Liverpool manager in waiting Arne Slot wants to bring one of his former midfielders to Anfield but could well be overruled.
Slot is yet to be officially announced as Liverpool’s new manager but all signs point to the Dutch coach being made the man to replace Jurgen Klopp.
Slot will arrive at Liverpool knowing the task is huge and with that, he’ll no doubt have his eye on a few players he feels can do the business.
However, while Slot might well want some familiar faces around, he won’t be having the final say.
And according to journalist Ben Jacobs, one midfielder being linked with the club, Teun Koopmeiners, hasn’t even made the list at Liverpool as yet.
Photo by ANP Sport via Getty ImagesLiverpool won’t be signing Teun Koopmeiners for Arne Slot
Previous reports this week have suggested that Koopmeiners could be one of the first names through the door when Slot arrives.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has a different take on proceedings.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update on the Dutch midfielder, Jacobs said the following.
“Understand Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners is not currently on Liverpool’s radar despite links. Koopmeiners played under Slot at AZ. Slot will inherit a summer plan, and naturally be an important voice, but he hasn’t started yet let alone pushed for players, and won’t have recruitment autonomy. #LFC‘s recruitment model works collaboratively. Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards, Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows will lead summer plans meaning Slot’s arrival won’t dramatically alter targets.”
Slot will have to get used to Liverpool’s methods
With Michael Edwards now back at the club and bringing Richard Hughes in alongside, Arne Slot will have to work within the parameters set by Edwards and co.
Unfortunately for Slot, that might mean he misses out on landing a few players who, in his eyes, he sees as ideal candidates to improve Liverpool’s squad.
Of course, he’ll get some sort of say but there’s also a huge data led approach to transfers in place at Liverpool.
We’ve read stories of Jurgen Klopp getting certain players when the committee wanted others.
But with Edwards back and Slot not having the power Klopp has, we can expect some decisions to be taken out of his hands.