Liverpool are still yet to make a signing so far this summer, though their biggest transfer priority has now become very clear.
Arne Slot insisted that he did not want to welcome any new signings to his ranks until he had worked with all players, and the Dutchman has now identified several key areas where he believes investment is required.
The former Feyenoord boss requested that a new No. 6 was a priority at Anfield, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi being pursued. However, the failed transfer approach appears to have sparked Ryan Gravenberch into life as he has now made the role his own in recent weeks.
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The former Bayern Munich playmaker impressed in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Brentford, in a match which underlined a new transfer priority for Liverpool – solving their left-back dilemma.
The transition from Jurgen Klopp to Slot has been seamless so far, though the biggest difference in the two systems comes at left-back. Previously, Klopp wanted attacking-minded fullbacks who could bomb on and be a threat in the final third and thus Andy Robertson thrived.
However, the Scotland international is now expected to sit deep and form a back-three alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, a role that doesn't suit him and make use of his best attributes.
Instead, Liverpool could look to reignite their interest in one of three of their former targets who are capable of playing at left-back and tucking in to form a solid back-three.
RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba and Bayer Leverkusen ace Pierro Hincapie both reportedly have admirers on Merseyside already, and the two centre-backs have both played at left-back previously.
The two stars have both shone in possession-based systems and thus could thrive under the management of Slot – as could ex-target Goncalo Inacio. The Sporting star has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League previously, and the £51million release clause in his contract would allow Liverpool to strike a quickfire deal to acquire his services.
The Portugal international has been deployed in midfield previously and is therefore capable of stepping into those central areas when required, as well as holding his width at fullback. Inacio has also shone in a back-three with Ruben Amorim which could provide evidence for how he would slot into the new-look system at Anfield.
