiar faces with him from Feyenoord. Although the final say over any signing will be Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Lutsharel Geertruida, a versatile defender, has been linked with several clubs over the past 12 months. Despite this speculation, he has remained focused and has had an impressive season.
Slot has deployed Geertruida in various roles, including right-back, left-back, and centre-back. Liverpool’s poor end of the season form showed an upgrade in defence could be needed.
Geertruida's ability to adapt and contribute both defensively and offensively has been a highlight of Feyenoord's campaign, with six goals and four assists in the Eredivisie.
Another Feyenoord player who might join Slot at Liverpool is midfielder Mats Weiffer. The 24-year-old has been in excellent form, consistently delivering high-quality performances.
Weiffer's ability to win, retain, and progress the ball makes him an invaluable asset in midfield.
Standing at 6ft 2in, he can play multiple roles, offering versatility to Slot's squad. It is Liverpool’s midfield that is packed with talent.
However, could Liverpool see fit to sell off one of their academy graduates, like Curtis Jones or Stefan Bacjetic in the offseason?
There is also the likely sale of midfielder Fabio Carvalho, who had an unsuccessful loan at RB Leipzig before enjoying a successful loan at Hull City.
Despite Liverpool's impressive attacking talent, there is always room for reinforcement, especially with rumours swirling that Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and even Salah could leave in the summer.
One player who could provide additional firepower is Santiago Gimenez. The 23-year-old forward has attracted interest from several top European clubs following his prolific performances for Feyenoord.
With 21 goals already this season, Gimenez has proven himself as a reliable goal scorer. His potential addition to Liverpool's attacking unit could provide the team with a new dimension.
Klopp revoluntionised Liverpool squad over time after arrival in 2015. Slot won’t need to overhaul the team quite as much.
Indeed, it looks increasingly likely that players will leave, so reuniting the manager with some former Feyenoord players could be on the cards.