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.

Liverpool’s Champions League journey came to a heartbreaking end following a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain, which could mark Virgil van Dijk’s final European appearance for the club.

Van Dijk Spotted Conversing with PSG Chairman

Shortly after Liverpool’s elimination, Virgil van Dijk was seen in conversation with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi in the Anfield tunnel. The nature of their discussion remains unknown, but it has sparked speculation about the Dutch defender’s future.

Liverpool’s hopes of a historic treble were dashed on Tuesday as PSG secured victory in a tense shootout. Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as the hero, denying both Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones after an exhilarating two-legged round-of-16 battle.

Ousmane Dembele had earlier equalized on aggregate, negating Harvey Elliott’s first-leg goal in Paris. Both sides had opportunities to seize control but were unable to find the net before the match was decided from the penalty spot.

As the final whistle blew, emotions ran high. PSG players celebrated jubilantly with their traveling supporters, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah appeared visibly distraught as he left the pitch.

Liverpool’s Contract Dilemmas Continue

Salah, along with Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is approaching the end of his contract, with no agreements yet in place for an extension. If no new deals are signed, all three could leave on free transfers at the end of the season.

While speculation continues regarding Salah and Alexander-Arnold’s futures, Van Dijk is widely expected to commit to an extended stay at Anfield. However, French journalist Josue Casse shared footage of the Dutch defender speaking with Al-Khelaifi, adding intrigue to an already uncertain situation. Despite the timing, it remains unlikely that PSG’s chairman was making a direct move for the Liverpool captain immediately after the match.

Van Dijk’s Focus Remains on Liverpool’s Upcoming Final

In a post-match interview with Amazon Prime, Van Dijk urged his teammates to shift their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.

Reflecting on the game, he said: “I think we played well today, and you always want to progress, but we knew facing PSG would be a tough challenge.”

“It was an intense and high-quality match. We had opportunities, and over the two legs, we showed our strengths. Unfortunately, we lost on penalties, and that’s the reality of football.”

“In Paris, we struggled but managed to win, and today we played a strong game but ultimately fell short. It’s a tough moment, but I told the squad to keep their heads up. We have to regroup quickly and prepare for a big challenge at the weekend.”

With Liverpool now out of Europe, the focus shifts to domestic silverware, but uncertainty surrounding key players’ futures continues to loom large.

Liverpool have been in scintillating form this season, cementing their status as one of Europe’s top-performing clubs.

Sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League with a commanding 15-point lead, the Reds are also preparing for the League Cup final and hold a crucial advantage heading into the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

As excitement builds for the decisive showdown against PSG, training ground footage has surfaced, showing a tense moment between Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A video shared by Beanyman Sports captures an intense exchange between the two Liverpool stars. While Salah seemed to be in a playful mood, smiling and laughing, Alexander-Arnold appeared frustrated, his demeanor noticeably tense. The situation escalated briefly, prompting teammates like Ibrahima Konate and Harvey Elliott to intervene and diffuse the moment.

With such a pivotal match on the horizon, incidents like these can raise concerns among fans.

However, several signs suggest it was merely a minor training ground disagreement rather than anything serious.

Konate, Salah, and Elliott were all seen smiling after the exchange, while team captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot, who walked by at the time, appeared unbothered, continuing their conversation as if nothing had happened.

Anfield Braces for a Fierce Encounter

Liverpool head into their clash with PSG in top form, having dispatched Southampton 3-1 in their latest Premier League fixture. Despite holding a first-leg advantage, they know the Parisians pose a serious threat.

Alisson Becker was the hero in the opening leg, making vital saves to secure a 1-0 win, but PSG’s strength away from home cannot be underestimated. Having dominated possession for much of the first leg, the French champions will be looking to overturn the deficit at Anfield.

Although the training ground incident has sparked discussion, Liverpool’s focus remains on their European ambitions.

With Anfield set to host a high-stakes battle, the Reds will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and continue their quest for Champions League glory