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The Current Atmosphere and Expectations

I have read so many negative opinions on the current state of Liverpool’s 2024 transfer window, with most coming from within the reds own fanbase. Comparisons have been made to previous regimes, rivals clubs, as well as every other team in a top five European league.

Much of this panic has continued from the end of the previous campaign, despite the new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, insisting that business would not be finalised until August, in a statement two weeks ago.

In my mind, I cannot see how anything substantial would be accomplished (regarding incomings), until the new Head Coach, Arne Slot, is back on Merseyside. The logic points to a team of experienced and talented executives all working under the stewardship of the Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, to undertake negotiations quietly and efficiently.

After a period when rumours emerged surrounding negotiations for both Anthony Gordon and Joe Gomez (going in opposing directions), that came just a day after we heard of an €11m bid having been turned down for the Japan captain, Waturu Endo. Both those stories appear to be weeks old, something which points to a clandestine recruitment drive, so could just be about to avail itself.

When Are New Assets Likely to Be Presented by The Club
?

The Anfield giants US tour concludes on Sunday, after their game against their fiercest rivals, Manchester United. The traveling party will then head back to Merseyside, before undertaking preparations for their first home game of preseason.

I expect that news will start to quickly filter on Monday and progressively through the week, with at least one signing being announced Before the reds face-off against Sevilla next Sunday afternoon. I assume the departures of some fringe players to ramp next week, as interest continues to swirl around certain players.

Despite my wants and affection for Joe Gomez, it has become abundantly clear that after asking for his club to entertain offers, a deal may now see Liverpool’s current longest serving sold to the highest bidder.

Photo: IMAGO

Players Likely on the Move

The following list of players appears to be available for transfer, as Edwards and Hughes look at trimming the bloated squad, thereby creating room for exciting new assets.

  • Caoimhin Kelleher
  • Konstantinos Tsimikas
  • Nat Phillips
  • Billy Koumetio
  • Billy Ciccio
  • Rhys Williams
  • Sepp van den Berg
  • Joe Gomez
  • Waturu Endō
  • Fábio Carvalho

 

That long list of available assets could enable substantial funds into the existing war chest, though it is probable that not all will be sold. There will of course the immediate arguments from some corners of the support, stating that the club will only ever dip into the transfer market after selling existing players.

This argument holds no water, as it is a continuing and viable strategy that must be carried out to maintain a healthy squad dynamic. It is impossible to merely go out and buy countless players (like Chelsea) without securing moves for those already contracted to the club. It is very likely that multiple deals (concerning both comings and goings) will already be formulated by the directors of Liverpool FC, allowing media notification to completion to become a swift process.

Why Does It Make Sense to Wait Until August to Strike Deals
?

Clarity is required when attempting to diffuse the anxieties of the masses. Within a summer where an entirely new regime has taken over one of the biggest clubs in world football, there will absolutely be the need for the new Head Coach, Arne Slot, to assess and decide on what he requires to achieve ultimate success.

Added to this very reasonable argument, is the fact that not one but two major international tournaments have occurred since the end of last season. We are still in the midst of Olympic football, which can also affect certain parts of the market, essentially the clubs that we might be targeting, to prize away their best assets. It was always going to be a late shuffle, but that is likely to be the case for many elite clubs who will all be seeing vital players return at different points of preseason.

The first signing of the Slot era will only ever take place once the Dutchman is stood in the Axa Training Centre, next to his Sporting Director, Richard Hughes. This scenario is clear and is even something which was outlined by the former Bournemouth technical Director last week. There is only the need for two or three players to supplement an already talented group of individuals, which can be achieved very quickly. Under the watch of Michael Edwards and with a track record of building a brilliant squad for his managers, I am neither concerned nor impatient for what is to come.

The decision-makers of LFC will carry out their duties as required, and all they need from those in the stands and around the world is a level of support, as that can only add to a vibrant and exciting regeneration.

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