Closer Than You Think
Well there you go folks, the big international tournaments are through. Us footy fans can get that long-awaited exhale from the sport before the madness starts again. Wait, it begins in less than a month??? Now that’s honestly ridiculous. It did feel like the conclusion of the Euros and the Copa America signaled the official end to the 2023/24 season. The official offseason is now set to begin. However, with the time we have left, which includes Liverpool’s preseason featuring a few games wherein they head stateside, I think that the Reds are somewhat cutting it close with their preseason preparations.
READ MORE: Footy Fatigue by John Carl Bolido
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: YouTube / X (Formerly Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok / Patreon
APB For Signings
I would be remiss not to touch on this topic. Despite the typical lack of nuance displayed when it comes to discussing potential incoming players, it needs to be addressed. Everyone knows that Arne Slot is our new manager. With Slot comes a new style of play. This could potentially warrant some new bodies being brought in to execute said system better. However, I think every Liverpool fan in the world should also know that it’s not the wisest thing to judge signings in major international tournaments. With rival clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea already making noteworthy moves, the unease of some Liverpool fans is warranted to some extent. Most should end up realizing though, that with Michael Edwards back, the Reds will look to be more precise with their signings as they did in years past, so patience is key.
Contract Situations
When talking about the Arne Slot era, and everything that it could entail in the coming years, there is a massive elephant in the room that will be looking to rear its head sooner rather than later. That is the contract situation of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson. Four players who formed the backbone of our modern-era success will see their deals expire sooner than you think.
This aspect of the Liverpool offseason can be the difference between the success or failure of the Arne Slot era. Although the likes of van Dijk, Salah, and Alisson specifically are towards the tail end of their respective peaks, there’s no doubt that they are still among the best in the world for their respective positions. To ease a potential burden, the contract renewals of all four players should be a massive priority.
Looking Ahead
It’s way too early for season predictions, even with the season being less than a month away. But heck, I’ll be that guy and do it anyway. Under the assumption that we will address our most critical positional needs in another defensive midfielder, and center back, I think that this team is solid enough to make the top four relatively easily. A title challenge, however, might be asking for a bit too much. Especially considering that Liverpool’s chief rivals for the title, Manchester City and Arsenal, are deeper into their development cycles, whilst the Reds are just getting started.
Overall though, next season represents relatively uncharted territory for Liverpool following the Klopp era. I believe that as supporters, the best way we can show our support for Arne Slot is by giving him the chance to implement his style, personality, and voice to this team. Do that, and we’ll be back where we are, challenging for major honors, sooner rather than later.
