Liverpool need to keep hold of two key players this summer to help Arne Slot when he arrives at Anfield. Paul Merson say.
It is all but confirmed that Feyenoord is manager Slot takes over from Jürgen Klopp if the German leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.
It is a a daunting prospect for the 45-year-oldnot least because he follows Klopp's highly successful nine-year spell in charge, but moreover he has never succeeded outside his native Netherlands.
It's a huge move and a risk for the Reds, who are willing to back their new manager in the transfer market and help shape the playing squad to his liking.
But there is speculation that several key stars could leave the club before Slot's tenure begins, including Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Virgil van Dijk.
Salah has been continuously linked with one the big money moves to the Saudi Pro League and Merson believes Liverpool must accept their fate in that regard, but has urged the Reds to keep two players regardless.
'I think Muhammad Salah is going to Saudi Arabia this summer and Arne Slot “If he does end up leaving, he will have a huge task to replace the Egyptian's goals,” the Arsenal legend said Sportkeeda.
'A lot of coaches and backroom staff from the Jurgen Klopp The era is also coming to an end, so the Dutchman has his work cut out for him.
“But they need to keep Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker because these players are the backbone of their backline.”
Captain Van Dijk is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the world and has been crucial to Liverpool's success under Klopp, as has Alisson, even if the goalkeeper has struggled with injuries of late.
Van Dijk is associated with a surprising transfer to Bayern Munichbut the 32-year-old insists he is 'happy' at Anfield and wants to help compatriot Slot settle.
The central defender said: 'I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.”
For now, the Reds will aim to end Klopp's reign on a high, starting with a visit to Aston Villa on Monday evening in what will be an exciting encounter between third and fourth places in the table.
'Aston Villa play tonight [Thursday] against Olympiakos and must overturn a 4-2 deficit for a place in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina,” Merson added.
“Liverpool will just go out there and try to open the game up because they're not playing for anything, so I think this will be a fun game to watch.
'It largely depends on the atmosphere and the outcome of Villa's Conference League match, but I'm going for a 2-2 draw.'
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