Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made significant changes to his squad as the Reds prepare for their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. Slot has decided to cut four young players—Ben Doak, Tyler Morton, Lewis Koumas, and Harvey Blair—from the first-team squad, signaling a potential reshaping of the team ahead of the new season.
Despite featuring prominently on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States, these players will not be part of Slot’s immediate plans. This decision comes as Slot looks to fine-tune his squad and make strategic adjustments before the summer transfer window closes.
Ben Doak, a highly regarded 18-year-old forward, is expected to leave the club on loan to gain more experience. Doak’s promising start, including three appearances in the Europa League last season, was marred by an injury that hindered his chances of securing a spot in Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad. According to the Express, Leicester City, Southampton, and Brentford are keen on a season-long loan deal for the young talent as he looks to regain his form and prove his worth.
Tyler Morton, who had a productive loan spell at Hull City last season with 39 appearances, is another player set to depart. At 21, Morton is unlikely to break into Slot’s senior squad, particularly with Liverpool reportedly in pursuit of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Morton has attracted interest from Ipswich, Bournemouth, and Southampton. Liverpool are said to value Morton at £20 million, a substantial sum considering Zubimendi’s release clause of approximately £50 million, according to the Daily Mail.
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Lewis Koumas and Harvey Blair also face uncertain futures at Liverpool. Both players made notable contributions in Liverpool Under-21s’ recent 5-2 victory over Ipswich U21s, highlighting their potential. However, with the club’s immediate priorities shifting, their futures may lie elsewhere.
Slot’s decision comes at a crucial time as he looks to fill key roles within the team. With the departures of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, and the leadership vacuum left by Fabinho’s exit last year, Slot’s squad is in need of experienced and capable players. Wataru Endo, who joined Liverpool last season, has shown quality but has not fully filled the void left by Fabinho.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi is indicative of Slot’s intention to strengthen the midfield. Zubimendi’s ability to control the game and dictate the tempo makes him a perfect fit for Slot’s possession-based style of play. However, convincing the Euro 2024 winner to leave Real Sociedad, especially when other clubs have previously failed to do so, will be a significant challenge for Liverpool.
As Liverpool prepares for the new Premier League season, these changes reflect Slot’s strategic approach and his efforts to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With key decisions to be made and new signings potentially on the horizon, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see how the team evolves under Slot’s management.
