Arne Slot downplays talk of major Liverpool overhaul

Arne Slot has downplayed talk of Liverpool undergoing major changes in this summer’s transfer market, stating that the contract extensions of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah demonstrate the club’s ambition for the years ahead.

Van Dijk, like Salah, was officially confirmed to have signed a new two-year contract extension on Thursday, putting an end to months of speculation about the captain’s long-term future.

With both players securing their futures, it’s been an impressive week for the club off the pitch.

Following Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, Van Dijk shared that the club was “planning to make it a big summer.”

The Dutch defender’s decision to sign a new contract ensures the continuation of his legendary career at Anfield, which began in January 2018

Asked for his opinion on Van Dijk’s comments during his Good Friday press conference, Slot expressed that the extensions of both players are clear evidence that Liverpool are planning to strengthen for next season.

“I think at Liverpool there is always a big summer and it is already a big summer now,” Slot said.

“Maybe the players don’t follow everything what has been said in the media, me neither, but what I do know it was it was a big thing – ‘can we hold onto them?’ – and by already holding on to two it is already a big summer.

“Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team we are having because I’ve said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having. Maybe if we can keep that team it will already be a big summer.”

Liverpool could secure the Premier League title on Sunday if they defeat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, provided Arsenal lose to Ipswich Town earlier in the day.

Slot added: “We have showed the opposite (of standing still means going backwards) last season, because we didn’t change anything, and I don’t think we went downwards.

“In general, I agree, but there is also lots of study being done that the longer a team plays together the more success it has. I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can, together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way.

“But it is also in general good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players, that I agree on. But it isn’t really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had, because, again, we saw during the week how good a team Newcastle is.

“They are number three and that they played so well against us in the League Cup final is probably not a surprise any more. Paris St Germain have been good but Villa, number seven at the moment, showed they can win against Paris St Germain. What a league we are in.”