Arne Slot confirms his transfer plan for Liverpool after not signing anyone in the summer
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has given fans an update on the club's transfer plans amid a quiet summer.
The end of Jurgen Klopp A new era has begun at Anfield Liverpoolbut for the moment it looks a lot like the old one.
Slot has replaced the charismatic German on the technical bench, but has not made many new signings.
He is impressed by his current squad after a brilliant pre-season in which they won every game, even against Premier League opponents. Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Dutchman said: “I'm focused on the tour, on how we played, on what we need to improve and on what we did well. As I said, the bar is very high for the new signings because we have a lot of good players.”
“It's not so easy to first find a player who meets those standards and then (the question is) is he available? Then we have to come to an agreement with them, so it's not always easy to find a player who can help us, but (sporting director) Richard (Hughes) is working hard on it and we'll see what comes of it.
“My main objective, as I said when I started, was to work with the team and prepare 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 keeps me informed all the time, but my main focus is the team here.”
A defensive midfielder has been the focus of Liverpool's interest over the past 12 months, after missing out on Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo, who joined Chelsea.
But Slot believes he may already have the answer in his team: Ryan Gravenberch, whom the Reds signed. Bayern Munich at the end of the summer window of 2023.
“I think Ryan Gravenberch did very well in that position (on Sunday against 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 haven't gotten them yet.”
“But a club like Liverpool is always looking at what's available, at players who can strengthen the squad and that's what we, especially Richard, but also myself, are looking to do, but it's not something specific to one position. We're constantly evaluating the squad, where we can do something and what we have.”
Liverpool are yet to sign a new player this summer but have been linked with several options, including a Controversial movement for Newcastle Star Anthony Gordon, who emerged from his archrivals EvertonThe academy of
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crystal Palace Star Marc Guehi has been considered after the departure of Joel Matip on a free transfer this summer, but the Eagles are demanding a high price.
As for departures, Joe Gomez could leave the club to play more in the first team while Trent Alexander-Arnold has been spotted laughing On a potential real Madrid transfer.
Like Alexander-Arnold, key duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk They are also in the final year of their contracts and could leave without paying anything next year.
Slot added: “I haven't followed the speculation and all I know is that on Tuesday (Gomez) is back with us and I spoke to him just after the Euros and he's one of our team players, so it's the same with Trent, Virgil and all the others, I need to see them.
“And everyone has to be at a high level because they've probably seen the current players doing well. So I hope the eight or nine who come in on Tuesday are ready to compete with them.”
Liverpool's pre-season is not over despite returning from the United States this week and they face Seville on Sunday at Anfield.
They then begin their Premier League campaign against the top-flight new boys. Ipswich City on Saturday, August 17th.
