How Liverpool might lineup after Arne Slot approves the first signing 

According to reports, Arne Slot and Liverpool’s backroom crew have decided on a player who might be their first acquisition. If true, this would be an exciting addition to the attacking rotation for the Reds.

With new head coach Arne Slot reportedly giving the go-ahead for the Reds staff to chase Nico Williams, Liverpool is hoping to make its first summer acquisition in the coming weeks.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is reportedly being watched by numerous teams after making an impression for his country at the European Championships. Williams’ contract contains a $53.4 million (£42.2 million/€50 million) release clause that expires in June 2027. After the tournament, many European teams would probably fight for his signing.

Slot is a fan of Williams and wants to see him added, according to Caught Offside. After succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Slot might make history by signing the Spaniard, even if a transaction would not be easy to complete.

With a busy offseason ahead of him, Slot hopes to establish himself as the team’s new leader following the retirement of the renowned German manager. Furthermore, he has made it clear that he will collaborate with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to select the best players for the Reds, even though he will have a voice in who they sign.

And here’s how the Reds may lineup at Ipswich on opening day of the season if they sign Williams this offseason.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Alisson is under contract with Liverpool for the next three years, therefore it appears quite unlikely that he will leave the club this offseason, even though he has been connected to the Saudi Pro League.

Caoimhin Kelleher, an Irish backup who is rumoured to want to look for a move to become a first-choice custodian, is expected to be let go by Liverpool. The decision by Liverpool to replace him may have a significant impact on how long they believe Alisson will stay with the team. They may decide to buy a starting-caliber player to challenge him or bring in another young keeper to learn under him.

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Andrew Robertson

Liverpool’s defence, save for its custodian, is anticipated to remain unaltered. The Reds are hopeful that Real Madrid’s rumoured interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold is unfounded. On the last day of the season at Anfield in May, the hometown hero of the Reds appeared distraught. Some interpreted this to suggest that he might look forward to moving on with Jurgen Klopp.

Leny Yoro, a center-back for Lille, is not expected to replace Konate as the preferred partner of captain Virgil van Dijk, despite Liverpool’s connections to him. Given that Robertson is now approaching his 30th birthday, Slot will probably think about his alternatives at left back going forward.

Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo

Despite having an abundance of players at the midfield position, Liverpool is probably only going to sign one. One player would have to depart for that to occur, with Endo rumoured to be leaving the Reds after just one season. After Liverpool lost out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Endo entered the market towards the end; in fact, the Japanese international outperformed both players the previous season. Slot might play for Liverpool again alongside Feyenood midfielder Mats Wieffer, a move that many supporters appear excited about on social media.

However, for the time being, it’s safe to say that Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Stefan Bajecetic—Klopp’s preferred starting trio for the majority of the previous season—will start on opening day.

Attackers: Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Nico Williams

Williams may start right away if Liverpool choose to use Williams’ release clause, as has been suggested, should the Reds decide to cut ties with Luis Diaz in light of the Barcelona connection.

Williams’ release clause is almost half the amount Diaz might be sold for, and Liverpool is gaining a younger left winger while also bringing in one of the most exciting and gifted players in European football.

Nunezs and Salah would be a perfect fit for the Spaniard, and Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo would be good starting choices from the bench.