Talk of Liverpool having a “war chest” to spend on transfers this summer should be taken with a pinch of salt, according to the latest reports.
Fans are anticipating several big incomings and outgoings at Anfield when the market opens, as Arne Slot begins to shape the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp, and plots the defense of the Premier League title.
Virgil van Dijk has promised a “big summer” for Liverpool. A new right-back, center-back, left-back and striker have been mentioned as possibilities, in addition to a holding and creative midfielder, plus a winger, depending on exits. That, of course, would require serious finances, something FSG has been reluctant to offer in the past.
Liverpool has made one signing across the last three transfer windows, and funds should be available for Slot and director of football Richard Hughes to spend.
But journalist David Ornstein has hinted fans shouldn’t expect ludicrous sums to be spent on transfers this summer.
Writing in a Q&A in The Athletic, Ornstein said: “There is, of course, money available at Liverpool this summer – largely because of the prudence shown a year ago.
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“But I think we should avoid from phrases like “war chest” because Liverpool have never spent crazily; as always, I suspect the priority will be quality – rather than size – of outlay.
“Don’t forget the extensions of [Mohamed] Salah and [Virgil] van Dijk come at a significant cost and there may be others to follow, like [Ibrahima] Konate if an agreement can be reached.
“There is a lot to do, in and out, and Liverpool’s finances are in decent shape. But the focus will inevitably be to trade intelligently, as opposed to lavishly.”
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On Konate, Ornstein gave a slightly concerning update on Friday: Arsenal has opened negotiations with William Saliba over a new contract.
He, like Konate, has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, and should the Gunners defender come off the market, that would reduce the number of alternatives available when Los Blancos look to strengthen at the heart of defense.
Elsewhere, reports from Italy have suggested Darwin Nunez is a target for Napoli. The Liverpool striker is expected to move on this summer after an underwhelming campaign that has produced just seven goals in 44 appearances.
A move to Saudi Arabia seems most likely, but Corriere dello Sport has stated Napoli has ‘eyes’ on Nunez, while Kevin De Bruyne, Jonathan David, Samu Omorodion, and Lee Kang-in are also targets for the Serie A leaders.
