Liverpool boss Arne Slot can get transfer tips from Gareth Southgate as FSG decide budget

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to keep a close eye on Gareth Southgate’s tactics at Euro 2024 which will help him make a key transfer decision this summer. The Dutchman officially began his tenure on Saturday, but will have a little time to get comfortable with the summer transfer window opening on June 14.

A number of Slot’s players will be in action in Germany this summer, including Trent Alexander-Arnold who seems certain to be named in England’s 26-man squad.

And any doubts over his selection were seemingly banished on Monday night, with the 25-year-old scoring with a clinical volley as the Three Lions won 3-0 at St James’ Park.

The strike capped a fine individual display from Alexander-Arnold, who was notably used in an advanced role by Southgate as opposed to his more familiar position of right back. It’s a tactic that both Southgate and former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp have used before, and afterwards the England manager said he would consider him selecting in midfield at the Euro’s.

“I think in midfield he’s still really learning and discovering the role, so positionally it is, at times, going to be different for him,” he said in his post-match press conference. “But again, you saw moments of the qualities of his passes; the slid passes, the longer passes. Both are really good options for us.”

The player himself, one of three potential right-backs in the provisional squad for the Three Lions, has himself claimed to be unfussed about where he’s used for his country. “I have had a conversation with the manager and potentially that (midfield) is where he sees me,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“In my head I am not fussed at all, where I play. I just want to play as much football as I can over the summer. I think it was a positive night and it was a good one. A foundation laid and one to build on. After not playing for two weeks it was always bound to be a slow start.”

And Slot could free up vital funds from FSG if he too chooses to deploy Alexander-Arnold in a forward role. The club have been touted to bring in more forward options this summer as speculation continues over the futures of Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah, and are also expected to strengthen at centre back amid the departure of Joel Matip.

However, a switch for Alexander Arnold could save the club from having to go in for a new midfielder. And it could also spell good news for Joe Gomez, heightening the chance of him being kept on to compete with Conor Bradley for a place on the right side of defence.

Bradley, 20, proved a revelation after breaking into the first team last season. But the versatility of Gomez means he continues to be seen as a vital squad player at Liverpool, even covering at left back last year amid an injury to Andy Robertson.

How much money Slot is afforded to bring in new faces remains to be seen, but the club have already been linked with signings. According to the Record, Liverpool are set to make a £51million bid for sought after Sporting CP defender Goncalo Ignacio, who is also being tracked by Man Utd.