Liverpool has selected a transfer target and is finally prepared to make their first summer acquisition.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has yet to make any new signings since succeeding Jurgen Klopp, but that is expected to change as the Reds intensify their search for midfield reinforcements.

Slot, who joined Liverpool from Feyenoord after the end of the 2023-24 season, has been awaiting the return of his full squad from international commitments. Several Liverpool players were involved in the final stages of both the European Championships and Copa America.

The Reds have seen the departure of a few senior players, including Thiago and Joel Matip, though both were sidelined by injury towards the end of last season.

Slot has stated that the team will only enter the transfer market if they find the right player who can significantly enhance the squad. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Liverpool are currently targeting a specialized defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes at the end of August. Although the specific player has not been named, it is believed they are from outside the Premier League.

Liverpool have experimented with various midfield combinations since adding Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch last summer. While there has been interest in Endo this summer, Liverpool have so far rejected bids while continuing to explore other options.

“The bar is set high for new signings because we have many talented players, so it is not easy to find someone who meets those standards and is available,” Slot said earlier in the window. “We also need to negotiate an agreement, so it is not always straightforward to find a player who can contribute. Richard (transfer chief Richard Hughes) is working hard on it, and we will see what comes from this.”

Stefan Bajcetic could still play a role this season, as he is returning from a lengthy injury. Gravenberch received praise from Slot for his performance in a deeper role during pre-season, but the need for a new addition remains.

“I think Ryan did really well in that position [against Manchester United], and we have other options as well,” Slot noted. Liverpool won 3-0 against United in a pre-season match in the US, with goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones, and Kostas Tsimikas. “The best assessment will come when we have all the players back, but Liverpool is always on the lookout for players who can strengthen the squad. That is what we—mainly Richard, but also myself—are focused on. This is not limited to one position. We continuously evaluate the squad.”

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign kicks off against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on August 17, with a lunchtime kick-off. The transfer window for Premier League clubs closes on August 30, giving Liverpool just under two weeks to finalize any new signings.