Rousing The Kop

Liverpool are set for a summer of change that could have the same impact as what previously happened to Tottenham Hotspur.

Andy Robertson is not signing a new contract at Anfield and will be a free agent after June 30.

Alongside the Scotsman, Mohamed Salah will be allowed to leave for free despite his contract expiring in 2027, and Ronny Rosenthal reckons it could have the same impact as when Heung-min Son departed Spurs.

Liverpool keep Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea. How would you react? 😄😡

Mohamed Salah leaving could have big impact on Liverpool

Son left Tottenham for the MLS in the summer of 2025, and Spurs have really struggled since.

They have only just moved out of the relegation zone, and are still in a tense battle with West Ham United to avoid the drop.

Now, speaking to Flashscore, Rosenthal suggested Salah’s exit could cause a similar problem at Liverpool to what we have seen from the Lilywhites post-Son.

He said: “Under Postecoglou, they played fantastic, amazing football with good combinations, but don’t forget, Son was there, and he’s not there anymore. So you have something a little bit similar to the upcoming Salah situation at Liverpool.

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“Tottenham’s biggest problem started when Son was still there, because they were leading games one-nil, two-nil, but couldn’t kill the opposition off. They would still be pressing the opposition in their half, which, for me, there is no need to do.”

Salah’s goals and assists, even if they have fallen away this season, will obviously be a big miss.

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A seven-man shortlist has already been reported:

How Liverpool plan to replace Mohamed Salah

However, Liverpool are already working to try and fill the void left by the Egyptian this summer.

Yan Diomande is heavily linked with a move to Anfield after scoring 13 for RB Leipzig this season.

Bradley Barcola is eyed by the Reds as well amid speculation about his long-term future at PSG.

Former Red Jan Molby can see two enticing opportunities opening up for Liverpool if Tottenham Hotspur are relegated this season.

It is not looking good for Spurs. They have four games left and sit two points behind West Ham United, with their Premier League status under serious threat.

If Tottenham do go down, Liverpool should be ready to take advantage. The Reds have plenty of work to do this summer, and midfield is one area that still needs serious attention. Two young Spurs players in particular could be worth watching very closely.

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Jan Molby tells Liverpool to sign Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall from Spurs

Curtis Jones is being linked away from Anfield, but the midfield unit still feels like it needs at least one more addition regardless of what happens with him.

Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have both been named as possible Premier League options, while Eduardo Camavinga is another top target for Liverpool.

However, if Spurs are relegated, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could become rare market opportunities commanding a much lower fee if it is indeed a sinking ship. Molby has now named the pair as the only Tottenham players he would seriously want Liverpool to target.

He said on The Anfield Index Podcast: “I look at them and Mohammed Kudus came in from West Ham and I think he’s done OK.

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“But I’m just not convinced that with what’s required at the level that we want to play at, that even he’s good enough. So the only two that would interest me would be the two youngsters, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.”

Gray is the more versatile of the two. He can play in central midfield, but has also been used at full-back and even centre-back. That kind of flexibility would appeal to Slot.

The 20-year-old is composed, intelligent and still only at the start of his development. He would not have to arrive as a guaranteed starter immediately, but he has the profile to grow into a major player.

Bergvall is a different kind of midfielder. The Swede is more naturally suited to playing as an eight or a ten. He brings energy, carries the ball well and has an eye for goal from midfield. Liverpool could do with that kind of extra running power.

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Neither Gray nor Bergvall would solve everything on their own. Both are still very young, and Liverpool would still need a more established midfielder alongside them.

But if Spurs go down, Liverpool should absolutely be asking the question.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven may be one to watch for Liverpool this summer.

The Dutchman could leave Spurs after three years in North London, with much depending on whether Roberto De Zerbi’s side stay in the Premier League.

A relegation would surely see Van de Ven make his exit, and according to journalist Ben Jacobs, he would much rather join Liverpool over Manchester United.

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Van de Ven would definitely pick Liverpool over Man United

Rumours that Van de Ven could leave Tottenham this summer have been circulating for a while, and given the potential of Liverpool needing a new centre-back as a long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement, the 25-year-old has naturally been linked with the Reds.

Man United are also set to recruit in defence, but speaking to The United Stand, Jacobs said that if it were a straight choice between the two rivals for Van de Ven, he would pick Liverpool without question.

“Liverpool, like Man United, it’s more an internal conversation,” he said. “The bad news for Manchester United on Micky van de Ven is if, and it is an if, so I don’t want to be misquoted here, Liverpool enter the race, Van de Ven is only making one decision between Liverpool and Manchester United, and he’s picking Liverpool.

“And I say that with absolute confidence. If both clubs were to enter this race, Van de Ven’s preference would be Liverpool over Manchester United.”

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“He would be linking up with Virgil van Dijk,” Jacobs added, “Virgil van Dijk would be going in the space of a season, because his contract expires in the summer of 2027.

He knows Van Dijk, he would have the opportunities to partner Van Dijk and then move over to the left-hand side. And he is also a Liverpool fan in terms of him and his family and his upbringing as well.”

How likely is a Liverpool move for Van de Ven?

After news arrived this week that Konate is likely to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool, the Reds’ need to add another centre-back is much less pressing.

With Jeremy Jacquet already due to arrive, it would now be a surprise to see Liverpool go big on someone like Van de Ven.

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While he would be a ready-made senior option for Arne Slot, there have been suggestions that Tottenham would want as much as £100m for Van de Ven.

Given the options already at their disposal, it is virtually impossible to see Liverpool signing off on such a big move.

Nevertheless, as Jacobs alludes to, there will probably be a need to replace Van Dijk in 2027, and though Liverpool may be pinning their hopes on Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, Van de Ven would offer a bigger guarantee of doing that successfully.

If they do decide that the Netherlands international is the man that they want, it sounds as though he would not take much convincing to join.

Micky van de Ven’s situation at Tottenham has seen a new development as Liverpool links continue to bubble away in the background.

The Dutch defender has been mentioned as a possible target for some time, largely because of his pace, profile and obvious quality, but the circumstances around a move now look very different.

Spurs are staring relegation in the face, and a fresh report claims Van de Ven is expected to leave this summer whether they go down or not. More interesting still is the suggestion that, if Tottenham do drop into the Championship, a loan move could come into play.

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Micky van de Ven gearing up to leave Spurs one way or another

According to FourFourTwo, Van de Ven is already ‘tidying up’ his off-field affairs in London, which is a strong sign that he expects his future to lie elsewhere beyond this summer.

The report says that is the case regardless of whether Spurs survive or are relegated. The club’s wider issues have taken him to the limits of his patience, stuck in a grim relegation fight that could realistically see them drop into the second tier.

Van de Ven has attracted interest from Liverpool, as well as other major clubs, and it is easy enough to see why. Even in a dreadful Spurs side, you can see his strengths as a defender and ball progressor.

The report adds that Spurs would be expected to demand a major fee if they stay in the Premier League, especially with Van de Ven under contract until 2029. But if they are relegated, that changes things. His value could ‘plummet’, and a ‘try-before-you-buy’ loan is described as a genuine possibility.

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It is not exactly encouraging that Van de Ven is at the heart of one of the worst Spurs sides in modern history. Additionally, Liverpool are already fairly well stocked at centre-back. Ibrahima Konate looks set to stay at Liverpool and the young prospects behind him are exciting.

That makes a permanent deal harder to justify. A loan, though, gives the whole thing a very different complexion.

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Tottenham utility man Archie Gray if Spurs are relegated to the Championship.

Roberto De Zerbi’s team occupy the final Premier League relegation place with just six games left to play, and could be forced into selling a number of star players if they end up going down.

As per the Daily Mail, Liverpool are one of the sides angling for some cut-price deals, and with Gray claimed to be firmly in their sights, the 20-year-old could solve issues at both right-back and in midfield for the Reds.

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Gray could provide a versatile solution for Liverpool

Liverpool were linked with Gray before he joined Tottenham from Leeds in 2024, reportedly even meeting with the youngster’s parents as they put the building blocks of a move in place.

Though he ultimately joined Spurs, reports at the time suggested that Liverpool have a good relationship with the Gray family, and it is no surprise to hear that they are sniffing around the England U21 man once again.

Coming through the ranks at Leeds as a midfielder, Gray was soon switched to right-back during the Whites’ unsuccessful promotion campaign in 2023/24, and though he has featured in midfield for Spurs, it is at full-back where he has most regularly played.

For Liverpool, it is not difficult to see why this versatility would catch their eye.

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Right-back has been a real issue for them this season, and as question marks continue to be raised over the long-term suitability of both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, a new arrival may be needed this summer.

Buying an out-and-out full-back may not be necessary, though, so it would make complete sense to look at a player who can also help out elsewhere.

Midfield is likely where Gray’s future will lie, and as Liverpool ‘put out feelers’ for a new midfielder, the England U21 international would fit the bill.

The Reds need help at right-back and in central midfield, and Gray can provide a solution to both.

Liverpool’s homegrown quota needs some attention

As well providing two genuine solutions on the pitch, Gray could also help Liverpool iron out what has slowly turned into a problem in terms of their home-grown quota.

The Reds lost Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher last summer, and with Curtis Jones potentially leaving this year, they are desperately short in this area.

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That is part of the reason why Anthony Gordon is such an attractive potential addition this summer, and it also rings true for Gray as well.

Despite their disastrous campaign, the youngster has been one of the players immune from the struggles, with Igor Tudor calling Gray ‘amazing‘ for his versatility during his short spell in charge.

There will be other players, such as Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall who may also be catching Liverpool’s eye ahead of a potential firesale at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But as they head into a summer where right-back, midfield and boosting the homegrown quota are all on the agenda, Gray would be a really smart pick-up for the Reds.

If Liverpool supporters are feeling hard done by after a dismal season, then they can at least take solace from the fact that they are not Tottenham Hotspur.

With only six games left to play in the Premier League season, Spurs currently sit in the final relegation spot.

Roberto De Zerbi has been charged with keeping the North Londoners in the division, and, if he can manage it, the Italian reportedly has his eye on raiding Liverpool for Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones to have a better time of things next year.

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Tottenham still keen on Curtis Jones addition

After reports emerged following confirmation that he will leave Liverpool, Robertson’s move to Tottenham appears virtually done. If Spurs stay up, the veteran left-back will arrive.

And according to The Daily Mail, Robertson could still be joined by Jones, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield.

Having seen his game-time steadily reduce under Arne Slot, Jones almost left for Inter Milan in January, and the Italians could reportedly be back at the table this summer.

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So too, could Tottenham, who are said to ‘retain an interest’ in the midfielder should they stay in the Premier League.

Jones is claimed to be keen for more playing time, leaving ‘the door ajar’ for a potential summer exit.

Liverpool’s stance is reportedly that that door could be opened if their valuation for the 25-year-old is met. No suggestion of what that asking-price would be is put forward.

In the meantime, an update is also given on Robertson’s move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs confirmed to be in ‘pole position’ to land the 32-year-old.

There has been much speculation about Arne Slot and who will be Liverpool’s manager for the 2026/27 season.

Oliver Glasner was linked with a potential switch earlier this season during a run of nine defeats from 12 under Slot.

More recently, there has been a suggestion that after leaving Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi could join Liverpool. However, he is also facing interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but does not want to join the North London outfit until their status as a Premier League club has been secured.

Just how bad do you want Arne Slot gone? 😬

Roberto De Zerbi only wants Tottenham job if they’re in Premier League

Spurs are enduring a nightmare run and, despite taking a point off Liverpool this month, are in a serious relegation battle.

A team of Tottenham’s profile suffering relegation to the Championship seems pretty unthinkable, but after they were hammered 3-0 by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, they sit just one point above the bottom three with seven games to go.

This, as per the Telegraph, has played a key role in De Zerbi being reluctant to become their manager right now.

He is thought to be open to a move in the summer, but that would only be the case if Spurs have secured their status as a top-flight team for another year.

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Roberto De Zerbi would make same change as Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

It remains to be seen where De Zerbi will end up and if Liverpool will firm up their interest in the summer.

But should the former Brighton and Hove Albion coach take charge at Anfield next term, expect him to switch to a three/five-back formation.

That was his preferred system in Ligue 1, and the fact that both De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso have been linked to Liverpool already this year suggests those in a position of power on Merseyside are open to a new formation.

Such a change would make sense given that Mohamed Salah is leaving and the Reds have no other top-quality senior wingers on their books right now.

A 3-5-2 would also be one of the easiest systems to switch to in order to play a two-man strike force, allowing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to play together.

Igor Tudor has confirmed that he did not mistake his own staff member for Arne Slot ahead of Tottenham’s draw against Liverpool last weekend.

The Spurs interim boss went viral after he was seen embracing a slightly surprised looking bald man in front of the dugout at Anfield before the 1-1 draw.

But as the internet laughed at Tudor’s perceived faux pas, he spoke out to clear up what exactly happened, and joked that the staff member in question has now been jokingly nicknamed ‘Arne.’

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Tudor did not mistake Allan Dixon for Slot

In what has been a miserable period for both Liverpool and Tottenham, Tudor seemingly mis-identifying Slot before last Sunday’s game gave some rare comic relief.

But speaking in a press conference ahead of his team’s crucial relegation battle against Nottingham Forest, Tudor confirmed that the man he shared a joke with on the Anfield touchline was Spurs’ player liaison officer Allan Dixon.

“My son who is 20 years old said in Croatia everybody was laughing at this mistake, I said what mistake? He didn’t know who is the guy, I said it’s Allan Dixon, I spend all day together with him,” Tudor smiled.

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“He came out and stood in front of my bench, so what other coach can be there? He was there, I came over to him to make a joke. When he turned I was not surprised, I was laughing.

“In Croatia I imagine they are laughing because they don’t know Allan Dixon, but in England do they think I don’t recognise the guy I spend every day, ten hours, with?! I come out and don’t know he is? It was a little bit ridiculous.

“Now [against Atletico] we did it on purpose to make a joke, because from now on I call him ‘Arne’! It’s not Allan anymore, it’s Arne!”

Maybe Liverpool should look at putting Dixon in charge for their upcoming matches, he could hardly do much worse than his lookalike!

Arne Slot may well be coming up against his future employers on Sunday as Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

That’s according to Paul Merson, anyway, with the pundit suggesting – potentially with his tongue firmly in his cheek – that the Liverpool head coach will find himself in North London if he fails to guide the Reds into the Champions League places.

“I wouldn’t have thought if he’d win the FA Cup and doesn’t finish in the Champions League positions it would make any difference at all,” Merson told Sky Sports News on Saturday. “He will have to get in the top four, otherwise he’ll be Tottenham manager!”

Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵‍💫

Slot can’t be serious, right? What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮

But while the claim drew a “naughty boy” from presenter Simon Thomas, Slot was in talks to join Spurs in 2023. As they look for a new manager to lift them from an unprecedented slump, and his future at Liverpool comes under increasing scrutiny, could Slot really join Tottenham?

Slot could still be sacked by Liverpool

Although Slot ultimately turned Spurs down to focus on Feyenoord in 2023, the job will surely be attractive to him if he is relieved of his duties at Liverpool.

For now, the Liverpool owners are said to be fully behind the Dutchman, but it is hard to believe that that will remain the stance if things continue to spiral this season.

Slot’s future is likely to rest on how he performs in the FA Cup and Champions League. If the Reds exit both competitions at the next possible junctures, his exit will become far more likely.

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As Merson says, whether or not he finishes in the Champions League places will also play a huge part in the decision-making process, although it should be remembered that Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool into the Europa League in 2023, so there is a precedent there.

Klopp had much more credit in the bank than Slot, however, and there was always a feeling that with a few good signings here and there, Liverpool would be back where they belong. That is ultimately what happened.

With the football on offer continuing to rub supporters up the wrong way, there is likely to be less patience afforded to Slot, and rightfully so.

Spurs would be a perfect landing for Slot

Unless they are relegated to the Championship, it is easy to see how Tottenham would be an attractive next move for Slot if he is to leave Liverpool.

Despite their terrible form across two seasons in the Premier League, the North Londoners have shown that they still have the capability to perform in the Champions League.

There are top quality players littered throughout the squad, and Slot would likely back himself to get far more out of them than either Ange Postecoglou or Thomas Frank managed.

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After spending time away from his family – who have largely remained in the Netherlands – there is a possibility that Slot would want some time away from football to plot out his next step.

But with such a big Premier League job readily available, and with the hierarchy already showing that they would be interested in taking him on, it could be a chance that Slot would not want to miss.

Verdict: No surprise if Slot ends up at Tottenham

Slot has had an excellent record against Tottenham since joining Liverpool, winning four out of five matches against them, and scoring a bucketload of goals in the process.

And while Sunday’s match will likely add to that handsome run, it may also give the 47-year-old a chance to take a look at players who he could be managing in the near future.

The biggest question here is, of course, whether Slot stays in his job. Liverpool do not appear desperate to make a change, but the lingering spectre of Xabi Alonso cannot be ignored.

If he does go, then why wouldn’t Spurs be interested? If their own post is still vacant, it would be a huge boost for them to lure a Premier League-winning manager to the club.

Tottenham are far better than they are showing this season, and it would be no surprise to see Slot arrive and succeed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if the axe does swing for him at Liverpool.

Dominic Solanke has sent a rallying call ahead of Tottenham’s visit to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Spurs are in dreadful shape heading to Anfield, having lost the past six matches in all competitions. With nine games to go, they are lingering perilously close to the relegation zone.

Liverpool aren’t in great shape themselves, though, and while he acknowledged the difficulty of a trip to Merseyside on Mother’s Day, Solanke claimed that Tottenham could still get something from the game.

Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵‍💫

Slot can’t be serious, right? What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮

Solanke not giving up hope of Anfield win

Solanke looked like he had a mind to spoil the party when Spurs last came to Anfield towards the end of last season.

Liverpool knew that a win would see them crowned as Premier League champions but fell behind to a goal from their former player early into the match.

The Reds soon turned things around, but ahead of another trip to his old stamping ground, Solanke says the clash with Liverpool is ‘another opportunity’ for Spurs to put their diabolical form to rest.

“It’s another opportunity. I think that’s the way we have to see it now. It’s another opportunity for us to turn around the form, turn around the results,” he told the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast.

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“And it’s not going to be an easy game. No game in the Premier League is easy, but especially away at Anfield. We know it’s going to be difficult, but we have to believe, we have to be brave.”

“I think on our day we can beat anyone, but we just have to show it and do it on the pitch.”

Despite their form entering freefall mode, Liverpool should be wary of Tottenham on Sunday. Igor Tudor’s team still have players who can cause damage, with Solanke being one of them.

If Spurs can find a way to get another early goal at Anfield, the pressure will ramp up on Liverpool to beat a side who have become the division’s whipping boys. The Reds have made almost every game difficult this season, and Solanke is clearly aiming to add another to the list on Sunday.