LFC Defensive reinforcements ahead of 2024-25 sessions under Arne Slot’s First Signing rev’

Defensive reinforcements

Joel Matip’s departure this summer has been confirmed, with the Cameroonian defender leaving Liverpool after eight seasons at Anfield. And his exit could see the Reds look to sign a central defender.

Slot will also be aware that Virgil van Dijk’s current deal expires in 2025, with the Netherlands international revealing that there is currently “no news” regarding an extension.

Liverpool’s new boss sets up with a particularly high line, so is likely to require a mobile centre-back who is comfortable in possession.

Willian Pacho could be an ideal addition.

The Eintracht Frankfurt star is just 22 years old and distributes the ball well, having completed an impressive 168 final-third passes, 87 long passes and all three of his through-ball attempts this term.

Playmaker purchase?

Liverpool supporters never truly got to see the best of injury-prone playmaker Thiago Alcantara, who is set to end his four-year stint on Merseyside this summer.

But Slot could recruit a creative midfielder to fill the void, with reports suggesting he is keen on a reunion with Orkun Kokcu.

The 23-year-old was a mainstay in the Dutch tactician’s Feyenoord side — scoring 32 goals and registering 27 assists across 175 appearances for the club, before departing for Benfica last summer.

It would require a significant transfer fee to convince Benfica to part with their No.10, but Liverpool may see it as a worthwhile investment for a player who amassed 15 Primeira Liga goal contributions (seven goals, eight assists) and completed the second-most passes into the final third per 90 (20.11) last season.