Liverpool can revisit failed 2022 transfer with extra £14m needed to secure 'daring' forward

“Me and Richard [Hughes] are going to work together when it comes to transfers,” said Arne Slot on Wednesday when asked about his role as ‘head coach’.

“But not only the two of us – there is a big backroom staff included in this as well.” The Dutchman added that he will talk with sporting director Hughes about transfer targets - “but we already have a really strong team.”

Liverpool have traditionally operated on a lower budget than their big six rivals, achieving the lowest net spend of the lot under Jurgen Klopp. It’s thought Slot was partly appointed due to his ability to get the maximum out of the tools he is given.

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Even so, the transfer cogs at Anfield are much bigger than the ones at Feyenoord and he will need the help of Hughes and Michael Edwards, Fenway Sports Group’s new CEO of Football, to turn them.

The ECHO understands that Liverpool are interested in Lille defender Leny Yoro, indicating a desire to reinforce the centre-back area even if it is not the primary transfer objective. A new defensive midfielder is tipped to join too, as perhaps is a winger.

Rumours around Luis Diaz continue to grow amid reports that he is set to meet with Barcelona chiefs this week regarding a potential move. It’s arguable that the Reds need to think about their wing options anyway, especially with Mohamed Salah turning 32 last week.

Links with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams have been bubbling in recent weeks, with speculation beginning to boil amid his outings for Spain at Euro 2024. Liverpool were linked with the 21-year-old in 2022 but reputedly decided against a move with Diaz through the door.

The winger has gone from strength to strength in the years since and recorded an incredible 19 assists in 37 outings for his club last season, also chipping in with eight goals of his own. It is no surprise that a number of clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked.

Athletic president Jon Uriarte has attempted to cool the exit talk this week, telling media: "The interest is normal but Nico is very happy in Bilbao, we are very happy with him. We're not worried.”

Williams only penned a new three-year contract extension in December and reports suggest his release clause now stands at £49m. This is thought to have increased by £14m from his original buy-out fee, one that stood during Liverpool’s links to the playmaker in 2022.

Given the waves Williams is making, it could be shrewd business for whoever takes the risk. Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, himself the most promising winger in world football, has led the praise. “If I could sign a player from the national team for Barcelona? Nico Wiliams, for sure," he said.

"He is one of those wingers who take you on and get past you. He is daring and talented, which helps any team in the world. I have a lot of fun playing with him as I think it helps us be tougher to defend.”

It’s not known what transfer budget Liverpool will be given this summer but £49m would surely take a large chunk out of it, and so player sales may be necessary if Slot is to land all of the targets he wants.

Identifying who could be sold for cash is not easy. Caoimhin Kelleher is anticipated to leave but money from his sale would be expected to be put towards a new number two, especially with out-of-contract Adrian yet to sign a renewal.

It’s more likely that fringe players face the axe than any rotation stars. Nat Phillips, for example, is entering the final year of his contract and Liverpool only have two windows left to reap a fee for the 27-year-old if an unexpected renewal is not tabled.

His departure would go some way to bridging the extra £14m needed for Williams, if indeed he is someone Slot admires. Liverpool still have two years left on Rhys Williams’ contract and, at 23, could get a decent return on him too.

Neither is expected to push the likes of Jarrel Quansah, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate to be Virgil van Dijk’s partner while a new centre-half could yet arrive. Of course, it’s too early to gauge who is in Slot’s long-term blueprint and even who is in his immediate plans.

Furthermore, Liverpool’s interest in Nico Williams has not yet been verified, having already batted off links with Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh. But either way, it will be intriguing to see what scope Liverpool have in the transfer market this summer when it comes to both arrivals and sales.