Don Goodman backs sensible Liverpool transfer approach despite ‘Hammer Blow’
Don Goodman has backed the transfer approach at Liverpool despite losing out on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Reds received word Zubimendi was interested in a move to Anfield but, ultimately the midfielder opted to remain in Spain [BBC Sport, 12 August].
Arne Slot has yet to make a signing this summer and will take charge of his first Premier League match for the club against Ipswich Town on Saturday [17 August].
While Goodman believes Liverpool need recruits to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal this season, he has backed their calm approach to the transfer window.
“At this stage, you have to look at Manchester City and Arsenal and go they will be first and second again. Both teams look strong and have done transfer business,” Goldman exclusively told Liverpool News. “How can you ever, ever, ever think a team managed by Pep Guardiola will not be successful?
“I also love what Mikel Arteta has done after being backed at Arsenal. But for Liverpool, the Zubimendi situation must be a bit of a hammer blow for them. They were no doubt confident they could attract him from Real Sociedad.
“I’m pretty confident there will be signings before the end of the window. They don’t need much and they’re going for quality over quantity, which is very sensible for Liverpool at the minute.“
Liverpool will make a signing before the end of the transfer window
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is under increasing pressure to make the first signing of his and Slot’s tenure at Anfield.
First, it was the Copa America and Euro 2024 then, it was Slot needed time to assess the squad and now, the first public transfer move the club has made has led to failure.
As adamant as Slot is, that the training ground is the best place to improve the squad, Liverpool risks falling further behind their Premier League rivals if no additions are made before the 30 August deadline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohammed Salah have entered the final 12 months of their contract, the Reds need to show ambition this summer, address the glaringly obvious flaw in defensive midfield, and prove to their star players that their future is at Anfield beyond the end of the season.
There is no shying away from the fact that Liverpool have declined in the past two years, a Carabao Cup victory paved over the cracks but the departure of Jurgen Klopp will further weaken the appeal of the Reds to the world’s best talents.
Slot looks the part, the players are taking well to his style of play, he still has a long way to go to prove himself to the Anfield faithful but the supporters will undoubtedly offer him their wavering support in his first season on Merseyside.
The lack of transfer business is attributed to CEO of football Michael Edwards and Hughes, they are failing Slot thus far and need to back their manager in the final weeks of the window to give the Dutchman every chance of success this season.
In other Liverpool news, here’s the Reds’ predicted XI v Ipswich.
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