Liverpool will take on Chelsea on Saturday, needing three points to edge closer to Champions League qualification. While talk has centred on the future of Arne Slot following a disappointing campaign by the club's standards, it appears the Dutch coach has the backing of Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, to lead the club into the summer and beyond.
With such a decision comes an array of transfer plans. Should Liverpool secure a top-five finish this season, their transfer budget will be significantly bolstered. It will not be a straightforward summer, however. Replacing Mohamed Salah, who is leaving the club after nine years, will likely be the top priority.
Mo Salah Successor Tipped
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, could be the ideal replacement for Salah this summer. Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen was asked if he would like to see Bowen, who has scored 85 goals for West Ham, at Liverpool should the Hammers face relegation this season.
Owen said: "How do you know? I have said that to a couple of my mates the other day. I said, if I had one player. Now, obviously, Jarrod Bowen's a legend of a player, West Ham adore the man, and rightly so. But, if West Ham went down, he would fit for me. I think he's absolutely brilliant. I was lucky enough to do a striking master class for a TV show we did last season with him, and I couldn't believe it. Honestly, left foot, right foot, bang, bang, corners, pace. I mean, a real top finisher. I think he's a brilliant player. I would be taking him to the World Cup, and, as I say, you know, I don't want to upset West Ham fans, but if they went down, then he would be my idea of somebody to replace Salah."
Bowen joined West Ham in January 2020 and is under contract until 2030. Ex-Liverpool forward John Aldridge echoed Owen's comments, telling Boyle Sports: "I've looked at Jarrod Bowen for some years now, and I really like the way he plays football, and what he offers West Ham. He would fit the bill whenever Mo was ready to go, and even now, you still get a couple of good years at least out of him."
Van Dijk Can Help Secure Target
Liverpool could use Virgil van Dijk to help land long-term target Denzel Dumfries. The Reds were interested in the Dutch wing-back in January, but a transfer failed to materialise. According to The Telegraph, Liverpool have been made aware of a release clause in Dumfries's contract at Inter Milan. The Netherlands international is said to be a close friend of Van Dijk, meaning the Reds could task their influential captain with convincing Dumfries to move to Anfield.
Dumfries could slot in on Liverpool's right-hand side, an area that has been plagued by injuries this season, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong struggling for fitness. He could also fill in on the wing in a more attacking role in Salah's absence. The versatile 30-year-old has dealt with his own injury issues, having sustained an ankle injury in November and only returning in February. However, Inter are reportedly seeking replacements, potentially paving the way for the Dutch international's exit.
