The £61m double transfer swoop that would boost Liverpool's title chances next season
Arne Slot is looking to put his own stamp on this Liverpool team ahead of his first season in charge.
Liverpool are preparing for a new dawn at Anfield and Arne Slot is currently navigating his first transfer window as manager of the Reds. The Dutchman has inherited a strong squad, with key players like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as bright, exciting young talent as his disposal. He will, of course, be looking to make the team more his own and there are a number of targets who he is interested in signing.
According to HITC, Liverpool have ‘held talks’ with the representatives of Crysencio Summerville and Lutsharel Geertruida, with the latter previously playing under Slot at Feyenoord. Despite the current common ground, the Reds were reportedly keen on the right-back before the new boss even arrived. But now Slot is in charge, a move for Geertruida is said to be ‘firmly’ on the club’s radar as they prepare for business.
Talks have gotten underway between Liverpool and the 23-year-old, who shares the same agency with Summerville, who has also been on the Anfield radar for some time. The Leeds United man has been tipped to leave Elland Road for some time now, especially with them failing to secure promotion to the Premier League.
The interest in Summerville is self-explanatory. After contributing 21 goals and 10 assists last season, plenty of top flight clubs are eager to snap up the Dutch talent. Reports recently suggested he could be sold this summer if a bid in the region of £35-£40 million is reached. The 22-year-old is predominantly a left-winger but during the 2022/23 season, Summerville played on the right a lot, which means he could be nurtured this season to eventually take the place of Mohamed Salah.
Talks over Salah’s future remain a grey area, as he has gone from receiving intense interest from Saudi Arabia, to reports claiming he is expected to remain an Anfield for another season. If he does give the Reds one more year, not only will it give his eventual successor time to shadow him and settle in, but Salah will have back-up if he happens to pick up an injury.
The natural goalscoring threat of Summerville is the main attractive trait but the potential of him having a year to work closely with Salah could be hugely beneficial for all involved. At such a low price for today’s market too, Liverpool would be foolish not to put in a bid.
As for Geertruida, the fellow Dutchman and former Slot player is out of contract next year so Liverpool could strike themselves a bargain. CaughtOffside reported last month that Feynoord would want between €20-25 million (£17-21m) to let him leave.
Geertruida is a right-back by trade but is confident playing at centre-back as well, and has even shifted to left-back and defensive midfield when called upon. Last season’s injury crisis spread Liverpool extremely thin at the back, so having a defensive powerhouse who can adapt to any position comfortably, much like Joe Gomez, will be a very welcome addition to the squad. With Slot and Geertruida knowing each other well too, it should be a seamless transition into the side. He will also provide extra right-back support to allow Slot to consider the option of Alexander-Arnold in midfield, should he wish to explore that avenue.
With support at both the back and front of the team, and both Geertruida and Summerville providing valuable versatility, Liverpool will be well-equipped to re-enter the Premier League title race next season.