Liverpool, who are yet to make a signing this summer, may already be looking ahead to future transfer plans and have been given a subtle boost in their hopes of landing Newcastle's Anthony Gordon. The Reds' attempt to secure Martin Zubimendi to bolster their midfield fell through, and it seems unlikely that an alternative will be signed before the month ends.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is still striving to bring in new players for Arne Slot, but the Dutch coach insists he's satisfied with his current squad.
"I've said many times that our squad is very strong, so finding players to enhance it isn't easy," the Dutchman stated. "Zubimendi was one option, but he chose not to join us, so we'll move forward with what we have. We're in a good position, and Richard is working behind the scenes to improve the squad."
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"Zubimendi didn't want to come, and Richard tried everything. We kept the same team but lost Thiago, Joel [Matip] and Adrian. People always talk about transfers, but we already have a positive team."
Besides Zubimendi, there was a surprise possibility of acquiring Gordon earlier in the summer as Newcastle sought to maintain their profit and sustainability compliance. A swap deal involving Joe Gomez was even proposed and initial terms were agreed upon, before the Magpies pulled the plug.
Being aware of the potential for such a transfer could leave Liverpool better prepared to act on it. While Gordon is unlikely to leave the North East this month, Eddie Howe has already conceded that sales will be necessary in the future.
Newcastle's manager has made it clear that there is no urgent need to sell players in the current transfer window, stating: "There's not necessarily financial pressures to lose anybody before the end of this window."
But he emphasised the importance of player trading for the club's strategy. "But player trading is key, and we have to trade players out as well as players in," he admitted. "That's not necessarily in the next two weeks. But certainly, within the next window, that's what we'll have to do."
Despite rumours swirling around their top talent, Newcastle United have managed to keep their key players this summer. The likes of Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes were all subject to speculation about their futures.
Guimaraes, after leading the team as captain in their first game against Southampton, has been officially named Newcastle's captain. Jamaal Lascelles has stepped into the role of club captain, while Kieran Trippier is reported to have taken on the position of vice-captain.
