Arne Slot insists it's 'not easy' to strengthen Liverpool squad - but captain Virgil van Dijk wants 'some signings'
By Matt Jones
Published 11/08/2024 at 20:12 GMT+1
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has updated supporters on the future of midfielder Fabio Carvalho, while also discussing whether or not he will be signing any players this summer. Carvalho missed today's friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas as he prepares to leave Anfield. The Reds are yet to bring in any fresh faces since appointing their new boss, who says strengthening the squad is "not easy."
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Arne Slot insists Liverpool will only sign new players this summer "if" they can strengthen their squad - but defender Virgil van Dijk believes fresh faces are needed for the new season.
The Reds are the only team in the Premier League yet to dip into the transfer market this summer.
Even so, they are embarking upon a new era, following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in May.
His replacement Slot enjoyed his first taste of the home dugout at Anfield as Liverpool faced Sevilla and Las Palmas in a pair of friendlies on Sunday.
They beat the former 4-1 thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz, as well as further strikes from Diogo Jota and youngster Trey Nyoni.
Shortly afterwards, the Reds re-took to the field for the second match, only to draw 0-0.
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"I think we saw today, in both games, a lot of good things," Slot said afterwards.
"But I can make a big list also of things that we have to improve, which is completely normal.
"Some of them [players], with the certain new ideas we have, have only been with this for a week, so they have to adjust on that. They have to adjust on each other.
"So it's normal that we are far from perfect, but even being far from perfect, we can score four, so that's a good start."
The impressive victory over Sevilla will not stop supporters craving new signings before the transfer window shuts.
Spanish international Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield from Real Sociedad, as Liverpool look to strengthen their midfield.
Slot has remained tight-lipped on whether that switch will happen, but insists he is continuing to scour the market ahead of next Saturday's trip to Ipswich.
"You can come up with every name you want, of course," he laughed.
"As a club like we are, we are always looking if we can strengthen the squad, but it's not so easy to strengthen the squad, if you have seen them both games today.
"I have said many times before, I have inherited a real strong team.
"If we can, and if we think it's possible, we will strengthen the squad. But only if we think we can and if we think it's possible."
One man who looks set to leave Anfield in the coming days is young midfielder Fabio Carvalho.
The 21-year-old joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2022, but his game time has been limited, and he was sent out on loan to RB Leipzig and Hull last season.
It has been reported that the Portugal U21 international is closing in on a move to Brentford.
"From what's been told to me, there's an agreement in place," Slot added. "But I haven't spoken with the club, and I was fully focused today on this game.
"I don't know exactly what the status of him is, but that was, of course, the reason why he wasn't selected today."
Van Dijk 'confident' with squad but wants more signings
While today's games were an Anfield debut for Slot, it also saw several international stars make their return to club football.
A number of Liverpool's first team regulars have missed a large chunk of pre-season following their involvement at the Copa America or the European Championships.
One such player is captain Virgil van Dijk, who was part of the Netherlands squad that reached the semi-final of Euro 2024.
On his return to Merseyside, the defender admits he thinks the squad looks thin on the ground.
"I'm positive, I'm confident," he told BBC Sport. "Obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go.
"But I think they're working behind the scenes, and I am fully confident and trust in the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are.
"That's the main thing I'm focusing on. We will see what happens.
"I think they're working very hard behind the scenes. We will see how that pans out."
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