Arne Slot does not expect Liverpool to pursue experienced signings this summer, despite the impending exits of veteran pair Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Robertson, who celebrated his 32nd birthday in March, confirmed on Thursday evening that he will depart Anfield at the end of the season as a free agent after nine years at the club. During his time at Anfield he helped the Reds claim major silverware under both Jurgen Klopp and Slot.
The 33-year-old Salah had already revealed last month his imminent departure this summer. The pair’s exits will strip the Liverpool squad of two players who formed the cornerstone of their success over the past decade. Fenway Sports Group have long preferred a strategy of recruiting younger talent with scope for development in terms of both potential on the pitch and resale value in the market, rather than spending heavily on older players.
There have, however, been some notable departures from this approach, with James Milner aged 29 when he arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015, while Wataru Endo was 30 upon his arrival three years ago and Thiago Alcantara was 29 when purchased in September 2020.
As it stands, Endo, Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are set to be the only squad members aged over 28 when next season gets underway in August. But there are doubts over Endo, Alisson and Gomez, who could also all leave in the next transfer window.
When questioned about whether Liverpool will target more seasoned professionals this summer, Slot does not expect the Reds’ challenging campaign to prompt FSG to move away from their usual transfer philosophy.
“Our model is completely clear, that is not to say we cannot make an exception because the club signed Wataru Endo and maybe Federico Chiesa was a little bit above the age we usually sign,” he said.
“I don’t think that if this club has been successful the way we are having, we are going to change our model completely after a season that has not been so great. Especially because in the 16 years they are here, they have not won the league 16 times.
“There were more seasons where results were not as expected but they have always kept the same model which I signed for, which (Liverpool sporting director) Richard (Hughes) signed for and which we are all aligned for.”
