Arne Slot's first big Liverpool transfer decision shows direction he's taking the club
Liverpool's reluctance to part ways with Jarell Quansah indicate the impressive young defender will have a big role to play under new head coach Arne Slot.
The Dutchman, 45, has replaced Jurgen Klopp at the helm after the Kop favourite stood down from the role earlier this summer - and he's already hard at work.
Alongside the club's new sporting director Richard Hughes, Slot is expected to make adjustments to his playing squad in the coming months and Anthony Gordon has emerged as a target following a surprise approach from Newcastle.
As first revealed by The Mail, Newcastle are open to selling Gordon to ensure they comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules before June 30 and the Reds are admirers of the 23-year-old England international.
Despite being offered the chance to sign Gordon, talks between the Reds and Newcastle broke down as they wanted Quansah to move in the opposite direction - something Liverpool were completely unwilling to entertain.
Quansah, 21, established himself as a first-team player last term after impressing under Klopp. He went on to make 33 appearances in all competitions and even made England's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 before being cut shortly before the tournament.
Liverpool's desire to keep hold of Quansah indicates that he and the other young players who impressed when given a chance last season under Klopp, such as Conor Bradley, Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns, will all be central to Slot's plans moving forward.
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Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring for Newcastle
Speaking back in January, Klopp lavished praise on Quansah and revealed that his impressive performances in pre-season actually convinced him not to target defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Klopp said of the youngster: “The pre-season was super positive, super positive. We wanted to... so we got asked a lot that we have to sign a new centre-half. And obviously we were thinking about that as well, it’s not that we ignore potential issues or whatever.
“But when we saw him, it was clear that we will not go for it. That we will have our own solution. And without knowing how much game time he will get already this year. Because of the situation and because of his development, he is obviously now a proper, proper part of the squad, a proper part of the rotation.
“It’s not about performing, they all are good, it’s about how can you share intensity and he plays an important role… It’s an interesting package. I’m really excited about it.”
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