Liverpool could be about to take $13m transfer risk amid wait for Arne Slot's first signing

With Bobby Clark edging closer to a move to Red Bull Salzburg and more Liverpool talents potentially heading out of the door too, the strategy in the transfer market has been an interesting one for the Reds this summer.

On the one hand, Clark would be unlikely to make himself an instant starter at Anfield this season. Liverpool will be getting a good fee of around $13m (£10m/€12m) for his signature and he will link up again with Pep Lijnders and be able to play in the Champions League .

On the other, though, Liverpool is yet to secure any incoming signing since Arne Slot arrived. Losing Clark for a good fee is one side of the story — but you can't play $13m in midfield.

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As it stands, Liverpool has Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott to play as the number 10, with Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones looking well suited to the number eight role. Ryan Gravenberch , Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic can play as the number six but each of those has question marks attached, be it over their suitability for the role or their fitness.

That is why Martin Zubimendi was targeted, but that move fell through when the player opted to stay at Real Sociedad. Without an alternative to the Spaniard, however, Liverpool looks a little light considering how many games there are to come.

One injury could have a big knock-on effect. If Jones was absent for a period, to use just one example, that would mean Mac Allister being required for a more sustained period of time, taking away cover as the number six and putting more pressure on the Argentine.

Gravenberch could play higher upfield in the number eight position but that would then lead to Endo — who is not elite in possession — or Bajcetic — who is still working his way back after a long-term injury — coming in.

Clark may not be deemed absolutely ready to challenge Mac Allister and Jones for the number eight berth but he would still get lots of opportunities. Injuries are inevitable and it would be beneficial for Slot to have enough depth to go far in the domestic cup competitions.

A buy-back clause means that Clark's journey at Liverpool might not be over and it will also free up more space when it comes to PSR, but Liverpool is not in dire need of money or wriggle room.

The money on offer for Clark is appealing but it is only savvy if there prove to be enough options in the Liverpool team to compete on all fronts. It is no good getting to October and being $13m up but minus a couple of midfielders through injury or suspension.

And it is not like Clark is that far off being able to fight for a spot in the team, either. He is comfortably above the level of U21s soccer and was the first youngster turned to in the Carabao Cup final, for instance, replacing Conor Bradley on 73 minutes.

Clark is the readiest of the young Liverpool group looking to take the next step to get senior minutes and he started away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in March.

That partly explains why he is getting a good move for a decent fee. It also shows, though, why losing him without adding to the midfield department at Anfield would be a risk.