Following a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Betis, Liverpool now have a short break before their next pre-season match against Arsenal on Wednesday in Philadelphia. This pause might be the perfect opportunity for manager Arne Slot to finally secure the club’s first signing of the summer.
Slot’s Tactical Adjustments and Transfer Hopes
In the match against Betis, Liverpool had to improvise with their tactics due to a lack of available strikers. Slot remarked, “During the season you will see us play with a real striker, but at this moment we have no one available.” Despite the absence of forwards Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, who are yet to return from international duties, Liverpool is actively exploring potential signings.
Slot has expressed confidence that Liverpool will make a summer signing, saying it would be surprising if they didn’t. As the club looks to strengthen its squad, several significant transfer stories have emerged.
Sepp van den Berg’s Future
Defender Sepp van den Berg, who has been on loan at Preston North End, Schalke, and Mainz, recently hinted he might stay at Liverpool. The 22-year-old has enjoyed working with Slot during pre-season and faces stiff competition from Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah. Van den Berg told Sky Sports, “I’m still a Liverpool player. I enjoy it here, really. It’s been a very nice pre-season. Of course, new coach, like new era starts, fresh training, new style of play. I really like it.”
While Van den Berg emphasized the importance of game time, he remains content with his current situation at Liverpool, though he acknowledged that the future is uncertain.
Liverpool Competing for Viktor Gyokeres
Liverpool is reportedly set to compete with Arsenal for the signing of Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker, who scored 43 goals in 49 games last season, has an £86 million release clause in his contract. Both Liverpool and Tottenham have shown interest, though it’s uncertain if Liverpool is willing to meet the high release clause.
Galatasaray’s Interest in Ryan Gravenberch
Galatasaray’s president Dursun Ozbek and sporting director Cenk Ergun are reportedly flying to meet with Liverpool regarding a potential deal for midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. The 22-year-old arrived at Liverpool from Bayern Munich for £34.2 million and made 38 appearances in his debut season. The Turkish side is hopeful of securing a loan deal for the former Ajax starlet, with Slot possibly willing to sanction the temporary exit.
