Liverpool target Sam Beukema has expressed his eagerness to join the Premier League, despite previously rejecting Arne Slot. The Bologna defender has been linked a move to Merseyside this summer as the Reds’ boss looks to strengthen his backline for their upcoming title challenge.
If Liverpool decides to go after Beukema in the transfer window, it would mark the second occasion that fellow Dutchman Slot has tried to sign him. Slot had previously sought to bring Beukema to Feyenoord during his time at Go Ahead Eagles.
The pursuit even led to Beukema visiting Slot’s residence for discussions and a presentation on how he would fit into Slot’s team.
Speaking to The Telegraph about the encounter, he shared: “My uncle was even more excited than me! It was a really good conversation and he showed me things that I hadn’t thought of before.
“You could see he approached football differently to other managers and I had a really good feeling – and so did my uncle. He told me to go there but I said, ‘let’s wait’.”
Despite Slot leaving a lasting impression, Beukema ultimately chose to join AZ Alkmaar, one of Feyenoord’s domestic rivals. Slot reached out to him again after his decision was made, and they crossed paths once more earlier this season when Liverpool faced Beukema’s current team Bologna in the Champions League.
(Image: Getty Images)
Beukema revealed: “He texted me and wished me good luck and said unfortunately you did not choose us, but I wish you the best for the future. We played Liverpool this season and I spoke with him, he asked how I was and said, ‘Now at this level, we are here’.
“He said, ‘You played a good game and surprised us, we didn’t expect you to be so aggressive and do so well with the ball’. I think he expected an easier game, but gave us a really big compliment.”
Learn more
With persistent rumors linking Beukema to Liverpool, another encounter with Slot could be on the cards. Beukema has expressed his eagerness to prove himself in England, though he’s not looking to hastily depart from his current squad.
“I’ve been following the Premier League since I was a young kid and I love the competition,” Beukema remarked.
“For me it is maybe the best league to play in. I’m playing in a really big league, but the Premier League is something different with all the big teams, the high level. You see the atmosphere also and it is amazing.
“Let’s see. I always like to challenge myself. I challenge myself a lot at Bologna, but I don’t know what will happen in the future. You can feel something special is coming here.”
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.
