Liverpool would never want to get ahead of themselves in the Premier League title race and Arne Slot will be insisting that they have not won anything yet after dropping points at Aston Villa on Wednesday night. However, those behind the scenes at Anfield will be making plans for the summer with eventuality that the Reds lift the title.
While Arsenal can close the gap to Liverpool with a victory in their game in hand, the Reds would still hold a comfortable five point gap and if they are currently experiencing their blip, it is nowhere near as catastrophic as those around them. Whatever happens between now and the end of May, Slot should be praised for how well he has managed to adapt to the Premier League.
However, the next challenge will be to improve knowing that Manchester City will return to the fight, Arsenal will invest and Chelsea shall be planning a push next season. The ECHO has taken a closer look at what the end of season plan could be for the Reds heading into the summer.
Salah deal
The first port of call must be to tie Mohamed Salah down to a new contract. Yes there are factors in play regarding his age and how long he will be able to continue to do it at an elite level.
But, everyone who talks about Salah is mesmerised by how professional he is. The Egyptian remains one of the fittest players in the squad and his returns this season remain sensational considering his age.
A two-year deal would be a huge confidence boost for the entire club and if it could be coupled with a new contract for Virgil van Dijk too, then even better. Salah’s contract must be the priority at this stage because I am unsure how much money Liverpool would need to spend to replace him.
Alexander-Arnold agreement
Trent Alexander-Arnold completes the trio of Liverpool players whose contracts are due to expire at the end of the season. Unfortunately, as much as the fanbase would be delighted to see him stay, I don’t think that will be agreed.
Alexander-Arnold seems to have his heart set on a move to the Bernabeu and who can blame him. It is a shame that Liverpool will be unable to bring in a fee for him but, considering the value his performances have brought to the club, there should be an agreement to allow no hard feelings and wave him off with the backing of the team and the fanbase.
Looking to the future, replacing Alexander-Arnold should be straightforward with Conor Bradley primed to take his place. The academy graduate deserves the opportunity to show he can fill the considerable boots of Alexander-Arnold moving forwards.
Huge Premier League transfer
With the matter of contract renewals sorted, attention must then turn to incomings. Liverpool cannot afford to stand still in the summer transfer window, City did that and look where it has got them.
The Reds must aim to invest particularly in the attack to try and lighten the burden on Salah. A new No.9 will be sort after in the summer transfer window and, if the money is available, why not push for someone like Alexander Isak.
End of this season is likely to be an interesting time for the Newcastle United frontman as he weighs up whether to stick or twist. If Liverpool can submit a fee that is tempting for the North East club, Isak could well make a move to Anfield which would certainly strengthen their chances next season.