With Liverpool on the lookout for new coaching staff both in the first team and academy this summer, talk has been rife that former players could return.

Arne Slot has been on the lookout for a new assistant coach, while positions have needed filling at U18 and U21 level.

Dirk Kuyt was in the frame to be Slot’s assistant, and while the job has ultimately gone to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, it would have been nice to see the former No.



18 back at Anfield.

Adam Lallana’s new job confirmed as ex-Liverpool midfielder retires at 37	Former Liverpool and England midfielder Adam Lallana announces retirement	Robbie Fowler reacts as former Liverpool star Adam Lallana announces his retirement

In the meantime, the academy roles could potentially have seen an opening arise for another former Liverpool star, Adam Lallana.

Lallana has been earning his coaching badges for a little while and after announcing his retirement from playing on Wednesday, the 37-year-old is free to fully commit to the next stage of his career.

However, Liverpool have appointed Rob Page as their new U21s coach and immediately after his playing days came to an end, it has already been revealed what Lallana will do next as well.

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Lallana was inundated with messages of goodwill after his decision to retire from playing was formalised on Wednesday.

The former England international was always a popular figure at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp regularly effusive in his praise of Lallana.

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And although a return to Liverpool may have been initially eyed up by some fans, Southampton moved quickly to announce that Lallana will in fact stay with them.

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Having joined the coaching staff at the end of last season following the sacking of former manager Ivan Juric, Lallana has been retained on the team of new boss Will Still.

“Adam Lallana, who has now announced his retirement from playing, will continue as First Team Coach alongside Carl Martin, as the pair remain in their roles from last season,” said a statement on Southamptonfc.com.

Throughout his playing career, Lallana was often hailed as being a real leader and a positive influence on every dressing room he featured in.

It is no surprise to see him take those attributes into a coaching career on the back of retiring.

And although he will not be back at Liverpool anytime soon, it is worth keeping an eye on the progress Lallana is making at Southampton.

The Saints are hot favourites to return to the Premier League next season, and if they can do that, Lallana’s stock will rise.

A career as a head coach is looking like an inevitability for Lallana, and given his Liverpool past, perhaps we will see him back with the Reds in some capacity in the future.