Paul Merson names two players Liverpool must keep for new manager Arne Slot

Paul Merson has named two players Liverpool must keep to help new manager Arne Slot when he arrives at Anfield.

Although there has been no official confirmation from Liverpool that Slott is their new manager, it seems that the deal is almost done for the Dutchman to take over from Jurgen Klopp.

It will be a huge challenge for Slot, who despite winning with Feyenoord, is totally unproven outside of Holland, having only succeeded in his native country.

Merson names two players Liverpool must keep

There will be a lot of change at Anfield this summer and Liverpool will need to back Slot in the transfer window to give him the best chance of starting next season.

Reports have already emerged that key players such as Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez could look to move on this summer.

Salah has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia and interest is expected to be renewed this summer, although reports have indicated that Liverpool expect the Egyptian to stay at the club for at least one more season.

However, Merson believes Salah will leave for Saudi Arabia and Liverpool should come to terms with that, but has urged the club to keep hold of two other players.

“I think Mohamed Salah will go to Saudi Arabia this summer and Arne Slot will have a huge task on his hands to replace the Egyptian’s goals if he ends up leaving,” Merson told Sportskeeda.

“A lot of the coaches and staff behind the Jurgen Klopp era will also be on their way out, so the Dutchman has his work cut out for him.

“However, they need to keep Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker as these players form the backbone of the back line.”

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Van Dijk has insisted he is happy at Anfield but the 32-year-old is out of contract in 2025 so a decision will have to be made on his future.

He will now be fully focused on ensuring that Klopp’s reign ends on a high with just two games remaining, starting with Monday night’s trip to Aston Villa, before an emotional farewell at Anfield on the final day against Wolves.