Arne Slot has reaffirmed that locating a player of sufficient caliber to join Liverpool is ‘not so easy’ – yet the Dutch head coach emphasizes that the club is diligently trying to break their record as the only Premier League team yet to secure a new signing this transfer window.
Slot’s squad exhibited outstanding performance during their three-match pre-season tour of the United States, clinching victories over Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United. However, fans back home are expressing their disappointment regarding the team’s inactivity in the transfer market this summer.
The former Feyenoord manager stated that he and the new sporting director, Richard Hughes, are prioritizing quality over quantity. During a press conference with British journalists in South Carolina, Slot faced numerous inquiries about transfers and ongoing contract negotiations.
He remarked: ‘I can see that you are quite focused on new signings! My concentration is on the tour, our performance, areas needing improvement, and what we executed well. As I mentioned, the expectations are high for new signings since we have many talented players.’
‘Finding a player who meets those standards is not straightforward, and then we must ask, “Is he available?” Following that, we need to negotiate an agreement with them, so it isn’t always easy to identify a player who can assist us; however, Richard is diligently working on it, and we will see what unfolds.’
Arne Slot doubled down that it is ‘not so easy’ to find a player good enough to join Liverpool
The Reds enjoyed a very successful pre-season tour of the US, winning all three of their games
But they are the only Premier League side yet to make an addition this summer and Slot insisted that sporting director Richard Hughes (above) is working hard behind the scenes
‘When he (Hughes) isn’t here, we’re in contact many times by phone. However, as I mentioned, my primary focus is on working with the team and preparing them as effectively as possible for our opening Premier League match. Beyond that, he is handling various matters and keeps me informed constantly.’
One area where Liverpool appears to face a challenge is in the No 6 position, a concern that has persisted for over a year since the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Wataru Endo joined the squad but, based on the pre-season performances, seems not to be a favored option for Slot, and there has been interest shown from other clubs.
‘Ryan (Gravenberch) performed admirably in that role (against United), and we have additional alternatives as well. The best assessment can be made once all the players return, and we haven’t achieved that yet, but a club like Liverpool must always keep an eye on what is available,’ he explained.
‘We are in search of players who can enhance the squad, which is what we – primarily Richard, but I as well – are focused on. This is not confined to a single position; we continuously evaluate the squad to identify where we can make improvements.’
‘We have a solid foundation to build on, and it isn’t just due to this tour; Jurgen left this squad in excellent condition, and I have stated that before. Now, it’s our responsibility to maintain the performance levels Liverpool has exhibited for so many years.’
The Reds also face significant decisions regarding player departures. Joe Gomez is contemplating his future following interest from Newcastle earlier in the transfer window, where he was proposed as part of a double-deal that would see Anthony Gordon move to Anfield.
Several other fringe players, such as Fabio Carvalho, Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Tyler Morton, may be released, with the club preferring permanent transactions. Young talents like Ben Doak and Bobby Clark are generating considerable interest.
When asked whether there are major decisions to be made regarding players potentially leaving, Slot disagreed with the notion that the Reds had ‘too many’ players but commented on Gomez: ‘He is one of our squad players, just like Trent (Alexander-Arnold), Virgil (Van Dijk), and all the others; I need to observe them.’
‘And every player must meet high standards because the existing players have performed well. Therefore, I hope the eight or nine individuals returning on Tuesday are prepared to compete with them.’
He was also asked about contract situations concerning captain Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all of whom have just a year remaining on their deals. Slot has yet to discuss this matter with Scouser Alexander-Arnold.
‘We did not discuss his commitment,’ Slot stated. ‘Our conversation revolved around the playing style I envision for him and how he can adapt to that approach. He was focused on the Euros at that time, and I have seen clips indicating that he appears very fit and sharp.’
Slot was happy with Liverpool’s displays, but highlighted the challenges of the transfer market
There is much uncertainty over the future of several players, including Fabio Carvalho (left)
Slot also said he ‘can’t wait’ to see Trent Alexander-Arnold train after he returned to the club
‘I can’t wait to see him train. However, others performed remarkably well (during the tour) as well, so it will be intriguing to see whether the return of the rest elevates the overall standard. I mentioned before that we conceded too many chances (against United).’
Liverpool has been missing several key players due to their participation in the European Championship and Copa America, but most have returned within the last 24 hours. The players who participated in the tour were given Sunday and Monday off, and the majority of the squad is expected to come together on Tuesday.
Left-back Andy Robertson, 30, did not take part in the US tour but has been training with the squad following an individual training regimen. It is reported that he returned early from the tour alongside a fitness coach who was present at the training center on Sunday.
The Reds have a busy Sunday ahead, facing Spanish side Sevilla at Anfield, followed by a closed-doors friendly later that day against Las Palmas from Tenerife.
