Barcelona target Reds star as Trent Alexander-Arnold gives Arne Slot verdict (2024)

Liverpool's new era under Arne Slot is just around the corner and, while the players are enjoying some time off, work is beginning for the summer transfer window

The season is over and Liverpool are now planning for the future under the management of Arne Slot.

Jurgen Klopp will leave a huge hole in the club, with his coaching staff also departing alongside him. The German boss isn’t the only person leaving, with some players set to head out the door when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Alongside Slot and his coaching staff, Fenway Sports Group chief Michael Edwards and Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes are the man in charge of shaping the new era. The summer transfer window opens for business on June 14 and there is plenty of work to do in the meantime.

So while many of Liverpool’s players are away enjoying some well-deserved holiday before a busy summer that includes Euro 2024 and the Copa America, work is continuing behind the scenes at the club. Here are the latest headlines involving the club.

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Alexander-Arnold backs Slot

Trent Alexander-Arnold is excited to work under Slot and is confident that it won’t take the Dutchman long to get going on Merseyside. Slot is taking over the reins this summer having been headhunted from Feyenoord and Alexander-Arnold likes what he sees.

Asked if he was expecting a smooth transition under Slot, Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports at the Monaco Grand Prix: “I hope so. I have trust in the club and who we've appointed. As a player, that's all you can ask for, to have trust in what the higher-ups have brought in. I'm sure it will be a smooth transition.”

His comments have echoed those of Virgil van Dijk. “I am very curious and have a lot of questions all the time,” he said. “We will see, the Premier League and Liverpool is obviously a different ball game but we are here for him, I'll be here for him whatever he needs.”

Thiago targeted by Barca

Thiago Alcantara is leaving Liverpool alongside Joel Matip when his contract expires at the end of next month – and he could be walking into another club straight away. Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing up the veteran midfielder.

Hansi Flick is set to take over from Xavi Hernandez and Thiago’s time at Bayern Munich could make him a useful go-between between the German manager and the Spanish-speaking squad. Barca are also interested in Javi Martinez for the same reason, with the Spaniard having spent time playing in Germany.

Thiago, 33, has spent four years with Liverpool, but the last season was completely ruined by injury. He made 98 appearances altogether, contributing three goals and six assists.

Ten Hag backs Slot

Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only person who is looking forward to Slot’s arrival at Liverpool – Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag is also a fan. Speaking to Dutch outlet Vi.NL, Ten Hag said: "This is great for the Dutch trainers' guild. And Arne Slot also fits Liverpool with his philosophy. Jurgen Klopp and Pepijn Lijnders have left a strong foundation.

"He ends up in better waters than I did when I went to Manchester United from the Netherlands - in terms of structure in the club, in terms of balance in the squad."

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