Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has said the club will be opportunistic in the transfer market this summer and suggested activity will increase after this summer’s major tournaments.
Hughes has arrived from Bournemouth as the club’s new sporting director in a summer of change at Anfield. The 44-year-old has opened up on the Reds’ plans for the transfer window and the decision to bring in Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Hughes praised Slot and said the two have been in constant communication, outlining their targets for improvement in the transfer window.
“It’s been to great work with Arne. We both had jobs to finish. Since then, we’ve been in communication daily,” Hughes told a press conference.
“Preparing for the transfer window. We’ll know more as we go. The squad we’ve inherited is very talented but we need to improve. We will be opportunistic if we can.”
Hughes was asked on the contract situations surrounding Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, each of whom have entered the final 12 months of their deals. The Liverpool chief said the progress on talks will remain internal but said the trio are all committed to the club.
“Contract situations, these are private matters between club and players. Total commitment from the players to the cause for next season. We’re convinced that’s the case.”
Liverpool are yet to make a signing in the transfer window but Hughes anticipates business will increase following the conclusion of this summer’s Copa America and European Championship tournaments.
“Naturally when there are major international tournaments, the attention is there. After the flurry in June, it will calm down a little now. When August starts, we’ve had more times to work with players, opinions will be more set. You may see a situation in August, there is a hurry to get things done.”
Hughes also discussed the decision to appoint Slot as manager and said the Dutchman’s style of play at Feyenoord was the determining factor in his arrival at Anfield.
“The playing style that attracted us. On all the metrics, Arne’s Feyenoord team came out really well. Attributes we would welcome here at Liverpool. It depends on the players you have. This style of playing that Arne has been successful with is the most attractive to watch in my opinion. There is a duty here to play that kind of football.”
