Drinkel Discusses Salah’s Role and Liverpool’s Transfer Priorities | OneFootball

Mo Salah, Transfers and the Future of Liverpool’s Attack – Guy Drinkel Reacts

Salah’s Evolution Under Slot

On the latest Daily Red Podcast for Anfield Index, Guy Drinkel delivered a solo episode packed with insight, honesty, and an unmistakable dose of optimism. The spotlight? Mohamed Salah – and the evolving balance between his attacking brilliance and defensive responsibilities under Arne Slot.

Drinkel read directly from Salah’s Sky Sports quotes, highlighting a striking moment of tactical honesty. “I told him: ‘As long as you rest me defensively, I will provide offensively,’” Salah had said of his conversation with Slot. The deal, it seems, has paid dividends.

With 33 goals and 23 assists in all competitions this season – “56 goal involvements in 48 games” – Drinkel was unequivocal: “He’s a machine… probably the main reason why we’ve won the league.” And while some may cite a late-season dip, Drinkel defended the Egyptian’s output. “Even if he drops off next season… to 25 goals and 18 assists, I’d still take that.”

Salah’s role has subtly evolved. Despite seemingly defensive reprieve, FBRef stats show he has attempted more tackles this season than in all but one previous campaign, including a personal best of eight tackles in the defensive third.

Transfer Priorities Take Shape

Turning to transfers, Drinkel referenced Chris Bascombe’s recent update, identifying two main priorities: a new number nine and a left-sided defender.

He singled out Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez as key targets. “Huijsen looks like the next big centre-back,” Drinkel said. But he questioned the valuation of Kerkez, noting Liverpool “are reluctant to overpay for a left-back… they want someone to share the workload with Andy Robertson, not replace him.”

Up front, the outlook is clear: Darwin Nunez’s days at Anfield may be numbered. “He’s sadly just got to go, hasn’t he?” said Drinkel, bluntly. Interest remains in Alexander Isak, though Drinkel acknowledged it was “not realistic” due to cost. Hugo Ekitiké and Antoine Semenyo were also mentioned, with the latter seen as a possible replacement if Diogo Jota departs.

Future Hinges on Trent and Diaz Decisions

The podcast also dug into contract questions surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz. A cryptic Instagram post from Linda Pizzuti, featuring Trent front and centre, drew attention. Drinkel speculated on the defender’s future: “Can he stay? Will he stay? He’d probably be the third-highest-paid player if he signs… I still expect him to call Real Madrid.”

On Díaz, Guy was pragmatic. While acknowledging the Colombian’s inconsistencies, he added: “He’s so much more useful than Darwin and Jota… the performances just haven’t justified [Jota] this year.”

Sensible Strategy from FSG

Despite frustrations, Drinkel credited Liverpool’s owners for restraint and structure. “FSG are willing to put money in for the right target… they won’t risk the future of the club,” he said. He admitted some missed opportunities in the past – most notably January 2021’s failure to reinforce defensively – but framed this summer as pivotal.

In Drinkel’s view, the rebuild started under Jürgen Klopp remains on track. Now, with Slot at the helm, that trajectory depends on shrewd recruitment and hanging onto their cornerstone players.