Liverpool could lose some big players this summer but Paul Merson believes it’s imperative they keep two first-teamers if Mo Salah leaves.
The Reds will be in for a summer of change as Jurgen Klopp jets off into the sunset after his last game at Anfield next weekend.
For now, though, there is the task of preparing to face Aston Villa on Monday, while further down the line, Liverpool need to plan for the summer.
Amongst those plans will be who stays, who goes, and who comes into the club.
And with forward Mo Salah being linked with a move away from the club, Paul Merson believes there are two more names who Arne Slot has to keep if that happens.
Paul Merson names the two Liverpool players who have to stay if Mo Salah leaves
Writing in his weekly column for SportsKeeda, Merson admitted there are two players who Liverpool have to keep is Mo Salah leaves.
“I think Mohamed Salah goes to Saudi this summer and Arne Slot will have a huge task on his hands to replace the Egyptian’s goals, if he does end up leaving.
“A lot of coaches and backroom staff from the Jurgen Klopp era will also be on their way out, so the Dutchman has his work cut out for him. They have to keep Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, though, as these two players form the spine of their backline,” Merson said.
Van Dijk and Alisson are vital
Both of these players have been integral to the Jurgen Klopp era in general and there is a feeling Arne Slot will value both players.
Indeed, Van Dijk is said to be excited about the prospect of working with Slot, which does indeed bode well for the incoming Reds boss.
Alisson, as we all know, is one of the very best goalkeepers in the world and simply has to stay.
Liverpool cannot replace the likes of Van Dijk and Alisson. In fact, replacing someone like Salah would be hard enough so if all three are on the chopping block, then Slot is starting on the back foot.
As Merson says, the duo have to stay, especially if Salah is to depart.
