Liverpool are set to back Arne Slot in the transfer market this summer as they look to build on their title win, having learned from their failure to do so during Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge
Liverpool will need to strengthen their squad next summer as they look to retain the Premier League title, having been crowned champions in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. The win marked Liverpool’s 20th league triumph and their first since Jurgen Klopp’s side were victorious in the 2019/2020 campaign.
However, Liverpool’s attempts to defend their crown the following season fell short as they finished third, with Manchester City 17 points clear as winners. The Reds’ campaign was derailed by serious injuries to their defenders, including Virgil van Dijk, after failing to adequately strengthen in the summer transfer window.
Kostas Tsimikas was signed to add depth at left-back, while Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota were also signed from Bayern Munich and Wolves respectively. Explaining Liverpool’s lack of business at the time, Klopp said he did not believe they needed to spend big.
“Covid has of course influenced both sides with ins and outs, that is completely normal, and it’s just not likely that it will be the most busy summer in the world,” he said. “But maybe at a later point in the year, if the transfer window is still open, we will know more.
“But this squad…look at it. It is not a squad you have to change now and say ‘OK, we need this position and this position’. We don’t have a first XI, I say we have a first 16 or 17, they can all play to the same level.
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“But we have to use this, 100 per cent. We cannot spend millions and millions and millions because we want to or we think it is nice to do. We never wanted that.”
In hindsight, that proved to be a mistake and Liverpool will be hoping not to repeat it this summer. And according to a report from the Telegraph, Slot will be given ‘one of Liverpool’s biggest ever summer transfer budgets’ as a result.
The report states that the club’s top priorities are a new striker and left-sided defender, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez on their radar. A move for Alexander Isak appears unlikely, with Hugo Ekitike being considered as a potential alternative.
Misfiring forward Darwin Nunez is expected to leave after Slot publicly criticised his attitude and work-rate. Speaking after he missed a chance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa earlier this year,” Slot said: “I would prefer him to score but the word ‘chance’ says it all.
“It’s a chance so it’s not 100 per cent sure that the ball goes in, and players miss chances. That I can accept but what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance.
“I think it got too much in his head, where he wasn’t the usual Darwin that works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team… that is something we will talk about.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, while the likes of Joe Gomez, Ben Doak and Tsimikas could also be on the move this summer.
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