Liverpool may already be lining up first January signing to help out Arne Slot

The lack of summer transfer activity hasn’t affected Liverpool’s start to the Premier League season but Arne Slot is already reportedly lining up his first move in January. The Dutchman has overseen three successive wins this season, with Sunday’s result at Manchester United going a long way to ease the fears of fans anxious at the lack of new additions.

Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has signed on a £25million deal for Valencia, but will immediately head back to the La Liga club on loan before returning to Liverpool next summer.

Federico Chiesa meanwhile, joined from Juventus on deadline day for £10m, but wasn’t considered for selection for the trip to Old Trafford.

A deal for the club’s main target during the summer window however, Martin Zubimendi, didn’t materialise. Despite the club being prepared to trigger the Real Sociedad midfielder’s £51million release clause, the 25-year-old turned down a move.

Slot has been vocal this summer about his desire to sign a ‘new No.6’, with Zubimendi appearing to fir the mould after his impressive showing in Euro 2024. He appeared in both Spain’s semi-final win over France and the final win against England, and is revered at Sociedad having made 189 first team appearances.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool’s “appreciation” of the player remains. And he is seemingly still viewed as the ideal man to supplement their squad, with the next window open on Wednesday, January 1.

Zubimendi still has three years left on his current deal, so the option of FSG and co waiting until he’a available for free is currently off the table. But club bosses will also be aware that interest from other clubs is only likely to increase if he again performs will in the 2024/25 campaign. 

Sociedad have already lost one midfield star to the Premier League this summer, with Mikel Merino signing for Arsenal. However, in first training session with the Gunners, he suffered a freak shoulder injury that is set to keep him out for two months, 

After Chiesa signed last week, Slot was adamant that during his tenure, Liverpool would only target players who fitted the profile of the club. “Like I said before, if we can sign someone who can help us achieve our goals and improve the squad,” he said.

“One of the best things about working here is the culture of the team. They work really hard to achieve their goals. So it’s really important that the first player you bring in has that same attitude and brings the same culture.”

Despite his dream start, Liverpool have an extended Champions League format to combat this season. A perceived lack of depth also appeared to cost the club dearly last season, with their title challenge petering out after topping the table with eight games to go.