Monday, December 23, 2024

Arne Slot has clear Liverpool transfer plan as two players show what must happen

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It’s a strange world where Jordan Henderson, the most widely-decorated captain in Liverpool’s history, disappears from the club without fanfare while general manager of first-team operations Ray Haughan departs with an Anfield standing ovation.

But that jarring comparison points to an issue with which new Reds head coach Arne Slot will surely have to contend as a matter of priority when he officially assumes his new role next weekend.




Henderson‘s unexpected exit to Saudi Arabia during last summer’s pre-season preparations shorn Liverpool not only of their long-established skipper, but also one of their tried and trusted options in defensive midfield.

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He wasn’t the only one. While the Reds knew at the end of last term they’d be losing James Milner, that Fabinho also jumped ship to the Saudi Pro League threw a significant spanner in the works for Jurgen Klopp, even if the offer was simply too good to turn down for both player and club.

Factor in teenager Stefan Bajcetic being sidelined with an injury that ultimately forced him to miss almost the entire season, the Reds – already undergoing a midfield change with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being replaced by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai – were forced into a complete overhaul in the position, eventually settling on the seemingly stop-gap signing of 31-year-old Wataru Endo that compelled Fenway Sports Group to veer away from their usual transfer policy.

Liverpool have also had to adapt to a new formation using an inverted full-back – usually Trent-Alexander Arnold when available – regularly pushing into central midfield positions, requiring another tweak in the number six role.

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