Alexander-Arnold answer, Salah situation, £50m boost - Liverpool's four biggest summer transfer jobs

It has been a quiet first month for Richard Hughes as Liverpool's new sporting director.

After officially starting work on the same day, June 1, as new boss Arne Slot, the first signing of this new era has yet to happen. The temporary departure of Calvin Ramsay on a season-long loan to Wigan Athletic is the only bit of business in or out of the club so far this summer.

However, July will be much busier at Anfield and the AXA Training Centre. The Copa America and European Championship conclude mid-way through the month, and pre-season starts today with testing in Kirkby. The ECHO has highlighted four areas for the club to focus on over the coming month.

Contract conundrums

With all of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold now in the final 12 months of the contracts, agreeing new deals early this summer is of the utmost importance for Hughes. Apparent interest from Saudi Pro League clubs in Salah and Van Dijk makes the issue even more pressing.

If either or both were to leave, replacements would have to follow before the start of the new season. Equally, if anyone from the trio decides not to extend their contracts over the coming months, the club will have to consider selling them for something rather than losing them on free transfers this time next year.

Therefore, clarifying all three situations as early as possible is necessary. Their futures will determine the club's window.

Goalkeeper quandary

Alisson is another attracting interest from Saudi Arabia this summer. But with the Brazil international under contract for another three years, the more pressing situation is the future of Caoimhin Kelleher.

After making 26 appearances across all competitions during an injury-affected season for Alisson, the Republic of Ireland international is highly unlikely to play as much this coming campaign. The young goalkeeper has made known that he now sees himself as a first-choice goalkeeper, effectively forcing the club to choose between Alisson and Kelleher.

He also has only two years remaining on his contract, so deciding on his future at this juncture makes sense for all parties. Adrian is also out of contract and expected to re-sign for Real Betis instead of signing a one-year extension. So, at least one and potentially two goalkeepers may be necessary over the coming weeks and months.

Alexander-Arnold decision

While there is a decision to make of Alexandre Arnold's future first and foremost, Slot must also decide whether he sees the England international as a right-back or a central midfielder. If it is the former, the club must consider signing the defensive midfielder they did not last summer when opting for Wataru Endo.

If Slot does see Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder, then the club should also contemplate signing another right-back rather than relying on just Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. Sepp van den Berg could also bolster the squad in that position but may depart permanently this summer.

Top-up transfer kitty

Liverpool reportedly value Van den Berg at around £20 million, and fees for fringe players will be crucial in topping up the transfer kitty for future signings. The club are said to be seeking a similar fee for Tyler Morton after an impressive season spent on loan at Hull City in the Championship.

Kelleher could also force his name onto that list, costing any club able to offer the goalkeeper first-team football upwards of £20 million and potentially as high as £35 million. Nathaniel Phillips is another player in the final 12 months of his contract and reportedly has a £8 million price tag.