Once Jurgen Klopp leaves the club, the new Liverpool manager will have massive boots to fill.
Klopp has become a legendary figure at the club, but the next manager can also become hugely successful like him if there’s a proper structure and planning in place.
Moreover, Klopp said many times this season that he wouldn’t have decided to leave if the club wasn’t in the best possible shape in every aspect. Michael Edwards, the brain behind the capture of Mohamed Salah, has returned to the club, but this time with more power in the CEO role.
Once the club appoint a new sporting director, the focus will immediately shift on appointing the next manager. After that, the Reds will look forward to adding depth and quality to an already star-studded squad.
Bolstering the defence could be a priority for Liverpool next summer, and along with signing a centre-back, the Reds should aim to add a new left-back as well.
Andy Robertson has seen a slight dip in form this season, but he remains the first-choice option. Kostas Tsimikas has been a reliable deputy, but the “Greek Scouser”, as he is affectionately called, has struggled for form and fitness. Klopp has used Joe Gomez in the left-back role at times this season.
Liverpool need to make ruthless transfer call
Tsimikas has been at Liverpool since 2020, and he has made over 80 appearances for the club in all competitions. He has mostly played in cup games but has done reasonably well in the Premier League as well whenever he is called upon.
The 27-year-old is a fantastic squad player to have, and here lies the big conundrum. Liverpool need another top-quality left-back with Robertson in his 30’s, and showing signs of waning down.
Liverpool can wait until another season to make changes in the left-back areas, but it makes sense for them to act now. Robertson has a contract at Anfield until 2026, and it would be wise for the club to stick with him until the end of his contract.
It’s better to have Robertson in the side as a back-up option than Tsimikas. While the Greece international is a fantastic defender, he is not someone who can replace Robertson in the starting line-up every week.
Tsimikas has a long-term deal at Anfield until 2027 and Liverpool can get a high transfer fee for him.
Robertson is one of the senior players at the club, and the next Liverpool manager will need some senior heads around him, especially in his early phases. Considering all factors, if Liverpool management wants to sign a new left-back, they should allow Tsimikas to leave, though the decision may seem ruthless.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds are keen to sign 25-year-old winger in red-hot form this season.
