Liverpool have landed on their feet since Arne Slot walked through the door at Anfield, but the summer transfer window could be telling as he looks to build the foundations for long-term success.
Liverpool prepare for season-defining run of fixtures
The Premier League title race appears to have come to a premature ending. Liverpool sit 13 points ahead of Arsenal with 11 matches left to play and will likely be crowned champions unless an extraordinary collapse unfolds on Merseyside.
Regardless, Arne Slot has positioned his side for a jolt at a historic treble, which could cap one of the best debut seasons ever witnessed by a new arrival in English football, provided they can pass the not so small test of thwarting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Continuing the theme of crunch fixtures, Liverpool face Southampton at home this weekend and it’s all uphill from there. Newcastle United stand between the Reds and the Carabao Cup trophy followed by another instalment of the Merseyside Derby once the international break fades into the distance.
Speculation is also growing regarding potential additions this summer. Brighton & Hove Albion star Joao Pedro is on the Reds’ radar while Joshua Kimmich has also been heavily linked with a surprise move to the English top-flight’s champions in waiting.
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Liverpool’s crucial fixture run across all competitions |
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Paris Saint-Germain (A) |
Champions League |
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Southampton (H) |
Premier League |
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Paris Saint-Germain (H) |
Champions League |
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Newcastle United |
Carabao Cup final |
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Everton (H) |
Premier League |
Slot has recently encountered problems among his forward line, with Luis Diaz being deployed as a central striker due to the inconsistency of Darwin Nunez alongside Diogo Jota’s injury issues. Could the Dutchman now be set to shuffle his cards around with the summer window on the horizon?
Darwin Nunez’s stance on Liverpool future amid Al-Hilal interest
According to Football Insider, Nunez is unhappy at Liverpool after they blocked mid-season interest from Al-Hilal despite their willingness to pay ‘huge’ money to lure the Uruguay international to the Middle East.
Blocking talks, Slot and company were unwilling to let the 25-year-old explore his options due to the requirements of their season. FSG will however allow the former Benfica striker to depart Anfield this summer following an uninspiring return.
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He left in 2013: Liverpool flop sold for £15m is now outscoring Nunez
He was one of the worst signings in Liverpool’s modern history.
Earning £140,000 per week, Nunez has registered just six goals and five assists in 36 appearances this season and hasn’t been able to deliver on the early promise shown after his £85 million move to Merseyside.
Across 894 minutes of Premier League action, the powerful forward has taken 26 shots in top-flight action, ten of which have been on target. However, his combined Expected Goals total of 4.01 has been unconvincing to say the least.
Financially, Liverpool could attract a significant transfer fee if they sell Nunez this summer. Evaluating his situation, an exit may be the best course of action for all parties.
