Liverpool are winding down a stuttering season with just four games to go. But the rumour mill? That’s already in full swing.
The Reds rose to fourth after beating Crystal Palace 3-1 last weekend. Now a win over Manchester United on Sunday, by a two goal margin, no less, would see them leapfrog their bitter rivals into third.
A top three finish won’t erase the disappointment of what could have been in Arne Slot’s second season. But it’s something to build on.
Let’s get into the big stories.
‘ANY AMOUNT PLUS GAKPO’ PENNANT’S WILD SWAP DEAL DEMAND
Among the issues that have plagued Liverpool’s progress this season, the lack of firepower from their forward line is right near the top. Mohamed Salah is leaving this summer. Cody Gakpo has been… well, let’s be polite and say disappointing.
Enter former Reds midfielder Jermaine Pennant with a solution. And he’s not messing about.
Pennant watched Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise net a sumptuous strike in their 5-4 Champions League semi final loss to Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday. Then he took to X with a message for Slot.
“Liverpool go out and get Olise right now, at all costs. There is your replacement for Mo Salah. AT ALL COSTS. Any amount plus Gakpo.”
Yes, you read that correctly. Any amount. Plus Cody Gakpo.
The France international has had a stellar second season in Germany, 20 goals and 29 assists in 47 appearances. His contract at Bayern doesn’t expire until 2029. So it would take a monster offer.
But Pennant doesn’t care. “At all costs,” he said twice. Just in case Slot wasn’t listening.
Gakpo, for context, has scored just eight goals and contributed six assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. The fans have turned. A swap deal would send him to Bayern. Whether the Germans would want him is another question entirely.
VAN DIJK BREAKS SILENCE ON JONES FUTURE
With Salah and Andy Robertson on their way out, the future of Curtis Jones remains very much up for debate.
The midfielder is approaching the last year of his contract. No updates yet on a possible new deal. The 25 year old was linked with a shock move to Inter Milan back in January but stayed put. He’s since impressed at right back in recent weeks, a position that’s not exactly his natural home.
There’s been rumblings that the England ace has grown frustrated with his role under Slot. Only 14 league starts this season. That’s not enough for a player of his quality.
When Virgil van Dijk was asked whether he wants to see the academy graduate stay at Anfield, the captain didn’t hesitate.
“Of course. I don’t know what’s going to happen because I’m not the boss,” Van Dijk said.
“Curtis I thought was outstanding against Everton, was not too much spoken about but especially in possession he was quite a big game-changer, especially in his positioning.
“It’s nice to be in your original position but he is so comfortable on the ball, he understands what is asked from that position.”
That’s not a definitive answer on his future. But it’s a pretty strong hint that the dressing room wants him to stay.
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
A top three finish is still achievable. Beat United on Sunday and things start to look a lot rosier.
But the real business will happen in the summer. Salah and Robertson out. Olise potentially in, if Pennant gets his way. And Curtis Jones’s contract situation needs sorting.
Slot has a lot on his plate. But that’s why he gets the big money.
One thing’s for sure: Liverpool’s transfer window won’t be boring.
