Liverpool’s US tour concluded with a resounding 3-0 victory over Manchester United, giving manager Arne Slot a positive note to end pre-season on. However, the number of chances conceded during the tour has left him with some concerns as the team prepares to return to Merseyside.
While the focus has been on the team’s performance, Slot has also had to consider the makeup of his squad. With several senior players reporting late for training, younger players have had to wait longer for their opportunity to impress. Luke Chambers, who did feature against Man United, is set to rejoin Wigan on loan, providing cover at left-back for Andy Robertson.
Of the 10 players who were not included in the matchday squad against Erik ten Hag’s squad, James McConnell, Kaide Gordon, and Owen Beck have garnered concrete interest in their services. According to reports, McConnell and Gordon have attracted loan interest from clubs outside of the Premier League, including Hull, Blackburn, Derby, Huddersfield, and Birmingham City. Beck, on the other hand, has attracted suitors from the Championship, Germany, and the Netherlands, with Liverpool favoring a permanent move over another temporary switch.
It’s worth noting that the absence of these players from the squad may not solely be due to potential transfers, as injuries and the need for additional rest could also be factors. Nonetheless, their situations are definitely ones to keep an eye on as the transfer window heats up.
In addition to McConnell, Gordon, and Beck, several other players were absent from the matchday squad. Robertson, who is injured, Dominik Szoboszlai, who was rested, and Alexis Mac Allister, who was omitted, all sat out. Marcelo Pitaluga, Harvey Davies, Amara Nallo, and Lewis Koumas were also not involved. While there hasn’t been much reported interest in Pitaluga, Davies, and Koumas thus far, they too could find themselves going out on loan as Slot finalizes his plans for the upcoming season.
Looking beyond the US tour, Liverpool is expected to be active in the transfer market. The club has already turned down a £15 million bid for Fabio Carvalho from Southampton and a £6 million offer for Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg. The future of Sepp van den Berg is uncertain, and RB Leipzig has shown interest in Tyler Morton. Ben Doak and Jayden Danns could be sent on loan to gain more first-team experience, with Danns having missed out on the US tour due to injury.
As the transfer window gets underway, Liverpool fans can expect to see a flurry of activity, with the team focusing on outgoing business. While the squad undergoes changes, Slot will be looking to strengthen the team and ensure they are ready for the challenges of the upcoming season.