Liverpool is edging closer to securing the Premier League title following their recent win against Newcastle, but the summer could bring significant changes for manager Arne Slot’s squad once the title is officially theirs.

With a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League after their victory over Newcastle on Wednesday, Liverpool is just a few results away from clinching the title. Arsenal, their nearest challengers, suffered another setback, leaving their hopes of a late comeback hanging by a thread.

However, while Liverpool will naturally focus on their impending success, attention is also turning to potential player exits. Several key members of the squad have been linked with moves away from Anfield, which could pave the way for fresh faces to join the club in the coming months.

Here are the latest updates from Merseyside:

Van Dijk Backs Nunez Amid Criticism

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shown support for Darwin Nunez, who has faced criticism for his performances this season. In a recent interview following Slot’s remarks about Nunez’s effort, Van Dijk expressed confidence in the striker’s ability to make a difference in the remaining games.

“That is the bare minimum expected from everyone in the squad from day one,” Van Dijk said. “But that’s the standard for playing at Liverpool. It’s on him, and it always will be, but I think he showed a great reaction today with his work rate and impact when he came on. That should be the minimum, and he knows that.”

The Dutch defender also emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating, “Everyone has a role to play. We’re all in this together, and we need every player to contribute. Nunez is a crucial part of the team, and when he’s on the pitch, he has to make a positive impact. We need to keep that momentum going.”

Potential Summer Departures

Van Dijk is one of the players whose future at Liverpool is uncertain, with his contract nearing its expiration. The club is also facing potential departures from other key players, including goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has been linked with a move away from Anfield.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper John Aldridge weighed in on Kelleher’s situation, suggesting that the goalkeeper may look to leave in search of regular first-team football. Aldridge said, “With Liverpool reportedly interested in signing Giorgi Mamardashvili, it seems likely that either Alisson or Kelleher will depart. This is something the club’s directors and Arne Slot must have discussed.”

He continued, “Kelleher is too talented to remain as a backup at any club, and he knows it. If he wants to play week in and week out, he’ll need to move on. As a lifelong Liverpool fan, I’d stay if I could, but from the player’s perspective, it’s a different story. I think he’ll probably leave this summer.”

Liverpool’s Path to the Title

Liverpool is on the brink of being crowned Premier League champions and could secure the title in as little as one month, depending on the outcomes of their upcoming matches. The Reds will face Southampton, Everton, and Fulham in the coming weeks, with results in those games potentially confirming their status as champions.

The coming weeks are crucial as Liverpool looks to finish the season on a high, while also preparing for potential squad changes ahead of next season.

Jamie Carragher has responded sharply to Rio Ferdinand’s recent criticism over his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling the former Manchester United defender a “clown” in the process.

The debate began after Carragher made comments that downplayed the significance of the AFCON while discussing Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects. The Liverpool forward has been in phenomenal form, adding another goal and assist to his tally in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, making this year a strong contender for Salah’s best chance to win the prestigious award.

However, when assessing Salah’s chances on Sky Sports, Carragher suggested that the Egyptian’s international commitments could be a hindrance to his Ballon d’Or hopes. “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning,” Carragher said. “I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that influences who wins the Ballon d’Or].”

Carragher’s opinion quickly sparked backlash, with pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge voicing their disagreement, and former Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady also chiming in. Even controversial broadcaster Richard Keys labeled Carragher’s comments as “unforgivable ignorance.”

Now, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has joined the fray, describing Carragher’s view as “ignorant.” On his podcast, Ferdinand argued that Carragher’s stance represents a wider misconception, saying, “If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah, or Sadio Mane, they’ll tell you, ‘we have to win this.’ There’s pressure in their countries to win this tournament. It’s not about resources, it’s about the value of the competition.”

Ferdinand added, “Yes, it doesn’t get the same backing as the Euros, but that doesn’t mean you devalue it. It should be respected more than it is.”

While Ferdinand expressed an understanding of Carragher’s broader point, he disagreed with the sentiment, stressing that the real issue lies with the lack of global recognition for the Africa Cup of Nations. He further suggested that football governing bodies like FIFA should ensure that AFCON is given the same level of respect as other major tournaments like the Euros or Copa América.

In response, Carragher didn’t hold back, branding Ferdinand’s comments as misinformed and countering with a firm rejection of his criticism. The debate highlights the ongoing conversation about the AFCON’s place in world football and the respect it commands from pundits and fans alike.