Liverpool must offload their £150k-per-week underperformer, who contributes little, despite earning more than Núñez.

Arne Slot aims to mark his debut season at Liverpool with silverware, but his ambitions extend far beyond that.

 

The Dutchman inherited a high-quality squad from Jurgen Klopp, but his tactical adjustments have propelled Liverpool 13 points clear at the Premier League summit, while also pushing for a deep run in the Champions League knockout stages.

 

However, Liverpool’s long-term goal is sustained dominance at the highest level, and that will require significant investment from FSG in the summer transfer window.

 

While strengthening the squad is crucial, trimming the squad is equally important.

 

How FSG Can Save Money This Summer

 

With Darwin Nunez linked with a summer departure, Liverpool will likely target a marquee centre-forward, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak reportedly high on the list. However, his hefty £150m price tag could pose financial challenges for new sporting director Richard Hughes.

 

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all in line for new lucrative contracts. Salah remains irreplaceable after scoring 30 goals and providing 22 assists this season, despite turning 33 soon. His exceptional athleticism suggests he could perform at the top level for several more years.

 

Fortunately, Liverpool already have an exciting young prospect in Ben Doak, who has impressed on loan at Middlesbrough and could serve as Salah’s long-term successor.

 

Time to Cut Ties with £150k-per-Week Flop

 

If Liverpool are serious about signing Isak or other marquee players, offloading underperforming players will be essential.

 

One name under scrutiny is Federico Chiesa. Signed for £12.5m from Juventus last summer, the Italian forward has failed to make an impact at Anfield, registering just one goal and two assists in 10 appearances.

 

Despite earning £150k per week — more than both Nunez (£140k) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£120k) — Chiesa has struggled with injuries and has not started a single Premier League match this season.

 

Liverpool reportedly discussed an early exit for the 27-year-old in January, and with Doak set to return, Chiesa’s future looks increasingly uncertain.

 

If Liverpool want to build a squad capable of sustained success under Slot, parting ways with high-earning fringe players like Chiesa could be the logical step forward.