After claiming the Premier League title in his first season in charge, Arne Slot arguably faces his toughest test yet as Liverpool manager during the upcoming transfer window.
The Dutchman won the league with multiple games to spare, losing just three matches in the top flight to date – offering a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer.
However, despite the Reds’ success, key additions are needed in multiple areas of the first-team squad to help bolster the ranks and increase their chances of retaining their title in 2025/26.
It remains to be seen how much money will be handed his way by the club’s hierarchy, with countless names already touted with a move to Anfield in the coming months.
The foundations have already been laid for multiple transfers, with it only a matter of time before the manager lands his first summer addition on Merseyside.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer
Defenders have been high up on the club’s shortlist as of late, with Milos Kerkez one of the many players on their list over the last couple of weeks – emerging at the very top if recent reports are to be believed.
It was confirmed earlier this week that the Hungarian was ‘likely’ to make the switch to the club, with Bournemouth demanding a £40m transfer fee to part ways with their left-back.
However, interest has also been shown in players on the opposite side of the pitch, with the club making a move for Monaco right-back Vanderson, according to GOAL.
The report states that the Reds have enquired to sign the Brazilian this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit demanding a fee in the region of £25m to offload the 23-year-old star.
It also confirms that the staff behind the scenes hold the youngster in high regard, potentially being the perfect replacement for outgoing defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Why Liverpool’s £25m target is the perfect Frimpong alternative
Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as Liverpool’s main target in such an area in recent times, undoubtedly being many supporters’ first choice this summer.
It has been reported in recent days that the Reds have already been plotting a move for the Dutch star, willing to pay his release clause, which is around the £35m mark.
The 24-year-old has been in stellar form in the Bundesliga over the last few months, registering four goals and five assists, helping the club once again secure a Champions League spot.
However, if they are unable to complete a deal for the Dutchman, they should pursue a move for Vanderson, with the Monaco star a superb option for the club going forward.
When comparing his stats to those of Frimpong, the Brazilian has outperformed him in numerous key areas, with his £25m asking price a potential bargain for Slot’s side.
The right-back, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one scout, has registered more progressive passes and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted – highlighting the impressive nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.
He’s also won more tackles per 90 and made more interceptions per 90 – handing Slot with an added defensive option, but also a key star in attacking areas.
Games played
27
32
Goals & assists
4
9
Progressive passes
4.5
2
Pass accuracy
78%
76%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.1
Shot-creating actions
2.6
2.5
Tackles won
2.1
0.9
Interceptions made
1.8
0.3
Take-on success
50%
29%
Aerials won
46%
33%
His talents don’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions and winning more aerials than Frimpong – having the tools to be an excellent option should the club pursue a move for his signature.
£25m for such a player would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, offering a cheaper and possibly a better option than the Leverkusen star in their hunt to replace Alexander-Arnold.
It’s a huge task to replace such a player in the coming months, but Vanderson has showcased that he’s more than capable of filling the void – with Slot needing to make the Brazilian his main target.
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