The arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo attracted Liverpool fans' attention more than a year ago. The Kop have revived their veteran midfield strongly.
Veterans such as James Milner, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left the club, paving the way for a new era at Anfield.
Many believe that a similar transfer policy will be implemented by Liverpool before the 2024-2025 season, aiming to provide Arne Slot with the best support. However, time is gradually passing and the last day of the transfer window, August 31, is approaching. Liverpool have not yet signed a new contract.
In July, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes shared the club's view on the transfer this summer.
There are 3 notable points in Richard Hughes's speech. First, Slot wants to have the opportunity to assess the entire squad correctly. Next, the Dutch strategist only wants to promote the transfer in mid-August. Finally, Liverpool must know how to seize the opportunity. In theory, everything is going according to plan at Anfield.
There was a £75m offer for Anthony Gordon as Newcastle tried to solve the financial problem, while Joe Gomez moved in the opposite direction for £45m.
Liverpool also looked at Leny Yoro's situation when he had a year left on his contract with Lille, but then failed. They have also been encouraged to chase Martin Zubimendi, a deal that is at a standstill. These are the opportunities Slot mentioned but The Kop could not complete.
Newcastle has raised money without selling their stars. Yoro has a very high price and Man United is the only team ready to meet. Zubimendi, meanwhile, remains committed to his childhood club.
This makes Liverpool the only Premier League club yet to sign a long-term contract in the summer of 2024. However, with Slot, he has clearly identified the position that needs to be enhanced and the appropriate contract type.
It is clear that Slot likes a "number 6" player with good technique and possession of the ball. The basic principle of the Dutch strategist is to "end the opponent with a pass".
This is the position Slot has experimented with the most in the pre-season and is also the position Liverpool believes that few people are paying attention to in the transfer market.
Slot has also tried to find an internal solution, with Gravenberch playing the lowest in midfield, while Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have pushed higher. If it is not suitable, Liverpool will definitely have to find new winds.
Liverpool always maintain that they would rather not sign than sign the wrong contract. The upcoming book by former research director Ian Graham titled "How to win the Premier League" has clarified Liverpool's this view.
The interest in Yoro shows that Liverpool are looking for a good attacking centre-back, while Gordon has the ambition to add a quality and versatile striker.
Let's see, with about the remaining 2 weeks, how Liverpool will manage to get Slot the most satisfactory squad.
