For months, there have been reports linking the Reds with figures like Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim, but these rumors never gained much momentum.
However, in recent days, speculation surrounding Liverpool and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot has escalated rapidly.
On Tuesday, multiple reports surfaced suggesting that the Reds had identified the 45-year-old as their primary target and that he met all of the club’s criteria.
The following day, speculation intensified. Several reputable sources claimed that Liverpool had decided to move forward and enter discussions with the Dutch club after engaging with Slot.
Slot’s enthusiasm evidently impressed Liverpool and FSG, as did his comprehensive knowledge and detailed plans for the club’s direction.
Amidst the fervent speculation, pundits like Jamie Carragher have been weighing in on the possibility of Slot joining Liverpool.
What insights has Jamie Carragher shared regarding Liverpool’s pursuit of Arne Slot?
Carragher, in his commentary on Sky Sports, appears somewhat skeptical about the prospect, suggesting that it would represent a “significant leap” for Slot.
The Liverpool legend also suggests that Liverpool’s interest in the Feyenoord manager indicates a scarcity of top-tier managers currently available in the market.
“From Feyenoord to Liverpool is a huge jump,” said Carragher.
“And I think it shows at this moment that there’s probably a dearth of real top managers out there, when you look at who Liverpool are going for.
“Initially it was Xabi Alonso – it’s only his first full season as a manager – then there was talk of Ruben Amorim from Sporting, who’s only 39. Now Arne Slot is the favourite.”
Carragher added: “I don’t think it’s like Benitez coming in, or Klopp.
“Benitez coming in on the back of two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Cup, or Klopp winning a couple of league titles and getting to a Champions League final. Liverpool were actually in a different space then.
“That Liverpool team, certainly under Benitez that I was part of, we were the team trying to qualify for the top four. The same with Klopp when he came in.
“But Liverpool are in a different era now. They actually fancy themselves to challenge for the Premier League every season.
“Next season, in the Champions League they’d expect to get to the quarter-finals at least.
“I think it’s a huge jump but he’s obviously a great coach with a great track record so far. We’ll see.”
With that being said, Van Dijk has shared his opinion on potential Klopp replacement.
Author’s opinion
Carragher makes a valid observation here. When we consider the managers Liverpool has been linked with since Klopp’s announcement, only one has a track record of winning major trophies in a top-five European league.
While Xabi Alonso has expressed his commitment to staying at Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool is forced to explore other options.
Though Slot and Amorim have shown promise, they’ve primarily operated outside of Europe’s top leagues.
On the other hand, De Zerbi might already be in the Premier League, but he hasn’t secured major silverware with Brighton.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that Slot and Amorim might not be successful in England. Remember, Chelsea took a chance on Jose Mourinho from Porto, and that turned out quite well for them.
