Managing Liverpool - Feyenoord winger signs, Ibrahima Konate axed, Cody Gakpo change

Liverpool will head to the United States of America this summer for their latest pre-season tour.

This trip will offer Arne Slot a closer look at his squad as they go head-to-head with Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Reds will be hoping to boost their fitness levels during this period while also determining an effective playing system to maximise the potential of the squad.

Transfer activity will also be taking place alongside upcoming fixtures, with Slot set for some big decisions over members of the first-team squad - both of in terms of arrivals and departures.

Below, the ECHO have reviewed some of the key calls that must be made.

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Igor Paixao signs

The Reds have already been linked with a whole host of players from Slot's former club, Feyenoord, as is often the case when managers take charge of a new team.

Among those to have been suggested as a possible recruit is left winger Igor Paixao, who has helped the Dutch club to the Eredivisie title and KNVB Beker in the last two years.

There is a chance Luis Diaz could depart this summer, and Paixao would be an ideal replacement due to already being a player Slot has experience of coaching.

The player himself also appears to be open to such a move, if his recent comments are anything to go by. Addressing links to Liverpool, the Brazilian remarked: "(The fans) don't want me to leave Feyenoord, but it doesn't depend on me. Together with my agents and the board of directors we will decide the best path to follow. I’m listening and watching on social media. A lot of people are always tagging me and asking: are you going to Liverpool? I don’t know anything, I’m just waiting. But Dutch football is really cool. The intensity is what makes it different."

Cody Gakpo change

Currently the joint leading scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals to his name. Cody Gakpo has been in fine form for his country on the big stage.

These strong performance levels have come as a result of the Liverpool forward being deployed on the left wing, surging into the penalty area at speed.

Gakpo has been trialled in various positions since signing for the Reds in January of last year, starring down the centre, the left and in a slightly deeper role.

Euro 2024 has surely provided the definitive answer over the best position of the 25-year-old. One less dilemma for Slot to solve, it would seem.

Ibrahima Konate benched

There is no escaping the fact the Liverpool defender has not been at his best for some time now.

The former RB Leipzig star, like many others, suffered a significant drop-off towards the end of last season when attempting to provide the ultimate send-off for Jurgen Klopp.

Konate, talked up as Virgil van Dijk's heir in the past, is nowhere near reaching the level of the Liverpool captain and could have few complaints if Slot decides to dip into the transfer market for a new regular starter in this position.

The Frenchman has also lost his place at international level and is yet to feature at Euro 2024, missing out to Arsenal's William Saliba and the often-unreliable Dayot Upamecano.

Trio sign new deals

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk each have only one year remaining on their respective contracts.

Liverpool have allowed some big-name players to depart on free transfers in recent times, though such a scenario playing out with the aforementioned trio would be somewhat unthinkable.

Alexander-Arnold, in particular, cannot be allowed to run down his deal and the Reds must do all their can to ensure their future captain will be walking out at Anfield for many years to come.