Arne Slot responds as calls for Liverpool to break transfer drought increase
- Liverpool are yet to sign a new player during the summer transfer window
- Arne Slot inherited squad that finished third under Jurgen Klopp last season
- Dutchman reveals why new arrivals are yet to materialise
Arne Slot says Liverpool are continuing to work to identify targets in the transfer market but will only sign new players if they can match the current level of his squad.
The Dutchman has inherited a strong core of players after replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout, with stars like Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk still on Merseyside heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
However, the Reds are the only Premier League side not to have made a signing during the summer window as they prepare to return to the Champions League and attempt to better their finish of third last term.
It is Richard Hughes' first window in charge of transfers at Liverpool and Slot has revealed he stays in regular touch with the new sporting director over potential dealings.
He said: "The bar is really high for new signings because we have so many good players. It is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then is he available? Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it is not always easy to find a player who can help us.
"Richard is working hard on it and let's see what comes from this. If he's not here with us then we speak on the phone many times.
"My main focus has been on working with the team and preparing them in the best possible way for the first Premier League game. He's working on things and he keeps me updated."
Asked if Liverpool would be specifically targeting a new holding midfielder, he added: "I think Ryan [Gravenberch] did really well in that position [against Manchester United] and we have other options as well.
"The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven't, but a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what's available, players who can strengthen the squad and that is what we - Richard mostly - but me as well are looking to do. That is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad where can we do something and what we have."
Liverpool look set to miss out on defensive target William Pacho as Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly close to finalising a deal, but Joe Gomez has decided to stay after holding positive talks with Slot.
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