Liverpool could still complete a marquee transfer before the window closes at the end of the month and it has moved one step closer to a sensational swoop for Marc Guehi .
Making his point on the pitch, Arne Slot showcased the quality already in the squad with a comfortable 2-0 win to kickstart the Premier League campaign. He has repeatedly stressed that the group of players at Anfield is a hard one to strengthen.
Big names like Darwin Nunez, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones did not make it off the bench as Liverpool cruised to victory over Ipswich, turning things up several notches in the second half to stamp its authority on proceedings. Meanwhile, certain players didn't even make the squad.
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The exclusion of Joe Gomez was something of a special case. It was quickly confirmed that he had been left out as he explores options over his future.
Meanwhile, Sepp van den Berg was also left out. While there's no word on whether that was for similar reasons, or if the Dutchman simply did not make the cut, he is another one actively seeking a move away from Anfield.
In fact, Liverpool appears to be making progress on that front. Per The Athletic , Van den Berg is closing in on a permanent exit — Brentford is among the sides to have taken the keenest interest, while Bayer Leverkusen has been mentioned in reports elsewhere.
And in a separate report from The Athletic , it's claimed that Liverpool admires Guehi, and is looking at options at center-back in case both Van den Berg and Gomez find moves before the end of the window. That could bring the Palace defender firmly onto the radar, with the first of the Reds duo now closing in on the exit door.
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The contract situation of Virgil van Dijk , who is into the last year of his deal, is also in the thinking of Liverpool chiefs. There's an acceptance that some forward planning would be beneficial.
Between Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate , Jarell Quansah and Gomez, there might just about be enough depth to make it through Slot's first season. But if the latter joins Van den Berg in finding a transfer solution before the end of the window, Liverpool could be forced to decide to get serious in pursuit of Guehi.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool should arguably have been looking to add depth at center-back even before departures for Van den Berg and Gomez were on the cards. In fairness, it's hard to sign real quality when they know they might start off down the pecking order, but the current roster looks a little light in the event of an injury or two.
But if Van den Berg seals a move as expected, and the hugely experienced Gomez follows him out of the door, then Liverpool absolutely needs to get serious. Guehi would be a real statement of intent, although he would not come cheap.
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