The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo attracted the attention of Liverpool fans more than a year ago. The Kop has strongly revived its aging midfield.
Veteran players 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 people believe that a similar transfer policy will be implemented by Liverpool before the 2024-2025 season, with the aim of providing Arne Slot with the best support. However, time is gradually passing and the last day of the transfer window, August 31, is approaching. Liverpool still doesn't have any new contracts.
In July, Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, shared the club's views on transfers this summer.
There are three notable points in Richard Hughes' statement. The first is that Slot wants the opportunity to properly evaluate the entire squad. Next, the Dutch strategist only wants to promote the transfer in mid-August. Ultimately, Liverpool must know how to seize the opportunity. In theory, everything is going according to plan at Anfield.
There is a £75m offer for Anthony Gordon as Newcastle try to sort out their finances, while Joe Gomez moves in the opposite direction for £45m.
Liverpool also considered Leny Yoro's situation when he had one year left on his contract with Lille, but then failed. They are also encouraged to pursue Martin Zubimendi, a deal that is currently at a standstill. These are the opportunities that Slot mentioned but The Kop could not complete.
Newcastle has raised money without selling its stars. Yoro's price is too high and Man United is the only team willing to meet it. Meanwhile, Zubimendi still wants to stick with his boyhood club.
This makes Liverpool the only Premier League club that has not signed any long-term contract in the summer of 2024. However, with Slot, he has clearly identified the position that needs strengthening and the appropriate contract type.
It's clear that Slot prefers a "number 6" player with good technique and the ability to control the ball. The Dutch strategist's basic principle is "finish the opponent with a pass".
This is the position that Slot has tested the most in pre-season and is also the position that Liverpool believes few people are paying attention to in the transfer market.
Slot also tried to find an internal solution, with Gravenberch playing lowest in midfield, while Mac Allister and Szoboszlai pushed higher. If it is not suitable, Liverpool will certainly have to find new winds.
Liverpool has always asserted that they would rather not sign a contract than sign the wrong contract. Former Director of Research Ian Graham's upcoming book titled "How to win the Premier League" sheds light on this view of Liverpool.
The interest in Yoro shows that Liverpool is looking for a central defender to support the attack, while Gordon is ambitious to add a quality and versatile striker.
Let's wait and see, with about 2 weeks left, how Liverpool will manage to get Slot the most satisfactory squad.
