Liverpool’s return to home dominance underneath Arne Slot has shortly shifted the dialog from silverware to sustainability. After clinching the Premier League title with an emphatic 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, focus has now turned to making sure that the membership’s key figures stay at Anfield for the lengthy haul. Lewis Steele’s current report for laid naked a number of of the selections Liverpool should now make to guard their resurgence.
Slot’s Rising Inventory Calls for Motion
Slot signed a three-year contract upon his arrival from Feyenoord final summer time, however after only one season — and a title-winning one at that — the Dutchman’s inventory is hovering. As Steele wrote, “I believe Liverpool ought to look to tie him all the way down to a longer-term contract as a result of it received’t be lengthy earlier than his future turns into a subject of debate.”
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That sentiment ought to ring alarm bells at Anfield. With elite managers in excessive demand throughout Europe, Slot’s tactical flexibility, high-pressing fashion, and seamless transition into English soccer make him a chief candidate for larger affords down the road. Liverpool’s proactive strategy final summer time should now be matched by a equally decisive one in contract negotiations.
Konaté Talks Want Decision
Whereas Slot’s deal isn’t set to run out any time quickly, the identical can’t be mentioned for Ibrahima Konaté. The French defender is out of contract in summer time 2026, however talks to increase his keep are already underneath means. In line with Steele, “Liverpool have opened talks to increase that deal, although there have been no contemporary developments on that for a while now.”
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Konaté’s mixture of energy, tempo and composure makes him an important a part of Liverpool’s defensive core, particularly as Virgil van Dijk enters the ultimate section of his profession. Any delay dangers unsettling a participant who might command severe curiosity from prime European golf equipment.
Mac Allister and Gravenberch: Midfield Anchors or Switch Targets?
Liverpool’s midfield overhaul has begun to bear fruit, thanks largely to the rising partnership between Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. The duo affords stability, management and dynamism — the type of qualities that, as Steele factors out, “Actual Madrid would attempt to poach.”
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Though each gamers are nonetheless comparatively new on the membership, it’s crucial Liverpool act early. Providing long-term, performance-based contracts now might forestall speculative bids sooner or later. Extra importantly, it indicators the membership’s dedication to constructing a steady core for the following technology.
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Classes from the Previous
Liverpool have seen what occurs when prime gamers are allowed to run down contracts. Georginio Wijnaldum, Emre Can and even Sadio Mané all left Anfield underneath circumstances the membership would quite not repeat. By getting forward of contract negotiations this summer time, Liverpool can keep away from distractions within the seasons to come back.
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Slot has already proven he can carry one of the best out of this squad. The problem now could be guaranteeing that the important thing items stay in place, and that the supervisor has the help — and safety — he deserves.
“He’s now within the elite class of managers,” Steele notes, and few Liverpool followers would disagree.
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Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
From a fan’s perspective, that is exactly the type of crossroads that calls for readability and ambition from the board. Arne Slot has introduced not simply trophies however a brand new vitality to Anfield — tactical sharpness, squad concord, and attacking soccer that remembers Liverpool at their peak.
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After watching him dismantle Spurs in a title-clinching show, you need to ask: what extra proof does FSG want to present him the keys long-term? Lengthen his deal now, earlier than Europe comes knocking.
As for Konaté, dropping him — and even letting talks drag — could be a step backwards. He’s already confirmed himself on the large stage, and with the suitable associate (maybe Jarell Quansah or a brand new signing), he might be the muse for one more period of defensive dominance.
After which there’s the midfield. Mac Allister is magnificence in movement; Gravenberch, a powerhouse with aptitude. Collectively, they may type a generational pivot — however provided that we act now to guard them from Madrid’s inevitable curiosity.
Liverpool have all the time thrived once they’ve mixed sensible technique with coronary heart. This summer time, it’s time to reward success with stability.
