Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool, says the team is still trying to bolster its roster before the transfer market shuts.
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was not available to the Reds when the midfielder from Spain chose not to sign with them.
As a result, Liverpool stands as the only Premier League team without a significant summer addition. The transfer market closes on Friday, August 30 at 23:00 BST.
“I’ve said many times already that our squad is really strong and it’s not so easy to find players who can help us or even strengthen the squad,” Slot stated.
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To be honest, Zubimendi was one of them, but he chose not to go. With the ones we have, we move forward. We’re in a terrific spot because [Wataru] Endo performed well in the preseason.
“Unfortunately, Zubimendi chose not to go. In the background, [sporting director] Richard Hughes is working to bolster the team as much as he can.
“He did every effort to bring him in but, if a player decides not to come, then it’s obvious he’s not coming.”
Jurgen Klopp, the German manager who guided the Reds to the Carabao Cup and a third-place finish in the Premier League the previous season, departed the team at the end of 2023–24, and Slot took over as manager of Liverpool.
On Saturday at 12:30 BST, the Dutchman will play his Premier League debut against promoted Ipswich Town.
We frequently discuss transfers, but it’s also a very wonderful thing that we were able to retain our players and that they are doing well. We are attempting to build on the solid foundation Jurgen left the team.
“We want and aim for the same, but it won’t be simple because there are a lot of talented and powerful teams in the Premier League who have reinforced their rosters. Last season was also a season where they won a title with this team. We are eager to take on the challenge.
This summer, Liverpool let go of defender Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara, goalkeeper Adrian, and striker Fabio Carvalho to Brentford for a total of £27.5 million.
When questioned if a team would be weaker without new players, Slot dismissed the idea.
“If you don’t strengthen the team you get weaker, that’s a bit weird,” he stated. “Normally, you either stay the same, but I genuinely think that you can assist players and the squad in improving on the training field.
It’s not necessarily true that bringing new players makes the team stronger; perhaps what you mean is that if the teams surrounding you help the team, then perhaps they get better.
Richard and I are working to bolster the team, so when we believe we’ve identified someone, we try to bring them in.
Sadly, the person we believed could assist us declined. While Richard is working to strengthen the team in the background, I am primarily focused on Ipswich.
