Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, will not have the same level of involvement in the transfer process as Jurgen Klopp did. However, he will still have a significant say in the club’s recruitment strategy. Slot’s appointment marks a new setup at Liverpool, with his role as head coach freeing him from many of the responsibilities Klopp previously had.
The responsibility for transfers now lies with sporting director Richard Hughes and assistant David Woodfine, under the oversight of Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, Michael Edwards. While Slot’s opinion will be highly valued, the final decision on signings and sales will ultimately rest with him as he will be responsible for selecting the team.
Slot’s experience at Feyenoord, where he worked within a similar setup, could provide valuable insights into his approach to recruitment. Feyenoord scout Christos Akkas highlighted Slot’s specificity in terms of playing style and outlined the club’s rules for signings. They never signed older or more expensive players than the ones being replaced and narrowed down their search to find the most suitable player within their criteria.
Liverpool is likely to adopt a similar approach, taking into account the expertise of Edwards as the sporting director. Edwards has proven himself adept at building a squad around world-class potential, as demonstrated by the signing of Mohamed Salah. Despite not being Klopp’s first choice, Salah perfectly suited the manager’s system and has become one of Liverpool’s best-ever players.
Slot’s appointment at Liverpool was based not only on his coaching accomplishments but also his compatibility with the club’s new structure. Some may have concerns about a potential power struggle between the head coach and the sporting director. However, it is more likely that the recruitment process will be informed by Slot’s requirements and playing style.
So far, the only known target since Slot’s appointment is 18-year-old center-back Leny Yoro. The club is actively pursuing Yoro, viewing him as a unique market opportunity rather than a fundamental part of their recruitment plans. This suggests that Liverpool may still pursue players outside of their initial brief if exceptional talents become available.
Overall, Liverpool’s new setup places more emphasis on the sporting director’s role in transfers, but Slot’s input will still be crucial in shaping the team. The club’s recruitment strategy will likely be tailored to meet Slot’s specific requirements, ensuring a harmonious approach to player acquisitions.