As Liverpool prepares for the first silverware opportunity under new boss Arne Slot, attention is already turning toward summer transfer plans.

Slot will lead his side at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, marking a pivotal moment in his early tenure. Regardless of the outcome, Liverpool appears to have one hand on the Premier League title, boasting a comfortable 15-point lead over Arsenal.

However, the upcoming transfer window presents a significant challenge, with several key positions requiring reinforcements. The situation could become even more pressing if Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, or Mohamed Salah decide to leave upon the expiration of their contracts.

Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s transfer targets, including updates on Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez.

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) – Deal Not Yet Secure

Liverpool has been strongly linked with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with reports suggesting Anfield is his preferred destination. However, securing his signature might not be straightforward, as other top Premier League clubs are still in the race.

According to Mirror Football, while Liverpool remains the frontrunner, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all monitoring Guehi’s situation closely. The 23-year-old center-back has impressed with his performances for both Palace and the England national team, making him a sought-after addition for multiple clubs.

Liverpool’s Verdict: Whether Van Dijk stays or departs this summer, securing a high-quality center-back is a priority. If Joe Gomez also moves on, Liverpool may need to bring in multiple reinforcements at the back. While Guehi fits the profile, the competition for his signature could complicate the deal, forcing Liverpool to consider alternative options.

Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth) – Transfer Hopes Rising

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has emerged as a strong candidate for Liverpool, with reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggesting that the Cherries are open to selling—provided their financial demands are met.

Liverpool has been searching for a long-term left-back option, with initial interest in Nuno Mendes and Alphonso Davies fading after they committed their futures to PSG and Bayern Munich, respectively. Now, Kerkez is seen as a realistic target, though his price tag might exceed what Liverpool would typically pay for a full-back. Additionally, a move for Kerkez may depend on whether Liverpool offloads either Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas.

Liverpool’s Verdict: Kerkez seems to be an ideal fit for Liverpool’s system, offering defensive solidity and attacking threat from the left flank. While the price might be a concern, the Reds should strongly consider making a move, especially with rival clubs likely keeping tabs on the situation.

Former England midfielder sees red just minutes into his long-awaited return to professional football

Dele Alli’s long-anticipated comeback to competitive football took a devastating turn when he was sent off less than 10 minutes into his debut for Serie A side Como.

The 28-year-old, once a standout performer for Tottenham and a key player in England’s 2018 World Cup semi-final run, has been striving to revive his career. Como manager Cesc Fabregas took a chance on the midfielder, bringing him in before Christmas in hopes of reigniting his talent.

Making his first official appearance since February 2023, when he last played on loan at Besiktas, Dele entered the pitch in the 81st minute of Como’s 2-1 loss against AC Milan at the iconic San Siro. However, his long-awaited return quickly turned sour.

As stoppage time began, Dele made a reckless challenge on Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, his former England teammate. Initially, referee Matteo Marchetti issued a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a straight red, cutting Dele’s comeback short.

Milan full-back Kyle Walker, another ex-England teammate, attempted to plead Dele’s case with the referee, but the verdict remained unchanged. Now, just minutes into his Serie A career, Dele is set to serve a suspension.

After the match, Como boss Fabregas expressed his disappointment:

“Dele is a player who can score goals, but he still has a lot to improve. This was a serious mistake from someone with his experience. He left the team in a difficult position—that’s the biggest negative of the night.”

Dele’s return to football comes after a tumultuous period in his personal life. He has openly discussed his struggles, revealing he endured childhood abuse and later battled mental health challenges and an addiction to sleeping pills.

His journey back to the sport has been filled with hardship, and while his debut didn’t go as planned, Dele will now look ahead to making amends once he serves his suspension.

Rangers emerged victorious over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in a thrilling Europa League encounter, yet the Portuguese manager remains skeptical about their chances of advancing past the quarter-finals. After an intense night at Ibrox, Rangers lost 2-0, leveling the tie at 3-3 on aggregate before triumphing in a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Jack Butland was the hero, denying spot-kicks from Dusan Tadic and Fred to propel Barry Ferguson’s men into a last-eight clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Despite acknowledging Rangers’ resilience, Mourinho suggested they would need to raise their level significantly to overcome the Spanish side, especially with the Europa League final set to take place in Bilbao at the end of May.

Asked about Rangers’ chances, Mourinho remarked, “I want to be respectful. I respect the players, the coach, and the fans. In football, anything can happen. But I played against Bilbao in the group stage, and they are a strong team. The final is in Bilbao, and the road to Bilbao is difficult.”

Reflecting on the match, Mourinho expressed his frustration, believing his side was the superior team on the night. “We won 2-0. I think we lost the tie for different reasons. In the first leg, we didn’t play well and were punished with a result that put us in a tough position. But tonight, we dominated. Only one team played, only one team scored, only one team deserved to win after 90 minutes and 120 minutes.”

The Fenerbahce boss also voiced his displeasure regarding refereeing decisions, hinting at inconsistencies in crucial calls. “We had three penalties. If you don’t get three, you should at least get two. If not two, then one. If none are given, something is strange. But it’s also strange how we were knocked out of the Champions League—with a VAR penalty in the 120th minute. Then, in penalties, they scored, and we didn’t. That’s football.”

Despite his disappointment, Mourinho acknowledged Rangers’ success while making it clear he believed his team deserved more. “In the first match, I admitted we deserved to lose. But tonight, this was different. Don’t call me unfair—this isn’t about fair play. We were the better team.”

Rangers will now turn their attention to their quarter-final showdown with Athletic Bilbao, knowing that an even tougher test awaits if they are to continue their European adventure.