As the Premier League season concludes this Sunday, several clubs are already laying groundwork for summer upheaval. Liverpool's backing of manager Arne Slot through a key coaching hire, Everton's demand for ambition, and Arsenal's injury comeback story underscore a weekend of finales and farewells.
Liverpool are closing in on the appointment of Etienne Reijnen from Feyenoord as an assistant coach, a move that signals the club's continued faith in Slot despite mounting pressure over Champions League qualification. The 39-year-old Dutchman, who previously worked with Slot at both PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord, was blocked by work permit issues when Slot first arrived at Anfield two years ago. Now, with Feyenoord technical director Dennis te Kloese acknowledging Reijnen's likely departure, the deal is progressing.
Slot refused to confirm the move publicly, but his warm praise for Reijnen—"I have a very high regard for him"—leaves little doubt about the reunion. The timing is crucial. Liverpool have yet to seal a top-five finish, with a nervy finale against Brentford on Sunday. Anfield's frustration over the style of play boiled over in the last home game, and Mohamed Salah's cryptic social media post further fanned the flames. Yet by strengthening the backroom team, the club's hierarchy is effectively dismissing the idea of a managerial change.
Salah's status for the Brentford game remains uncertain, as he and Andy Robertson prepare for emotional Anfield farewells. Slot acknowledged the Egyptian's understanding of the stakes: "He also understands how important qualification for the Champions League is for us." A top-five finish is vital for Liverpool to build on what Slot called a "solid base" heading into next season. Missing out would put the entire project under a darker cloud, making the Reijnen hire even more pivotal as a signal of long-term commitment.
Across Merseyside, Everton manager David Moyes is already looking to the summer with a mixture of despondency and determination. A poor end to the season has evaporated the dream of European qualification, but Moyes is clear: "A big summer might mean that we just make one really top signing that makes the difference to the team." He believes the Friedkin Group must show ambition to push the club forward after years of relegation scraps.
Everton visit relegation-threatened Tottenham on the final day, and Moyes admits his side must finish in the top half for financial reasons. He also harbors a soft spot for his former club West Ham, who could stay up if results fall right. "I would love to keep West Ham in the league if I can," he said, but insisted Everton's primary focus is getting a result at Tottenham. There will be no experimenting with kids, he warned—this is about restoring pride and building momentum.
At Arsenal, Mikel Merino's remarkable return from a rare foot stress fracture adds a feel-good layer to the title celebrations. The Spanish midfielder feared his career might be over after spending two months on a mobility scooter, unable to walk. "The first couple of weeks were tough," he admitted. Now back in training, he could feature against Crystal Palace, where Arsenal will lift the Premier League trophy—their first in 22 years.
Merino's recovery is also timely for Spain's World Cup squad selection next week. His mental resilience—"I had two options, to go down and cry myself to extinction or keep my head up"—has impressed the coaching staff. His cameo, even if brief, would cap a season of personal triumph over adversity.
Meanwhile, Burnley's interim head coach Mike Jackson sounded a note of caution after the club's third relegation in five seasons. Despite having bounced straight back twice previously, he warned there are no guarantees. Burnley, with only four wins all season, host Wolves on Sunday in a somber conclusion to a doomed campaign.
Fulham's finale against Newcastle is clouded by uncertainty. Manager Marco Silva revealed that his future will be decided next week, with his contract expiring and an offer on the table from Fulham alone—despite links to Benfica. On the pitch, Ryan Sessegnon faces a late fitness test for a hamstring issue, while Joachim Andersen is suspended.
These intertwining narratives—from Liverpool's strategic backing of Slot to Everton's summer reset and Arsenal's healing hero—paint a picture of a league in constant flux. As the final whistle blows on Sunday, the transfer window and managerial decisions will quickly take center stage.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
