Arne Slot needs to get rid of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk the second he walks into Liverpool, to ensure his reign gets off on the right foot.
That’s according to René van der Gijp, who believes the two Liverpool stars are on the decline and should be moved on this summer.
Slot is expected to be announced as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Anfield in due course, after the Reds struck an agreement with Feyenoord towards the end of last week.
His arrival looks likely to be the first of many changes at Liverpool this summer, with the return of Michael Edwards seen by many as a sign that there will be an overhaul of the current squad.
The biggest question mark is over Salah, who is in the final year of his deal and must either sign a new contract or be moved on.
He has persistent interest from Saudi Arabia, who have already tried to lure him away from Liverpool in the past and have big money to sign star players from Europe again this summer.
Van Dijk is also in the final year of his contract and with him now 32-years-old, a decision has to be made on what comes next for him too. As far as Van der Gijp is concerned, both should be moved on.
“I think Slot would do best to slowly replace guys like Salah and Van Dijk,” he said.
“I read that Dortmund would be interested in Van Dijk, instead of Hummels. Then you play in a slightly easier competition.
“Salah should also just leave. He has performed incredibly, year in, year out. Now the wear and tear is slowly starting to show. That’s not easy. Your ego is affected, you fall down in the pecking order.”
