Arne Slot ripped up Liverpool's transfer plan after scouts worked on summer targets

Liverpool scrapped plans to sign a midfield 'destroyer' after Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield hot seat. Legendary Reds boss Klopp called time on his nine-year stay on Merseyside in the summer, with Dutchman Slot taking his place.

While Klopp was still at the club, Liverpool's scouts had been monitoring a number of different players who could have potentially operated as a No.6 in the team.

However, while Klopp was seemingly more keen on a player whose primary skill was to break up play, Slot had other ideas. The Athletic reported that Slot 'wanted someone more technically gifted who could operate in tight spaces and pick the right pass under pressure'.

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That led to Martin Zubimendi being identified as a possible midfield option. Zubimendi looked certain to move to Anfield but eventually opted to stay at Real Sociedad, and Liverpool did not end up signing an alternative to the Spaniard.

Rather than rush into signing an unsuitable alternative, Liverpool opted to keep its powder dry, and Ryan Gravenberch has operated as an auxiliary No.6 to begin the season.

Gravenberch impressed in the role in Liverpool's opening two games of the season as the Reds recorded successive victories over Ipswich Town and Brentford.

Earlier in the season, Gravenberch said he had been told by Slot to develop his game as a No.6. He said: “I had a little chat with him [Slot] and he said I have to focus on the No.6 and No.8 positions. Now I play at No.6. In the past I played it as well so I know what I have to do. I’ve enjoyed playing there.

“It’s a little bit of a different system than we played last season, but I think everyone has adapted to it. Now we have to build it further and further. I think at the end we can be a really dominant team.”

It is still too early to say whether Gravenberch is the long-term solution in that role and Liverpool's scouts will continue to monitor other potential options ahead of future transfer windows.