The three transfer decisions Slot Arne MUST deal with at Liverpool

Arne Slot’s first week at Liverpool is pivotal. It’s his opportunity to assess his team, but more importantly, it’s a time to make critical decisions about the future of certain players. This is essential to ensure the team is streamlined and ready for the challenges ahead. Some players need clear direction, whether they stay at the club or move on for more opportunities.

Sepp van den Berg: Time to move on

Sepp van den Berg’s situation is clear: he wants out. Despite the current shortage of centre-backs due to international duties, it is in everyone’s best interest to facilitate his prompt departure. Van den Berg has openly stated his desire for regular first-team football, which Liverpool cannot guarantee at the moment.

As he said in a recent interview, “They didn’t trust me all this time, but they want to hinder my future.” This sentiment underscores his willingness to move on. The club should look to secure the right financial deal and let van den Berg pursue his career goals. £20m was a starting price, but over £12m and the club would have to set the wheels in motion.

Caoimhin Kelleher: Aspiring to be number one

Caoimhin Kelleher has made it very clear that he wants to be a first-choice goalkeeper. His performances in cup competitions have been stellar and he feels ready for the next step. “Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I feel the next step for me is to be No.1,” Kelleher said.

His ambitions are justifiable and Liverpool should act quickly to facilitate a move if they cannot provide him with the opportunities he seeks in the first team. Kelleher’s dedication and desire to play regularly make him an asset and the club should respect his ambitions, especially given his contributions last season. The player deserves nothing but respect and should be the Ishtar move for all. One that brings in over £20m and makes it number one.

Fabio Carvalho: The midfield master

Fabio Carvalho’s future at Liverpool hangs in the balance. Slot’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation could suit Carvalho’s style, but the club have yet to decide his long-term role. Carvalho, who spent last season on loan, is attracting interest from various clubs in Europe.

As the Mail’s Lewis Steele noted, Carvalho “is being courted by many in England and on the continent”, highlighting the midfielder’s high demand. With interest from the likes of Fulham, Southampton and Leicester, it is essential that Slot makes a quick decision. Whether Carvalho stays or goes, clarity is needed to allow both the player and the club to move forward. Either he is a first team player or he needs to move on for a healthy return.

Quick decisions are needed

The initial week of the slot is not just about training and tactics; it’s about setting a clear path for Liverpool’s team. The uncertainty surrounding players like van den Berg, Kelleher and Carvalho needs to be resolved quickly. For van den Berg and Kelleher, it is clear that they need moves that will enable them to achieve their professional goals.

For Carvalho, a decisive plan is needed, whether it is to integrate him fully into the team or facilitate a transfer. Liverpool may officially want to take their time, but things need to start moving and Slot will know quickly whether he can see a first-team player there or not in Carvalho and Morton. The other two both want out in different ways, but a catch-up with Richard Hughes around the four should happen quickly too.