Arne Slot transfer plan at Liverpool shared
Liverpool have had a quiet transfer window so far but that is expected to change according, to James Pearce.
Writing for The Athletic [1 July], journalist Pearce said new boss Arne Slot will assess his squad in pre-season before making plans for the upcoming campaign.
A host of the club’s senior players are away on international duty during Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Youth players such as Bobby Clark, Ben Doak, James McConnell and Jayden Danns will have opportunities to impress.
Midfielders Fabio Carvalho and Tyler Morton will return from their loan spells with Hull City.
All will get a chance to impress Slot in pre-season, but he will need to recruit in key positions.
Liverpool to boost centre-back options
There will be no major rebuild facing Slot at Anfield this summer.
Jurgen Klopp underwent a squad overhaul last summer with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already through the door this time last year.
Klopp left Slot a squad capable of competing on all fronts, but there is still work to be done.
A centre-back will be needed following Joel Matip’s departure and the poor end-of-season form of Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman was one of a number of players that faltered in the business end of the season.
Reported Madrid-bound Leny Yoro of Lille is a target for the Reds this summer.
Alongside Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna and Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi [Daily Mail, 27 June].
Liverpool have only four senior centre-backs at the club and Joe Gomez featured more as a left-back last season.
Given the poor injury record of Konate, it would be foolish for Slot not to recruit a centre-back this summer.
Width a must for Arne Slot at Liverpool
The Reds rejected a deal with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon with the Magpies wanting Jarell Quansah to move the other way in a potential deal [Daily Mail, 29 June].
Gordon is a player the club holds in high regard but the deal was proven too costly.
The 23-year-old can play on either wing but has flourished for Newcastle playing on the left side.
With Mohamed Salah entering the final 12 months of his contract, a long-term replacement is on the agenda.
Gordon could have fit the bill but after the July 1 PSR deadline, a move this summer now looks unlikely.
The Reds have also been linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams [Caught Offside, 24 June].
Goalkeeper options need reinforcing at Liverpool
A new back-up goalkeeper could be targeted with Adrian expected to depart for Real Betis [ABC, 23 June] and Caoimhin Kelleher keen for first-team football.
Kelleher has proven to be a capable Premier League starter when covering the absence of Alisson.
The 25-year-old has started both of Liverpool’s last two Carabao cup final wins and kept clean sheets in both matches.
His departure would be a massive loss for the Reds, but he deserves an opportunity to be regular starter elsewhere.
As it stands, Slot is planning his preparations with Kelleher in mind.
Athletico Parense goalkeeper Bento Krepski has been touted as his potential replacement [Yahoo, 30 June].
Defensive midfielder on the cards at Anfield?
Wataru Endo agrees that the club need to sign a new defensive midfielder [This is Anfield, 24 June].
The 31-year-old welcomes the competition and it is a position Liverpool need to strengthen.
Stefan Bajcetic will get a chance to impress following his return from injury.
It would be a risk to rely on the 19-year-old after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
So far not strong links have materialised regarding a defensive midfielder.
But Liverpool are known to keep their cards close to their chest in the transfer market.
If the Moises Caicedo bid last summer is any indication, the Reds would be ready to spend big if a suitable player becomes available.
In other Liverpool news, Dominik Szoboszlai to be major beneficiary as Arne Slot to make big Liverpool change.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.