Just one year after winning the Premier League title, Arne Slot had to leave the position of Liverpool head coach. Although this decision is not too surprising if you look at The Kop's performance last season, it still opens up a turbulent summer at Anfield.
Liverpool's most urgent task at this time is to find a replacement for Slot. Many sources say that Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth coach, is the brightest candidate. The 43-year-old Spanish strategist impresses with his energetic football philosophy, high-intensity pressing and direct attacking play.
If he takes over Liverpool, Iraola will face a series of important decisions, from replacing Mohamed Salah to rebuilding the squad and restoring the identity that has made the club's success over the years.
Finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah
There is no task more difficult than filling the void left by Salah. The Egyptian star has closed his journey at Anfield after scoring 257 goals for Liverpool and becoming one of the greatest legends in club history.
Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig is one of the most contacted names. However, the transfer fee of up to 87 million pounds makes this deal complicated. In addition, Liverpool is also said to be interested in Bradley Barcola of PSG and Jarrod Bowen of West Ham.
Another option is Michael Olise of Bayern Munich. The French player has made a strong impression since moving to the Bundesliga and is assessed to possess qualities suitable to inherit Salah's role. However, Bayern has no intention of selling the 24-year-old star.
Awakening" existing stars
Besides the procurement, Iraola's equally important task is to maximize the potential from the current force.
Liverpool has spent a huge amount of money in the transfer market, but many contracts have not met expectations. Florian Wirtz has not yet found the most suitable position in the tactical system, while Alexander Isak has not shown his best version.
With Hugo Ekitike injured for a long time, Isak is likely to be given the role of key center forward. Meanwhile, Wirtz may be pulled down to play as a number 10 to promote creativity.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch also need to regain their form after a season showing signs of overload. Along with that, Liverpool must find a way to keep Curtis Jones, a player considered one of the most explosive midfielders in the squad.
On the left flank, Milos Kerkez is expected to become Andy Robertson's long-term successor after positive signs since joining the team.
Adding a world-class center-back
Ibrahima Konate's departure forces Liverpool to look for another quality center-back.
Two prominent names mentioned are Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund. Among them, Schlotterbeck is considered more suitable thanks to his ability to adapt to many different tactical systems and certainty in aerial situations.
However, The Kop also owns two promising young talents, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet. This duo could become the foundation for Liverpool's future defense if given the opportunity to develop.
Goalkeeper problem
Alisson Becker is still the number one choice in goal, but age and injury history make Liverpool need to prepare for the future.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has not created absolute peace of mind every time he is given an opportunity. Therefore, Liverpool is said to be monitoring Lucas Chevalier of PSG, a young goalkeeper with great potential who could become a long-term successor.
