Liverpool have the opportunity to finish their stuttering season on a high note in their final four matches. The Reds' reign as Premier League champions will conclude within a month, with Arsenal or Manchester City likely to succeed them. After rising to fourth place with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, a win against Manchester United on Sunday by a two-goal margin would see them leapfrog their bitter rivals into third. While a top-three finish would not erase the disappointment of what could have been in Arne Slot's second season, it could provide positive momentum heading into the next campaign. Mirror Football examines a swap deal the Dutchman has been urged to pursue, as well as Virgil van Dijk's comments on transfer rumours surrounding his side.
Slot Told to Execute Swap Deal
Among the issues that have hampered Liverpool's progress this season, a lack of firepower from their forward line ranks highly. While the club could invest in their attack this summer, former Reds midfielder Jermaine Pennant has urged Arne Slot to sign Michael Olise as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who will leave the club at the end of the season. The Bayern Munich star has enjoyed a stellar second season in Germany, with 20 goals and 29 assists in 47 appearances. Despite his contract at Bayern running until 2029, Pennant insisted that acquiring the France international must happen "at all costs" for Liverpool. After watching the 24-year-old score a superb strike in Bayern's 5-4 Champions League semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Pennant wrote on X: "Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo Salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus Gakpo." Cody Gakpo has faced criticism from Liverpool fans for disappointing performances, having scored just eight goals and provided six assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Van Dijk Addresses Rumours
With Salah and Andy Robertson set to leave Liverpool, the future of Curtis Jones remains uncertain. The midfielder is approaching the final year of his contract with no updates on a potential new deal. The 25-year-old was linked with a shock move to Inter Milan in the January transfer window but stayed put and has since impressed at right-back in recent weeks. With only 14 league starts this season, there have been suggestions that the England international has grown frustrated with his role under Slot. When asked whether he wants the academy graduate to stay at Anfield, Van Dijk replied: "Of course. I don't know what's going to happen because I'm not the boss. Curtis I thought was outstanding against Everton, was not too much spoken about but especially in possession he was quite a big game-changer, especially in his positioning. It's nice to be in your original position but he is so comfortable on the ball, he understands what is asked from that position."
