Johan Bakayoko transfer could be just what Liverpool need but Mohamed Salah 'alternative' unlikely

A new era is officially underway at Liverpool after Arne Slot was announced as the club's head coach on Monday.

The 45-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will begin work at Anfield on June 1.

Slot, though, has assumed the title of head coach rather than manager as owners Fenway Sports Group continue to restructure operations at Anfield in a post-Jurgen Klopp world.

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As part of that reshuffle, Richard Hughes will officially join the club from AFC Bournemouth on June 1. Meanwhile, Michael Edwards will help oversee operations at Anfield after being appointed FSG's first-ever CEO of Football.

However, it isn't just staff members new and old that are part of a new era at Anfield, with Liverpool linked with moves for a string of new players already this summer.

Here, the ECHO takes a look at some of the latest rumours.

Reds considering move for Johan Bakayoko

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko - who could be Arne Slot's first signing at Anfield.

The 21-year-old forward scored 12 goals and notched nine assists across 33 Eredivisie games this season as PSV Eindhoven won the title. He has been capped 11 times by Belgium since March 2023 and could feature at this summer's European Championship.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that Liverpool have been tracking Bakayoko since March 2023 and PSV could sanction his departure for roughly £40m.

What the ECHO says: Impressively, Bakayoko has made nearly 100 appearances for PSV at the tender age of 21 and could prove to be a shrewd addition to Liverpool's ranks this summer, should a transfer materialise.

Although Mohamed Salah is expected to stay put at Anfield, he won't be around forever and the Reds will soon need to begin planning for life after the Egyptian.

Bakayoko is someone Slot will know well from his time in Holland and the winger would surely relish the opportunity of being part of a new era at Anfield and Liverpool's new boss will know how to strike a deal given his experience in the Eredivise.

Raphinha could also be long-term part of Liverpool plan for life after Salah

Tavolieri is also reporting that Barcelona forward Raphinha could be an option when it comes to replacing Salah at Anfield.

The 27-year-old made the move to Barcelona after an impressive two-year stint with Leeds United in the Premier League.

Since making the move to Spain, the Brazil international has established himself as a key component of Xavi's Barcelona side and made 42 La Liga starts over the last two years.

What the ECHO says: Despite Raphinha's credentials as a key player for both Barcelona and Brazil, at 27 years old it begs the question as to whether he would be a viable long-term replacement for Salah, who is not expected to leave the club this summer.

If the Egyptian was to depart at the end of his contract in June 2025, Raphinha would be close to turning 29 at the time of arrival.

And with Barcelona, a club in need of all the financial help they can get, they would be unlikely to let the versatile Brazilian depart for a small sum. Therefore, this one feels like a non-starter.