Having already seen Sadio Mane leave for pastures new in the form of Bayern Munich this summer, Klopp will no doubt be concerned that Salah could follow suit. The 30-year-old has been holding out on a new deal for some time, prompting speculation that the Reds could even begrudgingly allow the striker to leave this term, as opposed to risking losing him on a free transfer in 12 months. time. But Salah’s signing of new terms, which will see him stay on Merseyside until 2025 and become the club’s highest-paid player in history with reported wages in excess of £350,000-a-week, will be a significant weight off Klopp’s mind . The German will now be able to focus on other issues. With his talisman strapped on, Express Sport take a closer look at four other pressing priorities Klopp will now look to tackle, including solving his current striker conundrum and pressing for a new star in midfield . JUST IN: Barcelona’s latest take on ‘Ousmane Dembele case’ after free agency
Solving the attacker’s puzzle
With Salah’s long-term future at Liverpool now set, Klopp’s line-up for next season has finally been finalised. The move to tie the winger down to a new deal will likely see the Reds boss stick to the plan as he seeks to avoid any further transfer activity until next January at the earliest. Liverpool moved quickly to replace Mane with Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez before the Senegalese striker even left, leaving Klopp with five forward options at his disposal. But while Salah and Nunez are a shoe-in for the German’s starting line-up, with Luis Diaz likely in January, it remains to be seen what happens with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota. Firmino is currently understood to be attracting interest from Juventus while Jota is unlikely to settle for a place in the side. With Liverpool expected to once again charge four times as much next season, the pair will no doubt be required as rotation will be key, but Klopp may well need to convince Firmino and Jota that they will have their time shine. DON’T MISS OUT
Determining the preferred defender of the pair
While Virgil van Dijk’s importance to this Liverpool squad is undeniable, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the preferred centre-back partner. Last season, Klopp used both Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate alongside the Dutchman and both enjoyed impressive spells in the side. While Matip was crowned Premier League Player of the Month for March after a string of outstanding displays, Konate, who arrived from RB Leipzig in a £36million move last summer, shone at times while producing some priceless efforts as part of the Reds’ run to the Champions League final. In order to disrupt Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League, Klopp may have to decide which of the two will best compliment Van Dijk, especially when it comes to facing Pep Guardiola’s side. Matip featured in both league games last season as the pair played out two 2-2 draws, while Konate played – and scored – in the Reds’ FA Cup semi-final win over City. Perhaps it’s time for Klopp to trust the Frenchman to partner Van Dijk for all of Liverpool’s big games next season.
Signing of a new star midfielder
While this is unlikely to be an item on Klopp’s agenda that can be tackled immediately, there is no denying that signing – or at least disposing of – a new midfielder will be high on the Liverpool boss’ list of priorities. In fact, it’s an area the Reds have needed to strengthen for some time. The Anfield outfit have made no secret of their desire to add a young, dynamic midfield presence to their ranks this summer, having hotly pursued Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni. However, the Reds failed to sign the 22-year-old from Real Madrid – despite agreeing personal terms. With Klopp understood to have completed his spending spree already this summer, the need for a new midfield maestro is a topic that won’t be going away anytime soon. Liverpool are now likely to postpone their pursuit of a young curator until next summer, but the club will have to do everything they can in the meantime to ensure they don’t lose their top target again in 12 months’ time. It may well be wise for Klopp to adopt the charming attacking approach with Jude Bellingham as soon as possible.
Addressing the future of Neco Williams
Another conundrum Klopp could do with the clearing is what to do with Neco Williams. With Trent Alexander-Arnold establishing himself as one of the most effective right-backs in world football, the young Welshman will no doubt find opportunities limited at Anfield. However, as he proved during a fruitful loan spell with Fulham last season, the 21-year-old is an exciting prospect. The Alexander-Arnold pupil scored twice and provided two assists during the second half of the season as he helped the Cottagers return to the Premier League. Unsurprisingly, his good performances have attracted the attention of several clubs in the top flight of English football and Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest are believed to be leading the race for his coveted signature. Amid intense interest from elsewhere, Klopp faces a dilemma: promise to give Williams plenty of playing time next season – perhaps experimenting with Alexander-Arnold in midfield – or accept that keeping the Wales international at Anfield will hinder its development and cash. this summer, while demand is high and clubs seem willing to pay the price.
