Liverpool's transformation under Arne Slot is picking up momentum, and it's not just about what happens on the pitch. Behind the scenes, the Reds are quietly building a coaching staff that matches the manager's vision—and one name keeps surfacing: Etienne Reijnen.

Reijnen, a trusted lieutenant from Slot's successful stint at Feyenoord, has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield. And when Robin van Persie—his current boss at Heerenveen—was asked about the speculation, his response was telling. "It is mainly up to the club and Etienne himself," Van Persie said. "What I can say is that I am very happy with his work. He is a fantastic person who also fulfills his role very well."

That's not a denial. That's a manager acknowledging that bigger forces may be at play. For Liverpool fans, it's a clear signal that the groundwork is already being laid for a reunion between Slot and his former assistant.

This isn't the first time the Reds have tried to bring Reijnen on board. Slot attempted to add the 39-year-old to his backroom team last season, but work permit issues and unfinished coaching qualifications derailed the move. Now, with those hurdles nearly cleared and Reijnen close to earning his coaching diploma, the path to Merseyside looks wide open.

Reports suggest the Dutch coach is "on the verge" of joining Liverpool, a move that would underscore just how much faith the club's hierarchy has in Slot. They're not just letting him shape the squad—they're empowering him to build the entire infrastructure around him.

For a club navigating fan tensions over ticket prices and ownership decisions, every move matters. Bringing in a trusted ally like Reijnen isn't just a tactical choice; it's a statement of intent. Liverpool is betting on Slot's vision, and this could be the first step in turning that vision into reality.