‘Liverpool are working on signing A-list Salah and Van Dijk replacements’
Liverpool have turned their attention to the transfer market after reaching agreements over new contracts for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
However, with the star duo aged 32 and 33 respectively, the transfer team at Anfield have already begun making preparations for life after their departures.
Both Salah and Van Dijk will likely leave the club when their new deals expire in 2027, and plans are now being put in place to future-proof their squad.
Football Insider revealed on 19 April that Liverpool are working to sign a Salah replacement and are keen to establish a long-term succession plan for the Egyptian.
Now, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that the same will have to be done for Van Dijk to avoid a potential crisis.
The Reds will aim to recruit A-list players who not only will improve Arne Slot’s side immediately, but can grow and develop at the club to eventually become first-team stars.
Liverpool plot Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk replacements
Football Insider revealed in February that Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back regardless of the future of Van Dijk and had begun assessing their options.
That focus has also been set on a new winger, with younger options seen as “the next generation” set to become the primary targets over the next two seasons.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that the Reds are keen to avoid a similar situation to this season where they feared for the state of the squad without their two star men.
“This is the main thing for Liverpool,” he told Football Insider.
“They don’t want to be in a situation in two years’ time where they’re wondering: ‘Who’s going to replace Mohamed Salah?’
“Over the next two years, Liverpool have to be clever in their recruitment.
“Some of these young players who have been mentioned – yes they’re going to recruit stars for the here and now but also with one eye on the future.
“They want players to develop and progress in the squad for when the players like Virgil van Dijk do eventually move on.
“They want to avoid a situation like this season where they wonder: ‘If they move on, what have we got?’
“They have to go into the transfer market quickly to get the replacements and the next generation, if you like, through the door.“
Arne Slot eyes Jamie Gittens and Dean Huijsen deals
As part of Liverpool’s plans to bring younger faces to the club in the upcoming windows, a number of players have already been identified to fit that bill.
Industry insider Mick Brown told Football Insider on 16 April that Liverpool will accelerate efforts to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The 20-year-old has been closely monitored by the transfer team, who are keen to beat the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham to his signature.
Liverpool have also eyed Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, 20, as a long-term option after an impressive first season in the Premier League.
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