Liverpool have begun their new era under Arne Slot – and changes are set to occur.
The Dutchman has inherited an impressive outfit which only needs fine tuning before it can begin challenging for the Premier League once again. Slot will want to put his own stamp on the Reds with a move for Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville touted, which could cost the club £30million.
The Merseysiders also need to iron out whether they will stick or twist by certain senior players. Mohamed Salah’s contract continues to wind down and he could still attract a major offer. Darwin Nunez, after two years at the club, faces an uncertain future with inconsistencies hampering him.
Here’s the latest from Anfield
Alonso’s rejection explained
Xabi Alonso insisted that his “bond with Liverpool is there” despite opting to remain with Bayer Leverkusen. The Spaniard was the early favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp and was also on Bayern Munich’s radar.
Speaking on his decision to remain with the Bundesliga champions Alonso said: “All these decisions, they need to be thorough. You need to really think about them.”
He went on to add: “It was more about what I had, not what I’m missing. For sure, my bond with Liverpool is there and it’s still there. So there’s not any kind of issue with that.” Alonso, who is still in his first major managerial role, refused to state whether or not he held talks with the Anfield hierarchy.
Atalanta pair on shortlist
Atalanta duo Ederson and Teun Koopmeiners have both found themselves on Liverpool’s radar after they landed Europa League success, beating the Reds en route to that victory in Dublin, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The two midfielders have been identified as targets for the Merseyside outfit and the Italian team have shown over the years that they are prepared to cash in on their top stars should the right offer come in. Dutchman Koopmeiners joined back in 2021 from AZ Alkmaar.
Ederson is a defensive midfielder who joined from Salernitana several years ago. Wolves star Joao Gomes is reportedly an alternative if Liverpool cannot agree any deal.
Inacio subject of transfer battle
Manchester United and Liverpool are ready to go head-to-head in the race to sign Sporting centre-back Goncalo Inacio. The defender has a release clause worth £51m having been capped by Portugal, reports the Echo.
Newcastle were previously keen but will struggle to compete financially with their Premier League rivals as they look to remain within PSR. The Red Devils have just allowed Raphael Varane to leave when his contract expired.
Liverpool did likewise with Joel Matip, who has been left to seek pastures new. The long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk is likely to be on the club’s shortlist with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate both unable to nail down a first-team spot.
