Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken about how his side were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi earlier this week.
The former Feyenoord boss is keen to bolster his midfield ranks this summer and, along with sporting director Richard Hughes, had identified the Real Sociedad playmaker as the ideal acquisition.
Liverpool were open to activating the £51million release clause to sign the Spain international before it became clear that he intended on remaining with his boyhood side. It is unclear whether the Reds will pursue a direct alternative to Zubimendi at this stage, though Slot has insisted that work is going on behind the scenes to bolster his ranks.
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Speaking ahead of his side’s opening game of the season against Ipswich Town, he explained: “I said many times already our squad is really strong so it is not easy to find players to strengthen. Zubimendi was one but he chose not to come here so we go forward with the ones we have.
“We're in a good place and Richard is trying to improve th squad in the background. Zubimendi didn't want to come and Richard tried everything. We kept the same team but lost Thiago, Joel and Adrian and you always talk about transfers but we have a positive team already."
Liverpool are the only side not to welcome any new signings to their squad this summer, but Slot remains content with his ranks and insists that fresh faces do not always raise the level of a team.
He continued: “I truly believe you can help on the training ground and improve. It has helped players to improve here. If others clubs strengthen they become better but it's not always true new players make you stronger.
“Every player in the team needs perspective on playing time. If you keep bringing in players the energy goes down. Me and Richard are trying to strengthen, if we think we have found someone, we try to bring him. Unfortunately, the one we found (Zubimendi) said no."
Speculation on Merseyside has not solely focused on incomings. With Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all in the final year of their contracts at Anfield, the trio have been linked with departures as a result.
Asked if there was an update on whether any of the three key players were close to penning an extension, Slot concluded: “I don't think this is the place to talk about contracts but I can assure you they are in the squad tomorrow."
