Arne Slot has three transfer priorities in first summer in charge at Liverpool

Arne Slot has now been officially announced as Jürgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool, with all eyes on his first transfer window at the helm of the team. The Reds have several key additions to make in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

It's a new era at Anfield. CEO Michael Edwards, sporting director Richard Hughes and now Slot are all in prime position for their first pre-season as a unit. With all appointments made, it's now time to arm the new boss with sufficient reinforcements to ensure the squad is as competitive as it can be next season.

Despite Klopp regularly defying the odds throughout the 2023/24 when taking into account injuries and the excess of games, it eventually caught up with the squad. Losses to Crystal Palace and Everton — while also dropping points to West Ham United and Manchester United — were partly down to this fatigue.

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It comes as no surprise when analyzing the squad, either. The shortcomings have been clear to see for some time now. The Reds are in desperate need of added bodies within the defense, even without taking into account the injuries to Joël Matip, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas throughout the latest campaign.

The emergence of players such as Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah has eased this problem — but not solved it. If Liverpool is to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and top clubs across the Champions League next season, signings will need to be made. A left-footed center-half should be a top priority for Slot, providing both balance and depth within the squad.

The future of captain Virgil van Dijk — who will be entering the final year of his contract at Anfield this summer — is yet to be decided. Regardless of the outcome, a center-back should be at the top of the list. Names such as Gonçalo Inácio, Piero Hincapié and Leny Yoro have all been touted as possible options to be considered.

Elsewhere, another long-term servant's future must also be addressed. Despite Mohamed Salah having no plans to leave the club this summer, he will be turning 32 ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. There have been signs throughout the current season that his powers at the highest level are waning, which could mean Liverpool need further bodies in the right-wing position to support the legendary forward.

West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, Juventus star Federico Chiesa and Real Madrid ace Rodrygo have all been mentioned as possible heirs to the Egyptian king's throne on the right in previous years — but why not have both at the club? Salah can still contribute and lead the team but having other options to complement his talents will only be a positive.

The final priority for this Liverpool squad should be some added defensive grit within midfield. Japanese international Wataru Endõ has been impressive since arriving last summer, although he can't play every minute of every fixture. He is already into his 30s and was never going to be a long-term solution.

Liverpool has already been linked with Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta (via Calciomercato and others), who knocked the Reds out of the Europa League in April. He could be the perfect addition to the midfield for this squad.