Liverpool is close to finalizing the record transfer of Florian Wirtz, with the German playmaker set to undergo a medical ahead of his move to Anfield from Bayer Levekusen.
After activating Jeremie Frimpong's release clause to securie the Dutch hotshot earlier in the month, the reigning Premier League champions are certainly not resting on their laurels, evidenced by the looming record-breaking swoop for Wirtz.
After around three weeks of meticulous and intense negotiations, it was announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached between the clubs, clearing the path for Wirtz to join the club following his medical examination.
These checks will be carried out this week before the 22-year-old heads off for his summer break, and personal terms are not expected to pose any problems, reports the Liverpool ECHO.
There was some discussion about a potential six-year deal due to the sizeable initial $136 million (£100 million) fee, plus an additional $22 million (£16 million) in add-ons, which would enable Liverpool to spread the cost over an extra year. However, reports suggest that Wirtz will initially sign up for the next five seasons.
A significant advantage for Liverpool this summer is the absence of an international tournament, meaning Slot will have a full squad at his disposal when they return to pre-season training on July 7.
Both Wirtz and Frimpong will be part of this group, allowing the head coach to communicate his detailed tactical plans more efficiently and earlier than last summer, when most of his key players only returned a week or so before the season opener at Ipswich Town.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The impact of the Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, remains uncertain. Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are both participating in the American tournament, along with potential Champions League opponents such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The influence of the revamped Club World Cup on the performance of participating teams next season will undoubtedly be a hot topic of debate. Any slip-ups could potentially benefit Liverpool, given the demanding near-12-month calendar of competitive action facing teams like Chelsea and particularly title contenders City.
Wirtz is undeniably a marquee signing for Anfield. The acquisition of a player fresh from being crowned Bundesliga player of the year has been met with widespread praise, particularly for sporting director Richard Hughes.
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His tireless negotiations with his Leverkusen counterpart have resulted in a deal that could see Wirtz become a British record transfer.
Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is next on the Reds' radar, with negotiations having been underway for some time. The Cherries have slapped a $61 million (£45 million) price tag on their Hungarian left-back, and discussions continue for the 21-year-old, while the hunt for a new No.9 might also come into play once the focus shifts to offloading players.
With the first match of the champions' pre-season still several weeks away, there's significant work ahead for Hughes and his scouting team. Success doesn't come from standing still, after all.