The Reds are riding high in both the Premier League and the Champions League, but they need to address some serious squad issues
Arne Slot's Liverpool reign couldn't have got off to a much better start. The former Feyenoord coach had the unenviable task of taking over from Kop icon Jurgen Klopp, but it's all going swimmingly so far.
Granted, Slot's predecessor left the Reds in rude health, but the Dutchman has surpassed all expectations, with his team top of both the Premier League and the Champions League at the midway point of the season.
However, we've seen Liverpool struggle during the business end of the campaign before. Only last season fatigue caught up with Klopp's quadruple-chasers and they ultimately had to settle for a Carabao Cup win with kids and a return to Europe's top table via a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
So, might the Reds be tempted to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window? Or should the focus be tying key players down to new contracts? GOAL suggests six moves Liverpool should make below…
Getty Images SportSign up Salah!
There have been murmurings in recent days that Liverpool are close to agreeing a contract extension with Mohamed Salah, but there's been no official confirmation, which is utterly shameful. The Egyptian is arguably the best player in the world right now and yet he'll be in a position to start discussing terms with other clubs on January 1, meaning Liverpool could lose him for nothing next summer.
It's a complete joke – but not a single supporter sees the funny side. There are understandable concerns about Salah's salary and age – but he clearly wants to stay, meaning a compromise should have been reached ages ago.
Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and everyone else involved in the negotiations need to get this shocking situation sorted – yesterday.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTie down Trent!
Just like Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season – which is arguably even more unbelievable. The versatile right-back has only just turned 26. He's entering his prime years and has long been touted as a future Liverpool captain. It beggars belief, then, that he could join Real Madrid next summer – and for absolutely nothing.
Cashing in on Alexander-Arnold if he wanted out right after Klopp's exit would have been one thing, but seeing such a valuable asset – and a homegrown hero at that – move leave on a free transfer would be utterly unforgivable.
And the killer thing is, whereas Salah is still expected to stay, the fear is mounting that Alexander-Arnold might actually move to Madrid to link up with his good friend Jude Bellingham.
Getty Images SportKeep the captain!
Liverpool's reluctance to give Virgil van Dijk a new deal is slightly more understandable. The Dutchman turns 34 next summer and not every defender can pull a Pepe by producing world-class performances right into their 40s.
However, Van Dijk has been back to his imperious best this season, coasting through big games even when faced with some of the most formidable forwards in world football.
Liverpool would also be lost without him. Ibrahima Konate has come on leaps and bounds this season but is having injury issues, Joe Gomez is still viewed as nothing more than a very useful utility man while Jarell Quansah has regressed terribly over the past few months.
Bottom line: Liverpool can't afford to let Van Dijk leave. The club still needs to bring in a new left-sided centre-back – but to learn from the best in the business rather than immediately replace him. On this season's evidence, Van Dijk still has a fair few years left in him at the highest level.
Getty ImagesGet game time for Chiesa
Slot has a tough call to make on Federico Chiesa. Liverpool knew they were taking a bit of a risk signing such an injury-prone player (even if it was a relatively low fee for a European Championship winner), but his fragility has nonetheless become a cause for concern.
The Italy international has been restricted to just four appearances since joining from Juventus because of a variety of minor ailments and Slot says he feels sorry for Chiesa. The manager has also publicly admitted that while Chiesa clearly needs game time, he can't guarantee him any because of the intense competition for places in his attack.
The thing is, though, Chiesa showed during a very encouraging cameo in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton what he is capable of when fit and firing, so Slot might well be reluctant to let the versatile winger leave on loan during the January transfer window, particularly as Diogo Jota still appears to be made of glass and Darwin Nunez continues to frustrate up front.
Still, while Liverpool should definitely begin the hunt for a No.9 they can actually rely on, they don't lack options out wide, so a return to Italy on a six-month loan move might prove beneficial for Chiesa in the long run.
It would allow the versatile attacker to get some games under his belt, and he wouldn't be short of suitors in Serie A either – if the Reds were willing to cover some of his salary.
