Arne Slot Fires Back at Liverpool Critics, Drops Major Transfer Hint

Liverpool boss Arne Slot firmly stated he harbored no "worries" regarding Liverpool's glaring shortage of defensive personnel for the coming campaign, though he did suggest a potential new signing in that department.

The Premier League titleholders have adopted an aggressive stance in the summer transfer market, with expenditure reaching the staggering sum of approximately £270 million ($362.8 million) after Hugo Ekitiké's acquisition. The genuine possibility remains of Alexander Isak walking through Anfield's doors to strengthen a roster that has already welcomed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Nevertheless, Liverpool's championship defense might genuinely need some actual defenders. Despite all the millions invested this summer, no new centre-half has joined the club.

This shortage of defensive personnel became apparent during Liverpool's 4–2 pre-season loss to AC Milan on Saturday. Slot was compelled to deploy defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch alongside Virgil van Dijk while Ibrahima Konaté entered the match in the second period.

Despite overwhelming evidence suggesting otherwise, Slot dismissed concerns about his defensive depth. "I don't believe we have an issue at centre back," the Dutch manager declared. "Ryan demonstrated his capability in that role—he performed admirably, though we prefer him as a No. 6. Wataru Endo can also feature there [centre back]."

Beyond the established first-choice partnership of Van Dijk and Konaté, alternatives become scarce. Joe Gomez was absent from Saturday's friendly due to a minor Achilles problem. Liverpool anticipate the versatile Englishman won't be out long, but this represents another instance of Gomez's fitness struggles. 24-year-old Rhys Williams, who spent last season experiencing relegation from the Football League while on loan at Morecambe, remains the sole other centre-back in the squad following Jarell Quansah's transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.

Slot did offer a clue about potential future activity: "So we possess sufficient options but it's accurate that Jarell Quansah departed and we haven't found his replacement yet."

Reports suggest Crystal Palace vice-captain Marc Guéhi might serve as a prominent successor to Quansah, gradually integrating into the Liverpool system in a backup capacity before ultimately succeeding Virgil van Dijk. However, competition is expected from Tottenham Hotspur for a player who might command up to £45 million ($61.8 million).