Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are advancing in their plans to identify their centre-back transfer target for the summer as Arne Slot gets ready for the second season of his reign as Anfield boss.
The Dutch manager has blown all expectations out of the water with his controlled, adaptable and effective tactics. Many expected him to struggle in replacing Jurgen Klopp but it’s safe to say he’s done justice to the incredible foundations left to him by the former manager.
Klopp turned Liverpool back into one of the most formidable teams in Europe and it would appear as though Slot is headed for a Premier League title in his first season. Yet, there is work to be done to make sure Liverpool are ready for a massive summer transfer window.
The Reds will want to make sure that any success they enjoy this season is but the start of a hugely successful spell in England for Slot. The biggest priority has to be signing a new centre-back and Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are “advancing” in their summer transfer preparations.
Liverpool set to sign first centre-back since 2021
Speaking via his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are in the advanced stages of identifying their preferred target to bolster Slot’s defensive ranks in the off-season.
“I can confirm once again to you that Liverpool are really, really advancing in the process to identify the centre-back they want to sign in the summer,” says the Italian journalist. “Liverpool will go for an important centre-back.
“In an internal meeting they had with Richard Hughes, with people on the board involved and Arne Slot too, they all agreed on bringing in an important centre-back in the summer transfer window.
“When I say important, it could be an important talent, it could be an established player,” Romano adds. “But my information is that Liverpool want to invest in young players for present and future, so this could be the view.”
Liverpool have been quite strongly linked with Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen but his £50m release clause may be a bit more than they want to spend on a teenager.
Joe Gomez requiring surgery really hammered home how tenuous squad depth is at central defence. Jarrel Quansah is the only qualified backup option so Slot will be praying he remains fit. Ibrahima Konate appears to be nearing full fitness after returning to the side while Virgil van Dijk remains as fit as ever.
