Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has reiterated that finding a player worthy of joining the Reds is no easy feat, emphasizing the high standards set by the current squad. Despite the team’s impressive pre-season tour of the United States, fans have been vocal about the lack of transfer activity this summer.
Slot, formerly of Feyenoord, stressed that the focus is on quality over quantity, and that new sporting director Richard Hughes is working tirelessly to identify suitable additions. In a conversation with British journalists in South Carolina, Slot highlighted the challenges of finding a player who meets the club’s standards and is also available for transfer.
“It’s not so easy to find a player who can help us, and then you have to ask, ‘Is he available?’ Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it’s not always easy to find a player who can help us,” Slot explained.
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
Slot acknowledged that the club is working hard to address the lack of transfer activity, with Hughes keeping him updated on developments. Meanwhile, the team is focused on preparing for the upcoming Premier League season, with Slot emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards.
One area of concern for Liverpool is the No 6 position, which has been a problem for over a year since the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Wataru Endo joined the club but has not impressed in pre-season, and the club has fielded interest in him.
“Ryan Gravenberch did really well in that position (against United) and we have other options as well,” Slot said. “The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back, and we still haven’t had that.”
The Reds also have big decisions to make regarding outgoings, with Joe Gomez considering his future amid interest from Newcastle. Several other fringe players, including Fabio Carvalho, Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Tyler Morton, could be let go, with the club preferring permanent moves.
Youngsters like Ben Doak and Bobby Clark are attracting significant interest, and Slot will need to make tough decisions on the futures of these players.
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)
The Reds have a double-header on Sunday, taking on Sevilla at Anfield, followed by a behind-closed-doors friendly against Las Palmas later that day.