Liverpool are facing potential departures and transfer incomings this summer, as Arne Slot looks to turn around his time at Anfield after a dreadful campaign
Liverpool have virtually secured their Champions League berth for next season, though supporters will demand a convincing victory to guarantee their European spot.
The Reds sit fifth in the Premier League standings after a miserable season and would only drop into the Europa League if they suffered defeat while Bournemouth overturned a goal difference gap against Nottingham Forest, with Liverpool’s currently six superior. Arne Slot’s team welcome Brentford to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with the manager declining to reveal whether Mohamed Salah will feature in his starting line-up.
The 33-year-old hasn’t held back with his comments ahead of his Anfield goodbye, prompting some suggestions he should be omitted. The Liverpool legend has clashed with Slot, but the Dutch chief won’t let this influence his team selection for Sunday as he starts to look towards next season. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Slot on Salah
Slot said: “I don’t think it is that important what I feel about it. What is important is that we qualify for the Champions League on Sunday and I prepare Mo and the whole team in the best possible way for the game.
“I was very disappointed after our loss against Villa because a win would have given us qualification for the Champions League which we didn’t get.
“Now there’s one game to go which is a vital one for us as a club. We both want what’s best for the club, we both want the club to be successful and that’s the main aim.”
£87m target offered new contract
RB Leipzig are reportedly readying a new contract offer for Liverpool target Yan Diomande in an attempt to fend off interest in the winger.
The 19-year-old caught the Reds’ attention after transferring to Germany last summer in a deal valued at roughly £17million. The Athletic reports that he is a leading target for the Reds this summer.
Sky Germany suggests Leipzig are reacting to Premier League interest by preparing a lucrative contract for Diomande. The young star is already contracted until 2030, but the Bundesliga outfit are eager to safeguard one of their most prized assets.
Reports suggest no club has yet matched Leipzig’s valuation of the winger, which stands at approximately €100m (£87m). The 19-year-old’s own comments have further dampened Liverpool’s hopes as he appears content to remain in Germany.
Diomande stated: “My contract here is until 2030, so I have four more years. What’s going to happen afterwards? I don’t know. I am a Leipzig player. I will never forget this opportunity.
“The media only sees me on the pitch, but the club helped me a lot with my family and my mum. The only thing I can do for them is to give everything on the pitch and this is what I’m trying to do every day.”
Reds star ‘open to move’
Inter Milan are reportedly front-runners to sign Curtis Jones, with the Liverpool academy graduate said to be “open” to a Serie A transfer.
TEAMTalk reports that the midfielder is interested in a move to Italy, casting doubt over his long-term future at Anfield. The homegrown star would be a significant loss to Liverpool.
However, the 25-year-old has just over a year left on his existing contract and it’s understood negotiations with the Reds hierarchy have ground to a halt. Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle, also retain a keen interest in Jones.
However, it’s the Serie A powerhouses who have positioned themselves as favourites for the midfielder’s services. Initial contact was established in January and Inter have subsequently returned to orchestrate a summer transfer.
Jones is valued at approximately £30m given his contractual situation and the Champions League winner may choose to seek pastures new to enhance his playing opportunities.