Arne Slot has held his press conference ahead of Liverpool's second Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United, revealing he is happy with the current squad.
"As always, if we think we can improve in a certain position and there’s a player available who can really make us better – which you could see with Giovanni Leoni – then this club has always shown that they can bring these players in, but only if things are right," said the Dutchman.
"Tthe right transfer fee, the right player, the right position, and a player who wants to come to us."
Slot also implied the return to form of Federico Chiesa will improve his attacking depth: "I see a totally different Federico now than I did for most of last season."
Federico Chiesa celebrates for Liverpool
Federico Chiesa celebrates for Liverpool
When asked about his upcoming opposition, he highlighted the threat they pose going forward: “The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfielders, their last forwards, their three forwards. I assume Isak isn't playing, but they still have Gordon as a nine, Elanga, Barnes, Jacob Murphy.”
Slot also revealed that Liverpool had been dealt a blow that will affect their ability to deal with Newcastle's attack, as their new right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, has picked up an injury that will see him out of action until after the international break.
Liverpool's eyes are on Newcastle in more ways than just the Premier League clash however, as they plot another bid for one of the Magpies' star players.
Liverpool readying new Isak bid
Liverpool are preparing another bid for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak. The Reds had previously bid £110 million plus add-ons for the Swedish striker, but that deal was rejected. Now, as Newcastle edge closer to signing Yoane Wissa and also line up Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen, Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Isak.
Liverpool-Alexander-Isak
Reports from Spain have indicated that the new bid will be worth somewhere in the region of £138 million. The club view this massive fee as worthwhile, however, as they think "his arrival would bridge the gap following the imminent end of the Salah era".
The bid may come in after the two clubs face each other on Monday, as Newcastle are unlikely to sell their best player to a team right before they play them.
From the player's perspective, it has now got to the point where he is publicly pushing for the move, as he put out a statement before the PFA awards, where he spoke of Newcastle's broken promises and the benefits of “change” for both parties.
What happens to Ekitike if Liverpool sign Isak?
Whilst Hugo Ekitike had an impressive season last year in the Bundesliga, he arrived in the Premier League as something of an unknown quantity, and when it looked like Liverpool might sign him and Isak, the latter looked the safest option of the two.
Ekitike quickly put any doubts about him to rest with his first two performances for Liverpool. During the Community Shield and the opening Premier League game, he registered two goals and an assist, showing that he's easily adapted to English football.
This means Slot may be faced with the best predicament a manager could find themselves in, as he has two impressive strikers both competing for game time. While Isak may want to come straight into the first team, he's been away from team training at Newcastle for a while, meaning it may take a few weeks to get up to speed.
An answer to Slot’s issue may arrive before it becomes too much of a problem. This is because in less than a month's time, the Champions League group stage will be starting, meaning Liverpool will often be playing two games a week, and there should be ample minutes for the forwards to share.