Liverpool have reached a decisive internal verdict on Arne Slot’s future: the Dutchman will not be sacked, despite a deeply disappointing 2025/26 campaign that has seen the defending Premier League champions tumble out of the title race and stare at a potential early exit from the Champions League.
According to highly respected journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have no intention of changing manager this summer. Speaking on NBC Sports, Ornstein delivered a clear message from Anfield’s hierarchy:
“The intention of the club and Fenway Sports Group is to stick with Arne Slot into next season and give him longer. He’s on a contract until 2027. I think they feel there are clear mitigations. The transition work was always going to be huge after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, and the transfer windows across the course of all of Slot’s windows is four now.”
The club views this season’s struggles — including a heavy 2-0 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals — as understandable growing pains rather than grounds for dismissal. With Mohamed Salah set to depart and several key players underperforming or nearing the end of their cycles, FSG believe Slot deserves more time and significant squad investment to rebuild.
Major Summer Overhaul Planned
Far from a quiet window, Liverpool are preparing an ambitious four major first-team signings in the summer of 2026. Ornstein revealed that the club sees this as a “developing project” and plans to continue investing, with a net spend already around £150m across Slot’s tenure so far.
A wide attacker is high on the agenda to offset Salah’s exit and the failure to adequately replace Luis Díaz. But one position stands out as an immediate priority: left-back.
With Andy Robertson’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Reds have identified RB Leipzig’s David Raum as a prime target to freshen up the position. The 27-year-old Germany international is seen as a strong option capable of competing directly with incoming or existing squad players such as Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool scouts were in attendance to watch Raum in action for Leipzig recently, underlining the club’s serious interest. However, competition is expected — Manchester United are also monitoring the versatile left-back, while Leipzig are keen to retain their captain for at least another season.
Yan Diomande on Liverpool’s Radar
Raum is not the only Leipzig player attracting covetous glances from Anfield. Liverpool are also determined to pursue exciting Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, as a potential long-term replacement for Salah.
Diomande has already responded positively to the speculation linking him with elite clubs. In comments to Africa Foot, the young forward said:
“I’m here, and first and foremost, I’m healthy and working hard every day. Hearing these rumours about big clubs like PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, and others interested in me gives me even more motivation to work. I keep smiling, stay upbeat, and keep pushing forward. My job is on the pitch, and I’m fully committed to my current club. As for the rest, I have a team that takes care of everything; I don’t stress about it. I play for Leipzig and enjoy it.”
His mature attitude and hunger for big-stage football will only encourage FSG as they look to inject youthful dynamism into the attack.
Behind Closed Doors: The Brutal Reality
Behind the public calm, the decision to stick with Slot was far from straightforward. A season that began with title-defending hopes has unravelled dramatically: Liverpool are long out of the Premier League race and could even miss the top five. European elimination at the hands of PSG would represent another bitter blow.
Yet sources close to the club insist FSG see “clear mitigations” — the enormous challenge of following a Liverpool legend like Klopp, squad transition issues, and injuries/form dips among senior players. Rather than wield the axe, the owners have instead greenlit a major spending spree to equip Slot with the tools needed to restore competitiveness.
The message is clear: this is not the end of the Slot era, but the beginning of a serious rebuild. With up to four high-profile arrivals planned — including a new left-back and wide forward — Liverpool are signalling their intent to bounce back strongly in 2026/27.
Whether Raum, Diomande, and two other marquee targets can help transform the Reds’ fortunes remains to be seen. For now, though, Arne Slot has been handed the backing — and the budget — to prove his worth beyond this turbulent season.