Liverpool fans are interested to see what new manager Arne Slots will bring to the table, especially now that the transfer window is still open. So far, Liverpool is the only club that hasn’t made a major signing this summer, but they still have until August 30 before the window closes.
Slot expressed how it’s challenging to find players who can genuinely strengthen the squad. Even if he thinks they already have a strong lineup, they’re still exploring ways to improve the team.
“We are always talking about transfers but also a very positive thing is that we kept our players and they are in a good place. Jurgen left the team in a good place and we are trying to build from there.
“Last season was also a season where they won a trophy with this team so we are hoping and aiming for the same but it’s not going to be easy because there are a lot of good and strong teams in the Premier League who have strengthened their squads. We are looking forward to the challenge,” Slot said.
There are already names that are rumored to be joining Liverpool. Slot has been open to talking about them in recent interviews.
So, before you place your best on your trusted online sports betting casino, let’s have a look at the players who might sign with Liverpool and those who have already said no.
Martin Zubimendi
Slot confirmed that Liverpool had shown considerable interest in bringing Zubimendi to Anfield. However, despite the club’s efforts, it was ultimately Zubimendi’s decision to stay at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi’s choice to remain in Spain highlights his loyalty and commitment to his current team. This decision, while disappointing for Liverpool, shows the player’s strong connection to Real Sociedad and his desire to continue his development there.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
While Slot hasn’t been talking about this, reports suggest that there is already an active negotiation to sign Valencia’s goalkeeper, Mamardashvili. His asking price is around £30 million, but there are also reports that he has a release clause with £85 million with Mestalla.
Standing at 6’6″, Mamardashvili has a commanding presence in the box. He is also known for his excellent shot-stopping skills.
Liverpool probably sees him as a long-term successor to Alisson Becker. He’s also been compared to Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois by Miguel Angel Moya.
In an interview, Moya said,” It seems to me that, right now, he is one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga, without a doubt. He reminds me a lot of Courtois, with a big wingspan, very tall but agile. He has determination, takes risks, dominates.”
Gonçalo Inácio
Liverpool has been monitoring Inácio for a while, with scouts tracking his performances at Sporting CP. The club sees him as a strong candidate to bolster their defense. Inácio has a release clause of €60 million (around £51 million) in his contract with Sporting CP.
It’s been reported that Manchester United is also interested in Inácio, so Liverpool is pushing hard to finalize a deal before the transfer window closes.
Fit: Inácio is a versatile left-sided defender, comfortable in possession and strong in tackling and aerial duels. He is viewed as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk and could fit well into Arne Slot’s tactical plans.
Will Not Adding More Players Make Liverpool Weaker?
Slot was also asked in a recent interview whether not adding any more players would weaken the team. He found this to be a bit weird. Slot explained, “Normally, you either stay the same and I truly believe on the training ground that you can help players and the team to improve.”
But then he also said that it’s not always true that if you bring in players, the team will become stronger. He also expressed how Zubimendi would’ve helped them strengthen the squad, but he said no.
So, he and Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s new sporting director, will have to focus on what they already have before transfers are finalized.
Liverpool Wins Against Ipswich
Well, Liverpool is off to a good start since they won against Ipswich on Saturday (August 17) with 2-0. But some critics may not be that impressed. Especially after calling out Jarell Quansah and replacing him during the halftime.
Post-match interview, Slot explained this and said, “First thing I said – we don’t have to speak about tactics if you lose so many duels, Jarell lost every duel, many of us lost too many duels. We needed Konate to win the long balls for the number nine. That gave us control.
“They put so much energy in the first half, keeping fighting, playing all over the pitch 1 vs 1, I don’t think they could keep up that tempo in the second half.”
However, former football player Gary Lineker shared that this explanation makes him nervous.
Lineker said in a podcast, “Speaking out publicly about a player’s performance is not something that I think you’d have ever heard from Jurgen Klopp so there’s already a slight difference there. It always makes me slightly nervous when managers are critical of their players.”
Liverpool will be back in action in the EPL against Manchester United on September 1 (week 3).
