Arne Slot sheds light on Liverpool's summer transfer plans | OneFootball

Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool would ideally like to add "fresh energy" to the squad ahead of next season, but remains "happy" with his current options.

It speaks of a calm approach from the Reds, who may have already completed two of their biggest deals in securing new contracts for hugely influential veterans Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. Although, they couldn't hold on to academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Van Dijk recently suggested it "should be a big summer" for the club. Slot downplayed those comments from his captain at the time, insisting there are "not so many reasons to make it a busy one", and has again called for a measured and careful approach.

Slot oversaw a title-winning campaign off the back of just one summer signing, Federico Chiesa, who has been afforded just 33 minutes of Premier League football. The Dutch coach understandably doesn't want to rock the boat and has claimed the Reds will only go after available players who will improve them, which could be quite a small pool.

Mohamed Salah (left) and Virgil van Dijk both signed two-year contract extensions in April / Carl Recine/GettyImages

"It's already a big summer because we extended Virgil and Mo and for large parts of the season, I don't think everyone expected that. For us to keep them is a big thing," Slot told Sky Sports.

"I've said already that I am happy with the squad we have. We will see what the summer brings but sometimes it can be good to bring fresh energy. It has already been a good summer and we won the league. Only if we see someone on the market who can improve us."

Liverpool's transfer strategy since last summer when senior executive Michael Edwards returned to Anfield and Richard Hughes was appointed sporting director has been as such.

The club opted against signing Manuel Ugarte when he was offered to them ahead of joining Manchester United, preferring instead to build up existing player Ryan Gravenberch. That tactic could now be repeated in replacing Alexander-Arnold, with Conor Bradley set to get the opportunity to become a starter and either Jarell Quansah or Joe Gomez repurposed for a back-up role.

If the opportunities are there, Liverpool look most likely to sign a striker – although ideal target Alexander Isak is almost certainly out of reach – and a left-back.