Liverpool transfer plans under Slot explained by Paul Joyce on The Game Podcast

Liverpool Transfer Stance Clear As Paul Joyce Details Arne Slot’s Priorities

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence under Arne Slot begins with intrigue both on and off the pitch, as Northern Football Correspondent for The Times, Paul Joyce, laid out the club’s measured transfer stance during his appearance on The Game Podcast with Tom Clarke.

Push for a Centre-Back Amid Defensive Shortage

Joyce was unequivocal that Liverpool “are short on centre backs” following pre-season disruption, with illness to Virgil van Dijk and injury to Joe Gomez leaving Ibrahima Konaté as the only recognised option against Athletic Bilbao. One young target has been Italian defender Giovanni Leoni of Parma, but Joyce noted that “Inter are favourites for that deal” due to the player’s preference to stay in Italy.

Another name on the radar is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, but the £50 million valuation would need to drop for Liverpool to move. As Joyce put it, “there is a need to get a centre back in… that’s a situation worth watching.”

Isak Interest Won’t Lead to Overpaying

Alexander Isak remains a player of admiration, but Joyce reinforced that Liverpool “won’t be forced… at any price.” Newcastle’s stance and valuation, reportedly around £150 million, are key obstacles. Joyce drew parallels with past Liverpool strategy, recalling that “if the players aren’t available, we’re not just going to buy… for the sake of it.”

This approach, he said, allowed for this summer’s £295 million spend, offset by significant sales — a figure set to rise with Darwin Núñez’s £46 million move to Al Hilal. Joyce confirmed Liverpool “will look to sign an attacker to replace him” but only if the right profile is attainable.

Pathway for 16-Year-Old Prospect Rio Ngumoha

One of the more telling revelations concerned teenage forward Rio Ngumoha. Joyce explained that Liverpool rebuffed links to PSG’s Bradley Barcola partly to “keep the pathway open” for Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea last season. Pre-season form, including a solo goal against Athletic Bilbao, has strengthened his case for Carabao Cup minutes and occasional Premier League involvement.

Liverpool’s Evolving Attack

Liverpool’s attack has undergone an evolution this summer, as Joyce highlighted the fluidity Slot has already fostered: “Frimpong was almost a right winger… Gakpo dropping deeper… Salah cutting inside.” However, the volume of games — particularly with Slot’s determination to “make greater inroads” in the Champions League — may still expose a lack of depth up front.

New-Look Liverpool Taking Shape

This summer’s overhaul is unprecedented for a reigning champion, with no Trent Alexander-Arnold and several new signings including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké. Joyce observed that Slot “won the league with 14 players” last season but intends to rotate more, shaped by the costly fixture congestion that preceded defeats to PSG and Newcastle in February.

Wirtz, Joyce said, “had freedom to do what he wanted… his desire to get into the penalty area” was notable, while Ekitiké also impressed. Expect “variations in how Liverpool play this season” as Slot blends his options.

Slot’s Relentless Pursuit of Improvement

Despite the title triumph, Slot’s repeated references to the PSG defeat — which he called “the best game he’s ever been involved in as a manager” — reveal a manager intent on pushing higher. Liverpool’s aim of back-to-back titles, last achieved in 1984, and a deeper Champions League run will be a stern test.

As Joyce concluded, Liverpool’s recruitment model remains disciplined: “It won’t be at any cost and that’s just not the Liverpool way.”

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