Jamie Carragher explains Liverpool transfer theory as exciting summer prediction made

Jamie Carragher believes Arne Slot won't be fussed by the noise around Liverpool's failure to sign a player so far this summer. The Dutchman has seen a number of his players depart Anfield but not a single one come through the door.

The Reds were in the hunt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the Spain star's surprise decision to stay at the La Liga club put an end to supporters' hopes of bolstering their midfield in the transfer window. Other links to the club have been Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

However, since the end of the Zubimendi chase, speculation has quietened with the transfer window closing on August 30.

Now Carragher believes that bringing in players may actually be a second thought to Slot this summer, who may spend his focus on sorting out a number of long-term contracts that are ending next summer, with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk the trio that would cause the most fear about leaving on a free.

He told Sky Sports: "In the past under Jurgen Klopp, they were always thinking 12 months in advance. It was never about this current window, it was always the next window. So he's come in late, they've had to bed a new manager in and they have a problem with a number of big contracts that they have to fix before Christmas.

"But the reason why Liverpool aren't buying any players right now is likely because they're thinking about next summer. That might sound ridiculous but in the last few years, more than that, they haven't panicked in the transfer market.

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"Do they need reinforcements in certain positions? Yes. The squad is big enough but do they need more quality to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal this season? Yes. But when you have a poor transfer window or make a few bad signings, that can knock you back as a club two or three seasons.

"Arne Slot used the word 'opportunistic' in the market during his first press conference, but if something comes up, they'll be ready to go. Now, it looks like there's a goalkeeper situation and that's almost for next season.

"I think from now until the deadline comes in, I don't think Liverpool will be putting bids in left, right and centre for players across Europe but there'll be two or three players they have their eye on and they'll be looking at the situation of those clubs and seeing if they can be opportunistic."