Lewis Steele: Liverpool £75m Transfer Strategy Shaped by PSG’s Attacking Full-Backs | OneFootball

Slot’s Full-Back Vision: How Mendes and Hakimi Shape Liverpool’s Tactical Future

Full-Backs at the Heart of Liverpool’s Evolution

In a revealing appearance on the Anfield Index Media Matters podcast, football journalist Lewis Steele shared a key insight into Arne Slot’s thinking — a vision of flying full-backs taking Liverpool forward. As the Dutchman begins reshaping the Reds post-Klopp, his admiration for PSG’s approach, particularly the dynamic play of Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, appears central to what comes next at Anfield.

“Slot really likes that and I think that’s how he wants to play next season,” Steele said, referring to PSG’s marauding full-backs. This tactical direction was visible in the way Liverpool approached recent games, with full-backs positioned far more aggressively. Steele noted, “It’s no coincidence that Robbo got his first assist of the season. It’s no coincidence that Bradley could have had an assist or two.”

Slot’s Tactical Blueprint in Focus

Slot isn’t merely copying what’s fashionable — he’s implementing a specific philosophy. PSG’s performance against Liverpool in Europe appears to have left a mark, particularly their wide play. Steele described Slot as someone who is “not basing it solely off how they played against Liverpool” but was clearly impressed by their attacking width. “I remember watching them and was like, bloody hell is that Nuno Mendes playing as a striker?”

That type of positional freedom is exactly what Liverpool may be aiming to replicate, albeit with structure. The idea is to use full-backs to break down low-block teams. “That’s the way he sees breaking down the low blocks… by having them flying full-backs,” Steele said.

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez and Frimpong Fit the Model

It’s no surprise, then, that Liverpool are targeting full-backs like Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. Both players represent not only youth and pace but also the tactical profile Slot desires. Steele pointed out that “Frimpong and Kerkez are good additions… both perfect age profile.”

These aren’t headline-grabbing Galáctico-type signings, but they are carefully selected. In a season where margins matter, full-backs offering both width and incisiveness can be game-changers. Steele described the pair as “not really breaking the bank in this day and age” with a combined fee around £75 million — a price that seems almost modest given their potential.

Evolution, Not Overhaul

While Slot inherits a title-winning squad, standing still is not an option. As Steele put it: “Obviously you don’t fix what’s not broken, but I think they need to evolve.” The emphasis on full-backs suggests Liverpool are not only adding depth but injecting fresh attacking dynamics.

For Slot, the phrase he used, “extra weapons”, isn’t just rhetoric. It signals a plan to equip Liverpool with new dimensions, to combat the growing quality of title rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal.

It’s not about abandoning what worked. Rather, it’s an evolution inspired by one of Europe’s most exciting attacking units — and executed through shrewd recruitment. If Kerkez and Frimpong arrive, their impact may be measured not just in assists, but in how Liverpool impose themselves across every inch of the pitch.