How Arne Slot's first Liverpool squad could look with four new signings and nine exits

The countdown is on for Arne Slot to officially take charge of Liverpool. Having been confirmed as the club’s new head coach, the Dutchman will be looking ahead to meeting his new squad for the first time.

Slot officially takes charge of the Reds on June 1, with his players set to return to duty later in July. With Euro 2024 and Copa América taking place, that could complicate when exactly the 45-year-old will get to meet his squad.

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But once the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister report back the AXA Training Centre, there might be a few new faces joining them. We’ve taken a look at what Arne Slot’s new first-team squad could look like this summer, with four new signings and seven players making way.

Out

We of course already know Joël Matip and Thiago Alcântara are departing, and both have bid farewell to Anfield. Adrián looks likely to follow, with his contract expiring, and the Spaniard having discussed his desire to move back to Spain.

They might not be the only ones heading out of the exit door though. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez have both been linked with moves away this summer, although both have already been identified as key players for next season by Slot.

Other members of the squad could therefore be eyed up for potential departures. Luis Díaz has been linked with Barcelona and PSG recently, and his father has already talked up a move to Spain at some point. It has been suggested that a decision on the Colombian’s future will be made this summer, with the result either an improved deal at Anfield, or a move elsewhere.

We’ve already outlined the reasons why Kostas Tsimikas might be lined up for a move this summer. The Greek international is unlikely to dislodge Andy Robertson any time soon, and Joe Gomez has proven to be a more than able replacement at left-back, so it might be time for Tsimikas to look elsewhere for more opportunities.

The heroes from the 2020/21 season could also be on their way this summer. Both Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are unlikely to force their way back into contention for the first-team at Anfield, and their departures would probably be the best option for both club and players.

Elsewhere, there could be some youngsters looking at heading out on loan. Hull City is interested in James McConnell, according to the Hull Daily Mail, while Jayden Danns might head out on a temporary move after bursting onto the scene this season.

In

It is hard to predict where Slot will look first in bolstering his squad. All signs seem to point toward him targeting a new winger though, and Johan Bakayoko would appear a good option.

He will of course know the PSV Eindhoven star from his time in the Eredivisie. Liverpool has never really had a backup to Salah, and having a 21-year-old acting as his deputy next season would set things up nicely for Bakayoko to eventually succeed the Egyptian.

There can be little doubt that Liverpool is in need of a new defender, especially after Matip’s departure. Gonçalo Inácio is a name most fans will be familiar with by now, and with Julian Ward back with FSG, his influence in the Portuguese market could well give the Reds a chance at landing the 22-year-old.

Slot will almost certainly be linked with a lot of his former players this summer, although one in particular will probably interest Liverpool fans more than others. Teun Koopmeiners has already made it clear he wants a move away from Atalanta this summer, and has earmarked the Premier League as a preferred destination, so why not reunite with his former AZ Alkmaar boss?

Elsewhere, a new senior goalkeeper to replace Adrián would be ideal, especially if Caoimhín Kelleher is also to depart. Southampton’s Alex McCarthy has already been touted, and may well be in line to take up the ‘father figure’ role left behind by the Spaniard.

Arne Slot's first Liverpool squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Caoimhín Kelleher, Alex McCarthy.

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, Calvin Ramsay, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jarell Quansah, Gonçalo Inácio, Andy Robertson.

Midfielders: Wataru Endō, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark, Teun Koopmeiners.

Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Johan Bakayoko, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo.

Out on loan: James McConnell, Jayden Danns.