Will Arne Slot take the Erik ten Hag route? Or will Liverpool, with former sporting director and renowned talenspotter Michael Edwards now back at Anfield in a new CEO of Football role, look a bit further afield for new signings at the start of the post-Jurgen Klopp era?
It would not all that surprising if the latter rings true.
Ten Hag bringing a series of former players with him to Manchester United – Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony but also one-time Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat too – was not just a classic case of a manager turning to those he knows and trusts, but also of a club operating without a top-class sporting director to seize control over recruitment.
Had Jason Wilcox started his job at Old Trafford in 2022 rather than in 2024, it is likely Man United would not have been quite so reliant on Ten Hag’s contact book.
With Edwards back at Anfield, then, it would be a surprise if Liverpool’s transfer policy under the seemingly-incoming Arne Slot would be quite so unimaginative.
Then again, there are certainly a few members of Feyenoord’s 2023 Eredivisie winning team who could come in very handy at Liverpool, former Netherlands international Marciano Vink tipping David Hancko and Lutsharel Geertruida to follow in Slot’s footstpes.
Liverpool expected to hire Feyenoord boss Arne Slot
“I think Liverpool could use a good defender,” Vink tells ESPN. “Then, I think of Geertruida and Hancko.
“(Joel) Matip is injured and players like Joe Gomez and Ibrahim Konate are on the bench. They now play with a glorified youth player (Jarell Quansah) next to (Virgil) Van Dijk.”
Vink maybe has a point, even if he’s a little harsh on Quansah. Matip is out of contract, while Konate’s performances have dipped alarmingly during a dreadful run of form which has scuppered Klopp’s hopes of a glorious end to his Anfield career.
Geertruida, Feyenoord’s vice-captain, was spotted watching Liverpool during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at West Ham. The versatile Dutchman, a rampaging powerhouse of a footballer with an impressive six goals to his name this term, is a right-back by trade but has also filled in at centre-half and on the left when required.
David Hancko is a Liverpool ‘fan’
Hancko, also valued at around £25 million, is an interesting case to say the least. The Slovakia international’s agent admitted back in January that Liverpool – as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain – had shown an interest.
A left-footer, Hancko would likely be a long-term replacement for Van Dijk rather than a partner for a man who turns 33 in July. The former Sparta Prague man has made no secret of his admiration for The Reds’ number four, while admitting that he became a ‘Liverpool fan’ following that 2005 Champions League comeback against AC Milan.
“I probably watch the English Premier League the most, so (moving there) would be my dream,” Hancko told Slovakian publication Aktuality Sport. “And the club? My role model has always been (Manchester United legend) David Beckham, but I was most drawn to Liverpool.
“It started with the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, which my parents let me watch until the end. I didn’t have to go to bed even though there was extra time! And then (Slovakian icon) Martin Skrtel came.
“Since then, I’ve been a Liverpool fan.”
- MORE: One of Arne Slot's most important players posts photo from Liverpool's 2-2 draw at West Ham United