Liverpool ended the season with a dismal 1-1 draw at home to Brentford and the Reds will look very different without Mohamed Salah as Arne Slot plans a transfer rebuild
Liverpool are now preparing for a busy summer following the conclusion of their dreadful season.
The Reds ended their campaign with a dismal 1-1 draw at home against Brentford, which left them in fifth place in the league, qualifying for the Champions League in the least impressive way possible. Significant transfer activity is required this summer if Arne Slot and his squad are to pose a serious threat in the title race next year.
The Reds’ defence of their 20th top-flight title fizzled out as Arsenal and Manchester City battled for silverware. The Gunners ultimately clinched their first championship in 22 years, leaving Liverpool a shocking 25 points behind. However, if they are to mount a challenge, they’ll have to do so without Mohamed Salah, who has played his final match for the club. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
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Owen makes prediction
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen doesn’t believe Liverpool will be in a position to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title next season.
Owen, who netted 158 goals for the Reds before his controversial moves to Real Madrid and then Manchester United, believes both Manchester United and City stand a better chance of toppling Arteta’s side.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” the former England striker told Metro. “I think Man City will be strong. They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.
“And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender. Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
Owen’s prediction makes for grim reading for supporters to digest considering, next season, both Manchester clubs will be managed by bosses who have never clinched a Premier League before.
Should City launch a title bid, they’ll have to manage it without the iconic Pep Guardiola, who is departing the club this summer. United will be led by Michael Carrick, who penned a long-term contract on Friday after taking charge from Ruben Amorim in January.
Salah’s farewell message surfaces
Salah delivered a parting message to Liverpool supporters following their clash with Brentford.
However, he addressed his team-mates during training beforehand in footage that has surfaced from behind the scenes, encouraging Slot and the squad to return to their winning formula.
The winger, alongside departing Andy Robertson, received farewell presents from the club to commemorate their nine years at Liverpool prior to the Brentford encounter.
Salah, who issued a contentious warning through social media just under a fortnight ago concerning Liverpool’s disappointing form this campaign, reinforced his stance face-to-face with his now former colleagues and the club’s coaching team, including Slot.
“Wait, one more thing I want to say,” Salah said in front of the Liverpool squad. “Being Liverpool, to win something for Liverpool and win games, it’s the best thing that could happen to you.
“I think it’s the best club in the world when you win something – and the worst club in the world when you lose. So you better win next year.
“I don’t want to be emotional today, because tomorrow’s going to be an emotional day. But I have really appreciated every moment I’ve had at this club, I had a great time with all of you, and it’s something I will take in the future. So thank you very much and hopefully I will see you soon again.”
‘Genuine interest’ in £86m winger
Liverpool are said to hold “genuine interest” in Brazilian right winger Rayan and might make an audacious summer approach for him.
The 19-year-old has adapted superbly to the Premier League since joining Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in a £30m deal in January, notching up five goals and two assists in his first 14 appearances in England.
Not only is the 6ft 2in teenager on Liverpool’s radar, he’s also forced his way into the Brazil squad ahead of the World Cup.
According to TeamTalk, former Bournemouth transfer guru turned Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has put the young prospect on his shortlist.
However, Bournemouth are said to have agreed an £86m release clause as part of Rayan’s contract, which runs until 2031, so he would not come cheap.