Arne Slot addressed the media in the United States ahead of Liverpool’s first tour match against Real Betis in Pittsburgh, shedding light on player availability and new arrivals. As Emile Smith Rowe moves closer to joining Fulham from Arsenal, Liverpool remains the only Premier League team yet to make a major signing this summer. This has sparked concern among fans eager to see the squad strengthened to better compete with Manchester City and Arsenal following last season’s third-place finish.
Slot acknowledged these concerns and explained the reasons behind the lack of transfer activity. He highlighted ongoing discussions with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and expressed confidence that new signings would be made before the transfer window closes on August 30. Slot reassured fans that efforts are being made to bring fresh talent to Anfield, suggesting that it would be a “surprise” if new faces aren’t seen before the deadline.
“The first aim is to work with these players,” he said. “The disadvantage is that many of them aren’t here yet. The positive is that there is an important lifeline of the club, youngsters coming into the team. It is an ideal way of seeing them in these weeks when they get a lot of playing time as well.
“Our standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players because we have such a good squad.
“I have wanted to assess the squad which is really difficult as most of them aren’t here. Of course, Richard (Hughes) and I and other people are trying to improve the squad where possible.
“If you inherit a team that’s really good, it’s not so easy to find players who are even higher especially because those ones need to be available as well. Richard more than me is working really hard on that. He keeps me updated on that.
“If there’s any news on that we will come to you. We already have a good team, but it would be a surprise for all of us if we don’t bring any player in. That will probably happen in the end. For now, we’re just waiting for the players to come back and the right ones to sign.”
“Diogo is arriving today I think, so he will have his testing day tomorrow and the day after he will join us in the session,” said Slot on Thursday. “And I think it’s Ibou and Ryan that will join us later in the trip. I don’t think I have forgotten anyone. The rest will start after the trip when we are back in Liverpool.”
And when asked about Alisson Becker, Slot reiterated: “I think he will start also in Liverpool when we’re back.”
