Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been advised against pursuing a transfer target after receiving a brutal verdict on their football 'brain' as concerns are made crystal clear
10:15, 31 Mar 2026
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool at Amex Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Arne Slot has been given a transfer verdict(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
With the summer transfer window rapidly approaching, Liverpool's intended strategy will undoubtedly become more apparent. Despite their £450million spending spree last year, substantial investment will probably be needed at the season's end to guide the club back towards contending for major trophies.
A woeful defence of their Premier League title and enormously difficult ties against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the FA Cup and Champions League means there's a genuine chance the Reds end the season empty-handed.
The backline has been a glaring vulnerability for Arne Slot's team this season, but the Dutchman has now been advised to seek alternatives regarding one rumoured target. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news from Anfield.
Micky van de Ven verdict
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Micky van de Ven.
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Liverpool have been told not to sign Micky van de Ven(Image: Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Liverpool's reported interest in Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has been widely discussed for some time. But it's a transfer the Premier League heavyweights should reconsider, according to former Reds striker Dean Saunders
Spurs are said to have slapped a £100m price tag on the 24-year-old. Yet Saunders argued the Spurs defender's tendency to rely on his speed to escape precarious situations means he cannot be ranked amongst the world's elite who wouldn't find themselves in those situations in the first place.
The former Wales striker told aceodds.com: "When speaking about Micky van de Ven, he is lightning quick, but I have played against defenders like him. I have played against the quickest centre-backs in the world, but it was never a problem for me. Being a top defender is all about your brain.
"It doesn't matter being quick if you don't have the brain. It helps you recover from mistakes, but you shouldn't make those mistakes to start. I want to bring in Manchester United's former centre half pairing as an example. When Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic played, Ferdinand always came off the pitch with no mud on his shorts."
The 61-year-old questioned whether the Dutchman can read the game at the top level as he added: "Ferdinand would read the situation and get there before the striker, and I am just not sure if Van de Ven's football brain is that good and if he can read the game.
"At this level, everything is about speed of thought. How can I get the ball before Erling Haaland? His brain is fantastic, and I just don't see it with Van de Ven. Ferdinand used to get the ball before me and other defenders were running after me. I am really not sure about Van de Ven and his brain."
Alexander Isak price tag
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 20: Alexander Isak of Liverpool leaves the game injured during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak's signing has been mocked by Bayern Munich(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
It's been a torrid season for Alexander Isak who's had to battle fitness and form problems before suffering a broken fibula in December and is yet to make his comeback.
With just three goals in 16 outings since his British record £125million switch, the Swede has plenty to prove.
Last year, the 26-year-old was starting to feature in discussions about Europe's best strikers, alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane at the top of that debate.
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Since then, it's the England skipper who has claimed that acclaim with 48 goals netted this season in just 40 matches.
Kane's exceptional displays since joining Bayern Munich and Isak's disastrous maiden campaign on Merseyside has prompted Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeness, to aim a dig at the reigning Premier League champions.
Speaking to kicker, the executive declared: "Liverpool's Alexander Isak cost €150 million. If he's worth €150 million, then Harry's worth €250 million."