Liverpool: Slot ‘happy with squad’ and stays quiet on Isak links

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he is happy with his squad as it stands and refused to be drawn on speculation about a big-money move for Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.

The Premier League champions have added Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their squad this summer already.

But they have continued to pursue Isak, having an initial bid of £110m rejected by Newcastle, as they seek a replacement for Darwin Nunez who is closing in on a £46m move to Saudi club Al Hilal.

Asked about Isak on Friday, Slot said: “As you know, from me and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours. I can talk about Hugo, who we have signed and who has done really well until now.

“We are very happy with the squad and have every reason to be happy because we won the league last season. OK, players left but we brought players in as well and youngsters are doing good.

“At this moment of time, Darwin might leave, indeed, but things are not signed so we need to wait a few days until that is completely done but there is indeed a chance he is going to leave.”

Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarell Quansah this summer and look light at the back.

During pre-season midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, as well as full-backs Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, have all filled in at centre-back, and Slot denied that a lack of depth behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez is a major concern.

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“Unfortunately, (Gomez) has a minor injury at the moment but he will be back with the team very soon,” he said.

“We have numerous options who can play there. But as always, it’s the same boring answer as players we may bring in or not, I am really happy with the players we have.”

The Reds begin their season on Sunday in the Community Shield when they face Crystal Palace at Wembley.