Arne Slot has launched a passionate defence of Liverpool’s summer transfer business, insisting that any suggestion of reckless spending ignores the reality of the club’s carefully balanced finances.
The Dutchman, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, was asked about the slow start to life at Anfield for record signing Florian Wirtz. But Slot turned the focus towards the wider narrative around the Reds’ spending power, making it clear that he feels Liverpool are being unfairly singled out.
Liverpool broke with tradition during the summer, completing headline deals for both Wirtz and striker Alexander Isak, each costing in excess of £100 million. Those figures inevitably attracted widespread attention given Fenway Sports Group’s reputation for frugality.
However, Slot pointed out that Liverpool also generated huge funds through player sales. Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez and academy graduate Jarell Quansah were among those to depart, helping bring in around £262 million in transfer fees.
Slot, visibly irritated by the criticism, said:
“There is so much focus on our new signings, especially from pundits that favour some other clubs in the country that cannot stop talking about £450million – I repeat, £450million, £450million! But they forget about the £300m that we have sold for. These players we have brought in together with players that are worth the same amount of money. So, yes, if we want to strengthen the squad we need to spend that much money.”
He even referenced the value of Liverpool’s existing players, adding:
“If we sell Dominik Szoboszlai tomorrow he would be worth that money as well.”
Much of the discussion centred around Wirtz, the 22-year-old Germany international who has yet to complete a full 90 minutes in Liverpool red. The midfielder’s lack of early goals or assists has drawn criticism, but Slot dismissed any concerns.
“There is so much focus on Florian, but the ones that have stayed behind as part of a team haven’t scored four goals or 12 assists as well,” he said.
“He is part of a team that is top of the league, that won against Newcastle and Arsenal, where the team of last season didn’t win. It is the way you want to look at it. Yes, he hasn’t scored four goals and got 12 assists in the first four games but for me that is down to the quality that we faced. He is part of a team that is number one in the league at the moment.”
When pressed again about Liverpool’s spending by a Spanish journalist, Slot couldn’t resist a playful dig.
“He’s been listening to a lot of talkSPORT,” he laughed. “You were saying we spent so much money and it hasn’t come to him that we sold for £300million. I repeat, £300million! I think it is only a compliment that people tell everyone we have spent so much because that tells you the players we brought in are seen as very good players.”
Slot went on to praise the club’s recruitment strategy and underlined Liverpool’s commitment to signing younger players with long-term value.
