Arne Slot says Liverpool transfer plan avoids radical changes after Premier League title
Slot confirms Liverpool will strengthen squad this summer but rules out drastic overhaul following title win.
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| Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates with the Premier League trophy following the Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool on May 25, 2025. Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images |
By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made clear that while reinforcements are expected at Anfield this summer, the club has no intention of initiating a sweeping transformation of the squad that just delivered their 20th English league title.
Slot’s remarks come amid heightened anticipation over the summer transfer window. Premier League rivals such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea are reportedly preparing for big spending in a bid to close the gap on the champions. But Slot, who guided Liverpool to domestic glory in his first season, insisted the Reds will stay true to their long-term strategy of targeted recruitment rather than wholesale change.
“There will be no radical changes because that would be a bit weird if we won the league,” said Slot, addressing questions about his summer approach. “If the whole team stays together, we can still improve.”
No need for an overhaul, says Slot
Slot emphasized that stability and internal growth are key to Liverpool's continued success. Unlike other elite clubs that frequently overhaul squads between seasons, Liverpool’s approach under Slot will be more evolutionary than revolutionary.
He pointed to the club’s frugal dealings last summer—when only Federico Chiesa was added to the first team—as proof that success doesn’t always correlate with aggressive transfer activity.
“We did things differently last season. Apart from signing Federico Chiesa, we didn’t do a lot, and that makes it maybe even more special to win it this season,” Slot said. “Hopefully that appetite to build on winning the title will be big.”
Slot’s strategy reflects his belief that chemistry, tactical understanding, and team cohesion often outweigh the benefits of major squad changes. He reiterated that while Liverpool will certainly be active in the market, the changes will be calculated and consistent with the club’s identity.
Frimpong and Wirtz targeted for early signings
Liverpool have already begun strengthening the squad with a £30 million deal in place for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong. The club is also in advanced talks with Leverkusen to secure the signing of midfielder Florian Wirtz, a move that would break the club’s transfer record.
Slot acknowledged the advantage of completing signings early but remained pragmatic about the realities of modern transfer negotiations.
“Ideally, you sign players as soon as you can but it’s not always easy,” he said. “There is so much hard work already done behind the scenes this season to find out which targets we have and try to sign them.”
Slot praises club culture and continuity
The Dutchman also acknowledged that squad management involves more than signing new stars. With some fringe players uncertain about their futures, Slot indicated that squad depth and player satisfaction will influence decisions in the coming weeks.
“I don’t know yet if all the players who didn’t play that much this season will want to stay,” he explained. “This is something we will find out in the upcoming weeks. We do it our own way. We are not hurried or rushed by anything.”
Slot also stressed that maintaining Liverpool’s playing identity is a top priority. Radical changes, he suggested, could disrupt the tactical foundations and fan expectations built over the past year.
“It will never be drastic because this is the playing style I prefer and our fans want to see,” Slot added.
Celebrating the title with fans and players
Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace marked a historic moment for the club as they lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield. Slot called the occasion “a day to cherish,” highlighting the passion of the fans and the emotional weight of celebrating with them.
“These players and these fans hate losing,” said Slot. “How passionate these fans are for the club and how special it is to win something. You play football for yourself, for your family, but definitely also for the fans.”
The Liverpool manager noted that for many supporters, this was the first time they could celebrate a title triumph in person since 1990. The club’s 2020 title win came during the pandemic, depriving fans of a traditional celebration.
“Now they were [present], and I think everybody could see what it means for the fans,” said Slot. “We are privileged that we can play it in front of them.”
A fitting farewell for Alexander-Arnold
The day also marked the final Anfield appearance for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid this summer. Slot praised the 25-year-old right-back for his outstanding performance and expressed happiness that the crowd gave him a proper send-off, particularly after the negative reception he faced in the previous home fixture against Arsenal.
“The passes he played, if you make highlights of this, probably it’s going to take you three, four or five minutes,” said Slot. “He deserved it. I’m very happy for him.”
Slot acknowledged how difficult it can be for players to leave a club like Liverpool, especially when they are emotionally connected to the fans and the city.
“That’s all we can try to do: to make it so hard for the players to leave,” he said. “Many of them stay. Now Trent has made the decision to go, unfortunately for us. But it was great for him to have a farewell as he had today.”
Looking ahead with focus and stability
Slot enters the summer determined to build on the momentum of Liverpool’s latest success. But his message remains consistent: Liverpool’s approach will be methodical, disciplined, and driven by continuity rather than flash.
“This club doesn’t start from today onwards,” he noted. “There is so much hard work already done.”
With the support of Liverpool’s recruitment team and board, Slot appears confident that the reigning champions can retain their competitive edge without sacrificing their core identity. The focus is now on measured signings, smart departures, and a commitment to the style of football that brought them back to the Premier League summit.
As rivals prepare to spend big, Arne Slot says Liverpool’s transfer plan avoids radical changes. Instead, the Reds aim to stay ahead by staying true to what has worked—and what has won.
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