Why Liverpool may not sign new player this summer – Head Coach Slot

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given fans an update on the club’s transfer plans amid a quiet summer.

The end of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield has ushered in a new era at Liverpool, but it looks a lot similar to the old one at the moment.

Slot has replaced the charismatic German in the managerial dugout but has not made a raft of new signings.

He has been impressed by his current troops after a brilliant pre-season where they won every game – including against Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Dutchman said: “I am focused on the tour, how we played, what we need to improve and what we did well. Like I said, the bar is really high for new signings because we have so many good players.

“So it is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then [the question is] is he available? Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it is not always easy to find a player who can help us but [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is working hard on it and let’s see what comes from this.

“My main focus, as I said when I started, was working with the team and preparing them in the best possible way for the first Premier League game and of course for these games as well and apart from that he is working on things and he keeps me updated every time but my main focus is the team over here.”

A defensive midfielder has been eyed by Liverpool over the past 12 months, having missed out on Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, who both joined Chelsea.

But Slot believes he might have the answer already in his squad – Ryan Gravenberch, who the Reds signed from Bayern Munich late in the 2023 summer window.

“I think Ryan Gravenberch did really well in that position [on Sunday vs United] and we have other options as well,” Slot added.

“The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven’t [got them].

“But a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what’s available, players that can strengthen the squad and that is what we – mostly Richard – but me as well are looking to do but that is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad where can we do something and what do we have.”

Liverpool have yet to sign a new player this summer but have been linked with several options, including a controversial move for Newcastle star Anthony Gordon, who came up through arch-rivals Everton’s academy.

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has been looked at after the departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer this summer but the Eagles are demanding a hefty price.

As for departures, Joe Gomez could leave the club for more first-team football while Trent Alexander-Arnold has been spotted sniggering about a potential Real Madrid transfer.

Like Alexander-Arnold, key duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also in the last year of their contracts and could leave for nothing next year.

Liverpool fan is adamant that Arne Slot can turn Liverpool into title contenders next season
Slot added: “I haven’t followed the speculation and the only thing I know is that on Tuesday [Gomez] is back with us and I spoke to him just after the Euros and he is one of our squad players so it is the same with Trent, Virgil and all the others, I need to see them.

“And everyone has to be of high standards because they have probably seen the current players are doing well. So I hope that the eight or nine that come in on Tuesday are ready to compete with them.”

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