Liverpool 'main transfer target' emerges as Arne Slot learns Dominik Szoboszlai truth

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will be keen to welcome his first summer signing with the transfer window now officially open. The Reds have been linked to numerous players already, though the first addition of the new era at Anfield is yet to be welcomed.

Atalanta midfield duo Ederson and Teun Koopmeiners are reported to be of interest to Liverpool with Lille centre-back Leny Yoro is the latest name to emerge as a firm centre-back target. A number of stars playing their football in Slot's home country of the Netherlands have also been mooted with updates on supposed interest in Justin Bijlow and Johan Bakayoko regularly emerging.

While new signings will likely be made, there has been talk of marquee exits with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz and Alisson all targeted. Slot will undoubtedly be keen to keep the quartet, while also strengthening in a number of positions, though lucrative offers arriving could change the club's stance on that.

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Szoboszlai's tournament begins

One player highly unlikely to depart though, is Dominik Szoboszlai with the midfielder hoping to make an impact at Euro 2024 as Hungary captain. Following on from Germany's demolition of Scotland, the challenge was laid down to Switzerland and Hungary, the other two teams in Group A, to make a statement.

Szoboszlai was minimally involved in the early stages and as such it was Switzerland that started the better and went in front through Kwadwo Duah after 12 minutes. Hungary grew into the game but it was their opponents who scored next with Michel Aebischer doubling their advantage.

However, the second 45 minutes was very different with Szoboszlai displaying a moment of quality that brought his nation back into the game. After struggling for the first 60 minutes, the Hungary skipper drifted out wide and sent in a delightful ball which was headed home by Barnabas Varga.

ECHO says: Such an impact in a huge game shows Slot exactly what he can get from Szoboszlai but he will be hoping that his performance in the first half does not become a regularity. Ironically, Szoboszlai's 90-minute performance in Germany summed up his Liverpool career thus far with moments of magic arriving in between lengthy displays where he has found it hard to impact the game.

Bakayoko 'high on the list'

With Diaz, Nunez and Salah all linked to departures, Liverpool recruiting in attack looks likely with Bakayoko back on the agenda. The PSV Eindhoven ace managed 28 goal contributions from 48 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign while also helping his side reach the Champions League knockout stages.

Because of his performances, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, alongside Liverpool, are also said to be showing interest, though the latter could soon make an official move with journalist Graeme Bailey revealing how much he is liked in Merseyside.

“I keep hearing Johan Bakayoko’s name and it’s not being denied, they like him a lot,” Bailey told Rousing the Kop. “I think he’s very high on their list. They’ve got options out there, they’re doing their work on a lot of players.

“Bakayoko is a fascinating one, we know Liverpool like him and it wouldn’t surprise me if he emerges as one of their main targets." This update comes after Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed the move had been approved by both Slot and chief scout Barry Hunter.

€40million (£34m) has been suggested as Bakayoko's asking price and with his contract up in 2026, it is certainly an affordable transfer though the Belgium international could increase demand as he is set to play for his country at Euro 2024.

ECHO says: Bakayoko would definitely be a big addition for Liverpool, however, unless an exit in his position is sealed, it is unlikely to go beyond an admiration of his abilities. Nonetheless, it is certainly worth being prepared for every possible scenario and at such a price, keeping a close eye on him is smart especially as he is likely to play a big role in Belgium's Euro 2024 campaign.

Given his qualities, it is also abundantly clear to see why Slot is a big fan of the 21-year-old but the club will likely now have to wait until the summer tournament is over before making an official move.