Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool's primary transfer focus will be on replacing Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian forward set to leave at the end of the season. Salah announced last month he would depart on a free transfer after nine years at the club, while Andy Robertson is also expected to leave upon the expiry of his contract.
Speaking ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton, Slot indicated that the club does not anticipate a repeat of last summer's record-breaking £450 million spending spree. However, he acknowledged the need to address key areas, particularly the void left by Salah. 'The first aim is to see how we are acting in the position of Mo, if we want to replace him with a similar player or if we are going to do that differently,' Slot said.
The Reds head coach also noted that Kostas Tsimikas will return from his loan at Roma, potentially offsetting Robertson's departure. Slot emphasised that the club's approach is to identify areas of need rather than specific numbers of signings. 'You know we are a trading club, so let's first see what is actually going to happen in the summer then we know better what to bring in,' he added.
Liverpool's season ended without silverware after a 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, but Slot remains optimistic about the future. 'For the people who watched the PSG game, it is fair to say for me the future does look bright,' he said, highlighting the team's ability to compete with Europe's best despite the impending departures of Salah and Robertson.
