Murphy names Luis Enrique as ideal Slot replacement as Alisson nears Liverpool extension

Arne Slot is expected to remain Liverpool manager heading into his third season at Anfield, but former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy has cautioned that a slow start in August could quickly reignite pressure on the Dutchman — and has named Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique as the ideal candidate to replace him if it comes to that.

Liverpool ended a turbulent Premier League campaign with just 60 points — their lowest tally in over a decade and 24 fewer than their title-winning total the previous season. The club secured Champions League qualification only on the final day, courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Brentford, doing little to ease scrutiny of Slot’s position.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “If Slot doesn’t start well, it [pressure] is going to start again. But if he starts badly and they’re sitting in fifth, sixth after eight games, it’s done.” Murphy added that he believes Slot has limited influence over recruitment, though some input on incoming signings is expected.

On the question of a potential successor, Murphy was unambiguous in his preference. “I would try and break the bank and do anything I can to get Luis Enrique,” he said. “If Enrique wins the Champions League again, what more can he do? He must be bored there, playing in a Mickey Mouse league where he wins every week. He must want more challenge, surely?”

Murphy also addressed the prospect of Xabi Alonso, who is set to take charge at Chelsea, suggesting the PSG manager would be the more compelling appointment for Anfield.

Meanwhile, Liverpool may avoid a third high-profile departure this summer after Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both left the club. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, 33, had been linked with a move to Juventus, with his contract due to expire at the end of next season. However, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool have opened talks with the Brazilian over a contract extension, suggesting the club are keen to retain one of their most decorated players rather than lose him on a free transfer.

The Reds are also preparing for what is expected to be another significant summer of spending, one year after outlaying approximately £450 million on new arrivals. How Slot navigates both the transfer window and the opening weeks of the new campaign is likely to define the trajectory of his tenure.