Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declined to comment on speculation surrounding a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, insisting he will only speak about new signings once deals are finalised.
With Liverpool having already secured the Premier League title, Slot is taking advantage of the early breathing space to shift his focus towards preparations for the 2025/26 campaign. The Dutchman, who enjoyed a brief trip to Ibiza this week, made it clear his mind is already occupied with plans to strengthen the squad.
Liverpool are widely reported to be closing in on a deal for Frimpong as a possible replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season. Frimpong’s Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz has also been linked with the Reds.
However, Slot remained tight-lipped when asked about incoming transfers. “We don’t talk about players we want to bring in until the moment they sign,” he told reporters on Friday.
Slot also admitted that despite the opportunity to relax, his thoughts have been firmly on what lies ahead. “Even if you are celebrating over there [in Ibiza], it doesn’t mean you’re not thinking about something else. A larger part of my mind now is already into next season, more than it would have been had the next two games still been decisive for us.”
While Alexander-Arnold’s exit looms, he may not be the only player to move on this summer. The futures of Caoimhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Nunez remain uncertain. Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s sole signing during Slot’s first season, has also struggled to make an impact.
The Italian forward has found opportunities limited due to strong competition in wide positions. “Unfortunately for him, he is in competition with Mo Salah on the right wing,” Slot explained. “I think he can also play on the left, but there he has Gakpo and Diaz.”
Slot made it clear that the lack of minutes is not down to Chiesa’s quality. “Is he good enough to play for us? Yes, he is. But I felt Diaz, Gakpo and Salah deserved the confidence I had in them, and I hardly ever changed that set-up.”
Liverpool face Brighton on Monday before ending their season at home against Crystal Palace. With the title already secure, all eyes are now on how Slot reshapes his squad to defend it next season.
