Liverpool were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea on Sunday in their first match since securing the Premier League titleRoy KeaneRoy Keane names three positions Liverpool must strengthen(Image: Michael Zemanek/REX/Shutterstock)

Roy Keane believes Liverpool must secure at least three new signings in the summer transfer window to have a shot at retaining their Premier League crown. He has called on Arne Slot to show no mercy in his pursuit of back-to-back titles.

Liverpool suffered a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, their first game since clinching the Premier League title. Enzo Fernandez gave the hosts an early lead, which was doubled when Virgil van Dijk’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Jarell Quansah and into the goal.

Van Dijk managed to claw one back from a corner, but Cole Palmer’s late penalty sealed a crucial victory for Enzo Maresca’s side, handing Liverpool just their third league loss this season. The Reds have made significant strides recently by securing Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah on new two-year deals.

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However, with less than a month until the transfer window opens on June 1, sporting director Richard Hughes has plenty more to ponder. Keane, having watched the Stamford Bridge defeat, feels that despite their league triumph, Liverpool are lacking depth in crucial areas.

Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate were left on the bench by Slot in favour of Kostas Tsimikas and Quansah, a move that Keane felt represented a drop in quality.

“They want to back that up,” Keane remarked on Sky Sports regarding Liverpool’s intentions for summer signings.

“That’s the big challenge for Liverpool. Possibly a left-back, a centre half, [and] potentially I would say striker.

“They’ve won the league, they’ll be a big attraction for a lot of players. Winning the league’s fantastic, you’ve got to back it up again next year.”

Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge commented: “Certainly an attacker, a striker. Jota has been the main man but they probably do need another striker, potentially a back up for Mo. You’ve got to lock up Konate as well.

“His partnership with Van Dijk has been key to the team’s success. It’s always good to have a partnership you can rely on and trust.”

With just one year remaining on his current deal, Konate might join Van Dijk and Salah in committing his future to the club.

Meanwhile, Robertson, who joined Liverpool in 2017, has shown some vulnerabilities this season, fuelling rumours that the Reds could be eyeing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a potential new left-back.

“I wouldn’t write off Robertson, top player, great professional,” Jamie Redknapp weighed in. “Kerkez has been amazing for Bournemouth. He’s like a younger version.”

Ahead of the clash with Chelsea, Slot spoke about how Liverpool’s triumph in the league amplifies the club’s allure for potential transfer targets. He quoted: “Winning the league, having these fans, I think that is a big attraction to every player we want to bring in and it is definitely helpful.”

Following the failed attempt to land Martin Zubimendi for £51million, Liverpool only managed to sign Federico Chiesa last summer.

However, the team is poised for a more active transfer window, as Slot looks to strengthen his squad from a position of success.

Players such as Tsimikas and Darwin Nunez are on the list of potential departures, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to depart Anfield as a free agent at the end of the season.. In terms of recruitment, alongside Milan Kerkez, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has emerged as another target.

Additionally, a central midfielder in the mould of Zubimendi could be considered to provide additional support for Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.