Arne Slot to strengthen key Liverpool position before summer transfer window shuts

Liverpool are reportedly set to add a new holding midfielder to their squad before the transfer window closes later this month.

Arne Slot was appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor earlier this summer, but the Dutch manager has yet to make significant moves in the transfer market.

With less than two weeks until the new Premier League season kicks off, the Reds are the only top-flight club yet to sign a new player – something that may soon change.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are preparing to enter the market for a holding midfielder, which has been identified as their priority target.

Ornstein suggests that the six-time European champions are looking for a specialist in this role, following Slot’s experimentation with three current Liverpool players during pre-season.

Both Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have played as the sole defensive midfielder during Liverpool’s tour of the United States, with Gravenberch receiving considerable praise from Slot.

Reports indicate that Liverpool have already rejected bids for Endo this summer, despite the Japanese international joining Anfield for around £16 million last year.

Interestingly, Dominik Szoboszlai has also been used in the holding role under Slot, though with varying degrees of success.

The pursuit of a new holding midfielder should not be surprising, given that Slot’s predecessor also sought to strengthen this position.

David Ornstein said: “Liverpool have now returned from their pre-season tour of the U.S.

“They take on Sevilla in a pre-season game at Anfield on Sunday, and for fans in attendance, as it stands, it will only be familiar faces on the pitch.

“Arne Slot is yet to welcome a new arrival since taking over as Liverpool’s manager but has been calm about the situation.

“However, Slot used Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in the No 6 position during their tour — in which Liverpool won all three of their games.

Advertisement

“Despite Slot praising Gravenberch’s performance in the friendly against Manchester United, Liverpool have now identified a target in that position.

“It is worth keeping an eye on that situation this week, with Liverpool pursuing a specialist No 6 from outside of the Premier League.

“They have turned down bids for Endo this summer, in part because of the tricky market in that position, but are now moving ahead with a signing for that role.”

Just under a year ago, Liverpool made a significant bid for Moises Caicedo, who eventually signed for Chelsea in a record-breaking transfer.

The Merseyside club later acquired the more budget-friendly Endo, after also attempting to sign Romeo Lavia, who ended up at Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Elite holding midfielders are scarce, with Manchester United and Arsenal also exploring this market.

United were close to signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte but withdrew after being priced out by the Ligue 1 club.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are reportedly interested in Mikel Merino, with the Euro 2024 winner expected to leave Real Sociedad before the window closes on August 30.

With a limited number of top-tier defensive midfielders available, Liverpool may find themselves in another transfer battle this summer.

Read more: Atletico Madrid and Manchester City agree £81.5m Julian Alvarez deal

Manchester United transfer stance on PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte emerges

Injury blow for Manchester United as Leny Yoro return date confirmed