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 Premier League side yet to enter the transfer market this summer.
Yet they are embarking on a new era following Jurgen Klopp’s departure in May.
His replacement Slot got his first taste of the bench at Anfield when Liverpool faced Sevilla and Las Palmas in two friendlies on Sunday.
They beat their former side 4-1 thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz, as well as further goals from Diogo Jota and youngster Trey Nyoni.
Shortly after, the Reds returned to the field for the second leg, but drew 0-0.
“I think we saw today, in both games, a lot of good things,” Slot said afterwards.
“But I can also make a big list of things we need to improve, which is completely normal.
“Some of them (players), with certain new ideas that we have, they’ve only been with it for a week, so they have to adjust to it. They have to adjust to each other.
“So it’s normal that we’re far from perfect, but even if we’re far from perfect, we can score four goals, so it’s a good start.”
The impressive win over Sevilla will not stop fans from yearning for new signings before the transfer window closes.
Spain international Martin Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield from Real Sociedad as Liverpool look to strengthen their midfield.
Slot has not said whether that move will happen but insists he will continue to monitor the market ahead of next Saturday’s trip to Ipswich.
“You can make up any name you want, of course,” he laughed.
“As a club like us, we are always looking to strengthen the squad, but it is not so easy to strengthen the squad, if you saw the two games today.
“I have said many times that I inherited a very strong team.
“If we can, and if we think it’s possible, we will strengthen the team. 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 playing time has been limited and he was loaned out to RB Leipzig and Hull last season.
It has been reported that the Portugal Under-21 international is close to a move to Brentford.
“From what I’ve been told, there is an agreement in place,” Slot added. “But I haven’t spoken to the club, and I was fully focused on this game today.
“I don’t know exactly what his status is, but that was of course the reason why he wasn’t selected today.”
Van Dijk is ‘confident’ with the squad but wants more signings
While today’s games were Slot’s Anfield debut, they also saw the return of several international stars to club football.
Several of Liverpool’s first-team players have missed much of pre-season following their involvement in the Copa America or the European Championship.
One such player is captain Virgil van Dijk, who was part of the Dutch squad that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
On his return to Merseyside, the defender admits he thinks the squad looks weak.
“But I think they are working behind the scenes, and I have full confidence and trust in the club that they will do the right thing by us and get the best squad possible to compete in every competition we are in.
“That’s what I’m focusing on mainly. Let’s see what happens.
“I think they’re working really hard behind the scenes. Let’s see how it plays out.”
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