There is trepidation but also excitement building at Liverpool over what might follow Jurgen Klopp’s incredible tenure at the club. The German leaves the Reds after almost nine years in the summer and a new chapter will begin.
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is the frontrunner to take over at Anfield and it's understood that he would welcome the opportunity of a move to the Premier League.
Slot's possible arrival will be one of a list of changes at Liverpool. After years of 'Gegenpressing' and high-tempo football under Klopp, the Dutchman’s slightly different style weighs heavy on a 4-2-3-1 formation but with more reliance on the wingers to create chances.
READ MORE: Liverpool new manager latest as fresh Arne Slot details emerge after Feyenoord talks
READ MORE: Five reasons why Arne Slot is perfect next Liverpool manager as expert gives inside view
The overhaul of the football department at the club is also set to see a switch in the transfer strategy in the summer. Sporting director Richard Hughes, who takes up his role at the club on June 1, will work alongside Michael Edwards and the new head coach in moulding the squad for the 2024/25 campaign.
Fortunately for Slot, the current Liverpool team is already full of talent and good enough to compete at the top. But as comes with a new man in the dug-out, fresh ideas in the transfer market are considered.
With that in mind, the ECHO has taken a look at three players Slot may look to bring with him from the Eredivisie to Anfield.
Santiago Gimenez
Feyenoord striker Gimenez has been a crucial part of Slot's side in recent years. In their title-winning campaign, the 23-year-old scored 28 times and he has carried his form through to this year, adding 24 with four games remaining.
The Mexico international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time with Tottenham reportedly eyeing him up as Harry Kane's replacement. This week, it emerged that West Ham were planning to approach Feyenoord for him with AC Milan and Arsenal keen.
Liverpool's current frontline are all capable of adapting to whatever slot in the front three they are required to play in. However, at times they have lacked an out-and-out number nine and Gimenez could be the perfect candidate.
Former Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has previously been full of praise for the striker. Speaking at the end of last season, he said: "He’s back here in the middle of the defenders and he’s really fast. Watching the keeper before he shoots, the rest. In my opinion, he is currently the best striker in the Eredivisie."
Johan Bakayoko
A name that Liverpool fans may be familiar with, Johan Bakayoko was linked with a move to Anfield last summer after his breakthrough with PSV Eindhoven. The Belgian winger, 21, contributed to 15 goals last term but has already surpassed that record this season with 26 goal contributions.
The right-winger, who has been PSV's replacement to Noni Madueke after his move to Chelsea, has been key in Peter Bosz's side's impressive Eredivisie season and has been heavily tipped to move to one of Europe's top leagues.
With the future of Mohamed Salah uncertain, investing in young talent could be an avenue Liverpool go down in the summer. The wonderkid is already a member of the Belgium national team and is due to play a part in the European Championships in Germany.
PSV sporting director, Ernie Stewart, has already declared that he expects the tricky winger to leave in the summer. "I don't think Bakayoko will still play at PSV next season," he told Voetbalkrant.
Lutsharel Geertruida
Alongside Gimenez in this list as one of Slot's trusted individuals is defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The 23-year-old has been at the club since joining them as a teenager and has made nearly 200 appearances for them.
Capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, the Netherlands international is said to be on Manchester United and Real Madrid's radar ahead of the summer. His current deal in Rotterdam runs out in 2025 meaning this summer may be Feyenoord's final chance to cash in on him.
Bayern Munich reportedly decided against signing the defender before signing Eric Dier in January meaning he remains available. Slot has persistently selected Geertruida and with Joel Matip set to leave at the end of his contract, he could be an ideal replacement.
