Liverpool are allegedly negotiating a significant summer deal for Arne Slot.
Jarell Quansah, a Liverpool star, is expected to sign a new contract with the Reds this summer after a successful debut season. This season, the centre-back has proven as an excellent defensive option for Jurgen Klopp, and he could see more playing time under Arne Slot.
Quansah has made 30 appearances this season, and his presence has been beneficial to Klopp given Liverpool’s injury woes. The 21-year-old has filled in for Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez, who have all missed time this season.
Quansah, an England U21 international, was rewarded with a new contract after returning from a loan spell with Bristol Rovers last summer. However, a significant pay increase is expected to be the reward for a successful first season in the Liverpool first team.
According to the Mirror, Quansah’s new contract will reflect his rise this season, with the academy graduate expected to feature heavily under new manager Slot. That, however, is not anticipated to affect Liverpool’s plans to improve their defensive alternatives this summer.
Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes are anticipated to supervise an active first transfer window in the post-Klopp era. There has been no decision on the future of long-serving defender Matip, who was sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a catastrophic knee injury in December.
The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire during the summer, but that does not guarantee he will leave. Matip’s expertise could be invaluable under Slot, given his involvement at the height of Klopp’s success.
Liverpool are apparently in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho’s entourage about a summer transfer, according to the Mirror. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has succeeded in Germany, but his club is expected to seek a massive £50 million fee.
Slot’s defensive recruitment strategy is believed to center around signing a left-footed central defender. All of Liverpool’s current alternatives for the position are right-footed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will look to end a run of consecutive losses when they play Tottenham on Sunday. Recent defeats against Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as last weekend’s stalemate with West Ham, have threatened to ruin Klopp’s last weeks in charge, with the Reds now unlikely to compete for the crown.
The opposite encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium included Luis Diaz’s controversially disallowed goal, which VAR incorrectly chalked off for offside.
