American Express Stadium BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Carlos Baleba of Brighton L plays against Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea R during the Premier League 2024/25 Matchweek 25 match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Chelsea FC at American Express Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Brighton, England. David Horton / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xDavidxHortonx/xSPPx spp-en-DaHo-RC5_DHO_Brighton_Chelsea_14Feb2025_EN313
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has had one permanent transfer since he joined the club.
The former Feyenoord boss welcomed Federico Chiesa in the summer as his only first team signing. Chiesa barely featured in the first three months of the season, and only featured from December. So Slot has had to rely on the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp.
Last season, some of Liverpool’s signings failed to adapt to life in England an looked out of place. Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch all had underwhelming first years at Anfield. This season, the trio have been the first choice midfield under Slot. They all seem to have improved in the new possession-based style instilled by the Dutchman.
Gravenberch has benefitted the most, this year he has been arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
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Arne Slot wants midfield star
As the summer window draws nearer, Liverpool have decided to revamp the squad. It has been reported that Arne Slot will have a big role in who arrives at Anfield before next season. His main priority has been in attack. The Dutchman reportedly wants new players with versatility. Liverpool are now open to selling Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota as a result. Diaz is set to leave, as he is reportedly in talks with FC Barcelona.
Arne Slot wants a new midfielder in the summer. Liverpool have identified Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as their main target. The Cameroon international is having his breakout season in the Premier League this year. Transfer expert Mick Brown explained why the reds are targeting the 21-year old:
“I like him as a player, he’s very talented,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s got a bit of something about him as well, and I think there’s more to come from him.
“I think he’d be a good fit for Liverpool because he’s not afraid to get on the ball and move with it, or to find those passes out wide we see them play so often to find the likes of Salah.
“It’s not very often Liverpool are in the buying market for a big-money player.
“Their recruitment has been strong in the past with the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai coming in.
“So I think they’ll be doing their due diligence on Baleba to make sure he’s the right man.”
Brighton would reportedly be looking for a similar fee that they got for Moises Caicedo.
Liverpool could do with a new midfielder
The reds found out the hard way that they could not rely on their squad depth this season. At points in the season, they had to rely on the club’s youngsters to deputize in midfield. A signing like Carlos Baleba immediately improves the team. The midfielder has a lot of qualities current Liverpool stars do not possess.
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