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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that he and sporting director Richard Hughes are actively planning the squad for next season after successfully completing important contract renewals. Their collaboration signals a new era at Anfield, as the club looks to stay competitive at the top of English football.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Slot stated that he and Hughes are “planning how we want to create the squad next season,” highlighting Hughes’s role in securing new contracts for key players. Liverpool have recently ensured the futures of stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, providing much-needed stability as the team faces a summer of expected changes. Slot acknowledged criticism about the club’s dealings but insisted, “In the end, we got what we wanted!”
LIVERPOOL’S SEASON AND THE CONTRACT SITUATION
This season, Liverpool have remained in the title race, buoyed by standout performances from key players. Virgil van Dijk has featured in 41 games, logging nearly 3,700 minutes, with Mohamed Salah contributing in 43 appearances, underlining their importance to the squad. With Salah and Van Dijk’s contracts secured, the club can now approach the transfer window with a clearer vision. However, challenges remain: Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer, while further contract expiries loom in 2026 and 2027 for Ibrahima Konate, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz, and others, who are all essential players for Liverpool’s squad.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool’s immediate focus will be reinforcing the squad to maintain their Premier League competitiveness. Several positions are under review, including striker, defensive midfielder, centre-back, and left-back, especially with potential departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz being discussed. With upcoming fixtures, Liverpool remain in contention near the top of the table, where they sit with a comfortable 13 points advantage to second place Arsenal who seem to shift their focus to the Champions League where they will face PSG for a spot in the final. Planning with Hughes allows Slot to build on recent successes and navigate the looming summer rebuild with confidence and clarity.
