'Different capacity': Arne Slot could now start using £34m Liverpool player differently next season - journalist

A new era is set to begin at Liverpool next season as Jurgen Klopp prepares to step down from the Anfield hotseat.

The Reds have reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Feyenoord for Arne Slot to replace Klopp at Anfield this summer.

FSG, Liverpool’s owners, have also brought in Michael Edwards as their CEO of Football, while Richard Hughes is set to become the Reds’ new sporting director.

The future of several key Liverpool players is also uncertain, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all out of contract in 2025.

Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

Salah’s future in particular is under the spotlight in wake of his disagreement with Klopp during the 2-2 draw with West Ham last weekend.

With Saudi Arabian clubs having had their eye on Salah, it remains to be seen whether they move for him again in the summer transfer window.

However, The Athletic has reported that Liverpool are expecting Salah to stay in his current surroundings ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Now, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has spoken about what Slot could have in store for the Reds talisman next season.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Liverpool and Mohamed Salah?

Jacobs, writing on GiveMeSport, believes the Reds are planning to use the £34million man in a “slightly different capacity” next season.

Liverpool apparently believe he would rise to the challenge if he stops being a regular starter, and also back him to become a mentor of sorts to his teammates.

Jacobs wrote: “From Liverpool’s perspective, I think one of the reasons why they would like to keep Salah despite the Saudi interest is because they understand that were he to be out of the side a bit more under a new manager next season, he has the right kind of character to rise to that challenge and mentor others.

“He would be used frequently and be integral to the team, but maybe in a slightly different capacity to now.

“That means that players don’t so much pass their peak at Liverpool as age like a fine wine. That is down to the fact that their recruitment doesn’t just find the right footballers, but it finds the right characters as well.”

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If a Saudi club comes in with a huge bid for Salah, then Liverpool will have some thinking to do with regards to the player’s future.

In that case, the Reds may be better off cashing in on him and reinvesting these funds in the squad for the present and the future.

Admittedly, if no bid comes forth, then Liverpool’s job becomes easier. Salah would be an invaluable mentor to his younger teammates and any new arrivals.

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