Arne Slot’s Liverpool remain in pole position in the Premier League and Champions League but may well feel the need to add to their squad before the transfer window shuts
Liverpool avoided a hiccup against Ipswich on Saturday, but just because things are going well doesn’t mean they’re in for a quiet end to the transfer window.
The Reds’ summer was as quiet as they come in terms of new arrivals, with Federico Chiesa joining from Juventus and Giorgi Mamardashvili – who won’t arrive until the summer – the only other permanent addition. Arne Slot’s side haven’t needed new faces, with the squad who came third last season proving more than capable.
With a week of the window to go, though, some opportunities could yet present themselves. Liverpool are well-stocked for now, but a couple of untimely injuries could derail the progress they have made under their new boss.
There’s also, as ever, the small matter of three soon-to-expire contracts. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest transfer lines from around Anfield.
Reds could hijack Napoli deal
Liverpool have been tipped to rival Napoli for Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi, with Corriere dello Sport indicating they’re keeping close eyes on the forward. The German international can play all across the front-line, and has been mentioned as a potential Mohamed Salah successor if the Egyptian leaves in the summer.
If Arne Slot’s side end up moving for Adeyemi, it could have an impact on Napoli’s pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. The Italian club’s director of football Giovanni Manna has indicated the Serie A leaders won’t overpay.
“These are two names [Garnacho and Adeyemi] that are of interest to us, they are players we like, but they are not the only ones,” Manna told DAZN. “We are trying to evaluate a few things and looking at the opportunities, but we certainly will not pay prices that are outside the market value.”
Van Dijk comments on his future
Virgil van Dijk was in no mood to look beyond this season when discussing how many more games he might play in a Liverpool shirt. He brought up 300 appearances in Reds colours on Saturday, skippering the side to a win over Ipswich.
Will Virgil van Dijk still be at Liverpool next season? Have your say in the comments section
“I have no idea,” Van Dijk said. “How many left this season? Hopefully those are guaranteed and then I don’t know what the future will bring.”
The Dutch international is one of three senior stars out of contract in the summer, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Young goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, who made his Premier League debut this term, could also leave for free after the season comes to an end.
Hato bid could be brought forward
Liverpool have long been fans of Jorell Hato, with a summer approach for the Ajax starlet anticipated. However, according to TeamTalk, they could move for the teenager even sooner than that.
Hato, 18, became the youngest player to captain Ajax when he did so last season at the age of 17. He generally plays at left-back, though his senior Netherlands debut came as a substitute for Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in the middle of the back-line.
The youngster is one of a number of players mentioned as a potential long-term successor to Andy Robertson. The latest reports indicate a bid in the region of £25million could be enough to get a deal done, and some alternative options may well cost considerably more.
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