Liverpool transfer news as Slot battles Spurs for ex player amid $24m 'discount' (2024)

Liverpool has officially got the Arne Slot era underway, with the Dutchman reporting for media duties at the training ground. What we're yet to find out is who the first signing of his tenure will be — with the new head coach facing a battle with Spurs to land one of his targets.

Of course, Slot won't be calling the shots on his own, with Liverpool having given its recruitment department a significant facelift. Michael Edwards is back in a new capacity with FSG, Richard Hughes is the sporting director, and Julian Ward and David Woodfine have also both returned to the club.

But that in itself makes the first summer transfer a matter of particular significance. It's a new-look Liverpool in more ways than one, and the business conducted in the market can set the tone.

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With that in mind, here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. It includes a sizeable 'discount' on a potential target.

Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)

Liverpool is among the clubs tracking Santiago Gimenez, according to journalist Nicola Schira. Slot worked with the Mexican striker at Feyenoord.

In the Premier League, Tottenham is the other club 'monitoring' Gimenez. He is also admired abroad by Napoli and Milan.

Gimenez is currently away at the Copa America, but could return to find a fierce battle for his signature. The 23-year-old bagged 23 goals and six assists in 30 Eredivisie games last season, helping power Slot's side to second place.

It's thought that Slot might want to add another option to his front line, although Gimenez would enter a competitive field. The new coach will be tasked with getting the best from Darwin Nunez, while Diogo Jota also operates mostly through the middle.

Liverpool.com says: Gimenez is the right profile of player for Liverpool in a general sense, and has posted the kinds of numbers that mean both Slot and the data team could theoretically get behind the signing. But if the Reds are going to add another forward, it probably won't be a specialist number nine, given the options that already exist in that position.

If nothing else, Gimenez has earned a move to a club where he will continue to be the main man. He deserves a proper shot at proving his talents carry over into the top five leagues, and it's not clear how much of a chance Liverpool could give him. With Spurs still searching for a true focal point in the absence of Harry Kane, perhaps that's one to watch.

Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Manu Kone was one of the transfer sagas of last summer for Liverpool. Mentioned a lot early on in the window, four midfielders ended up coming through the door at Anfield, but he ultimately stayed put at Borussia Monchengladbach.

He's still there now, and the asking price has apparently come down hugely. Whereas Liverpool was being quoted fees of $43m (£34m/€40m) a year ago, the Bundesliga outfit is now ready to cash in for just $19m (£15m/€18m), per Rheinische Post.

That $24m 'discount' reflects an injury-impacted campaign for the Frenchman, and the fact that Monchengladbach has already lined up deals for two new midfielders. Even so, it's surprisingly cheap for the 23-year-old.

Liverpool.com says: Could this price tempt Liverpool back in? Truth be told, probably not; it doesn't need another versatile midfielder, and if it is going to strengthen the engine room again, it should be for a specialist defensive presence.

Still, someone could hit the jackpot if they roll the dice on Kone. He is strong against the ball, while also possessing the ability to progress it forward when in possession, and with the ceiling to improve further.

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