The consensus among Premier League fans once the summer transfer window slammed shut was that Liverpool’s £446 million spending was the best business conducted by any club in English football history. But four months into the season, and they look to have already surrendered their title, and problems are giving Arne Slot an almighty headache.
Mohamed Salah’s future is in significant doubt after the Egyptian forward suggested he has “no relationship” with Slot. He has been recalled for the game against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend ahead of the African Cup of Nations but could well make way in January.
Liverpool may already have a replacement in mind and GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano reports they are in talks to sign Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanaian has a £65 million release clause which becomes active in the January transfer window, and the race is on to sign one of the league’s most in-form attackers.
Semenyo might not be the only new arrival at Anfield next month, as Slot will want to address the defence’s glaring issues. One of those is Ibrahima Konate, who has endured an error-prone season thus far, and the club may well look to replace the Frenchman.
With that said, here’s how the Merseyside giants could line up if there are ins and outs during the winter.
Slot Sticks To His Guns
Slot has switched up his formation on several occasions to try to fit as many of his superstars in his team, but the 4-3-3 could be the way to go if Semenyo arrives. The Cherries attacker is extremely versatile but could thrive on the right wing with Conor Bradley behind him.
Much of the criticism thrown at Salah this season has been a lack of effort tracking back but Semenyo is energy personified, willing to help out in defence before using his frightening pace on the counter-attack. This setup is perfect for him to come into a frightening frontline.
Slot’s main issue could be Alexander Isak, who continues to stutter at the start of his Anfield career. But spending £125 million on a player almost makes them undroppable, and he could retain faith in the Swede to come good while turning to Hugo Ekitike off the bench.
Konate’s struggles could be rectified by bringing Marc Guehi, who reportedly still wants to join the club despite missing out on a deadline day move in September. The Crystal Palace captain would give Slot a refresh at the back and line up alongside Virgil van Dijk to form a strong partnership.
The midfield could see Slot start to move away from Alexis Mac Allister, who has failed to replicate his incredible performances from last season. The Argentine is linked with Real Madrid, and preparing for life without him, perhaps with Adam Wharton in mind next summer, should see Dominik Szoboszlai become Ryan Gravenberch’s midfield partner with Florian Wirtz ahead of them.
Slot’s Need For Speed
It seems unlikely Mac Allister will be moved on in January, but he shouldn’t be starting ahead of either Szoboszlai or Gravenberch in midfield. The only issue is on the left, with question marks over Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson’s experience feels the way to go if Slot is to rely on a pacey setup.
Cody Gakpo hasn’t been at his best as of late, and this gives Slot the easy decision to use Ekitike out on the left with Semenyo on the right and Wirtz in a number 10 role. This allows the Dutch coach’s two strikers to start, with Isak to lead the line in an exciting attacking system.