Is Liverpool’s Squad Ready for a Major Overhaul?

As Liverpool edges closer to a crucial summer transfer window, the future of the squad hangs in the balance. Recent comments from football legend Jamie Carragher have sparked significant debate among fans and analysts over whether the club's current roster can meet the stringent demands of both Premier League competition and their aspirations for glory. In his latest appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Carragher raised eyebrows by suggesting that Liverpool manager Arne Slot has yet to build the necessary trust in his players, often relying on a consistent selection week in and week out. With influential roles still held by veterans from Jurgen Klopp's era, like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, questions arise about the depth and versatility of the squad, particularly as the season heads into its final stages. Carragher's insights come at a time when Liverpool stands on the cusp of potentially clinching their second Premier League title in three seasons, yet he remains unconvinced about the squad's overall strength. He highlighted the club's minimal summer signings last year, notably Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose contributions have been less than impactful. With Mamardashvili now back on loan and Chiesa barely featured, Carragher pointed out that Slot's reliance on Klopp's original team could hinder progress moving forward. "Arne Slot doesn’t trust his squad," Carragher asserted. "If you look at Liverpool this season – this is not the manager’s squad, it is Jurgen Klopp’s. We need to address our weaknesses and the same players can’t play week in, week out if we aim to compete at the highest level." Presently, Slot has kept faith with a select few, but Carragher warns that injury concerns loom large. He mentioned, "If Ibrahima Konate or Virgil van Dijk were to get injured, who could step in? Joe Gomez has been injury prone, and Liverpool needs a reliable centre-back to push Konate. Similarly, positions in central midfield and attacking roles need to be urgently bolstered." The question remains—who will represent Liverpool’s new signings? Multiple sources suggest left-back Milos Kerkez and centre-back Dean Huijsen as potential recruits, but Slot's philosophy on strengthening that famed No. 10 role remains ambiguous. Although Dominik Szoboszlai has demonstrated occasional brilliance, Carragher advocates for a player capable of achieving greater goal contributions, akin to Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard or Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Szoboszlai himself has shared his understanding of the demands on players in such pivotal roles. "I play a free role as an attacking part, but I have to cover a lot for my right side. I’m happy to help the team, but sometimes I feel that if I wouldn’t have done that, I would have more energy for attacking," he explained in a Sky Sports interview. As Liverpool fans await potential transfer announcements, speculation is rife. Could we see a summer regeneration aimed at not only securing necessary talents but also adding depth to complement Slot's vision? Or is it merely wishful thinking? With fans eager for an overhaul, the coming months will prove vital for Liverpool's ambitions and the pivotal decisions that may define the club’s direction in seasons to come.

• Arne Slot
• Jamie Carragher
• Liverpool