In what could end in a major blow for rivals Manchester United, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a transfer target that Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign.
Slot defends Wirtz andLiverpool spending
Despite getting off to a solid start in their Premier League title defence, Arne Slot has been forced to defend big-money signing Florian Wirtz. The German is taking longer than some expected to find his feet at Anfield and the patience of those in the Premier League is far thinner than those in the Bundesliga.
However, the Liverpool boss was quick to remind reporters that the former Bayer Leverkusen star isn’t the only one to struggle when it comes to goals and assists.
The players we have brought in are expensive, yes, but they are now playing alongside others who are worth similar amounts. If we were to sell Dominik Szoboszlai tomorrow, he would command £100 million. That is the market.
“There is so much focus on Florian. but those already here haven’t scored four goals or produced 12 assists either.”
Aside from the frustrating criticism, it’s good news for Liverpool that their results have remained the same even without Wirtz at his best. It begs the question of just how ruthless they’ll be once he’s up to speed in England’s top flight.
Slot also defended Liverpool’s spending as a whole, arguing that his side also generated impressive funds through player sales. He told reporters: “No club never sells and only buys. We didn’t have a big squad last season and [this summer] we did sell and bring players in. That is such an exception in English football.”
Those sales may yet allow those at Anfield to spend once more in 2026, and that should concern Manchester United amid reports that Liverpool are eyeing one of their “key” targets next year.
Liverpool keeping tabs on Baleba
As reported by TeamTalk’s Dean Jones, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Carlos Baleba, who remains a “key” Man United target and someone that Amorim is desperate to sign next summer. The Red Devils were, of course, priced out of a move by Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but Liverpool are unlikely to face issues meeting the midfielder’s likely £100m price tag.
Jones told TeamTalk: “Manchester United were the first club to make a move for Baleba in the summer and they still see him as a key target for their long-term rebuild under Amorim.
“There was intent behind that approach, wanting to show the player and club how serious they are. But the concern is that Liverpool’s admiration could turn into something more concrete.
“They’ve already shown this year they’re not afraid to splash out big money on the right player, and if they decided to push for Baleba, United would suddenly find themselves in an unwanted situation. No one wants to go head-to-head with Liverpool – on or off the pitch.”
A move for the Brighton star would also make a lot of sense for Liverpool. Now that Slot operates with a double pivot at the heart of midfield, there’s not many Premier League partnerships that would be able to outperform Ryan Gravenberch and Baleba.