Liverpool manager Arne Slot has openly discussed the club's strategic planning for the future, particularly in defence, as he welcomed the impending arrival of French talent Jeremy Jacquet. Slot's comments come amid growing awareness that captain Virgil van Dijk, while still a pivotal figure, will not be at Anfield indefinitely.
Strategic Signing of a Major Talent
Slot expressed his delight at securing Jacquet, a 20-year-old France under-21s defender, from Rennes in a deal worth an initial £55 million, with potential add-ons reaching up to £5 million. The manager highlighted that Liverpool faced competition, notably from Chelsea, making the acquisition a significant coup for the club's recruitment team.
"Very pleasing, of course," Slot remarked. "He's a very big talent and maybe even more than a talent, but we speak about talent because of his age. Second, because we weren't the only one interested in him, it's another big compliment to the people working really hard to sign players."
Long-Term Vision for Liverpool's Defence
Slot emphasised that Jacquet's signing aligns with Liverpool's model of investing in young, promising players who can contribute both immediately and in the long run. This approach is part of a broader strategy to ensure the club's sustainability and success beyond the current squad.
"It's another example of the model we're using at this club – young, very talented players sometimes at the start of their careers or sometimes already a little bit into their career," Slot explained. "But always players that are young and can improve us in the short term, but also definitely in the long term."
Preparing for Life After Van Dijk
With Van Dijk, aged 34, having one-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Slot acknowledged that Liverpool are proactively planning for his eventual departure. The manager praised Van Dijk's fitness and dedication but stressed the club's forward-thinking mindset.
"Of course, we are aware of the fact that Virgil won't play for 10 years, but he has one-and-a-half years left on his contract, so he will be with us for that time, maybe longer if he keeps staying as fit as he is now," Slot said. "This club is not stupid. We do know somewhere in the upcoming years, there is life for this club after Virgil."
Recent Defensive Acquisitions
Liverpool's focus on bolstering their defensive options for the future is evident in recent signings. Last summer, the club brought in 19-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, who unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury in September. In January, 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye joined, and Austria youth international Ifeanyi Ndukwe is set to arrive in the summer.
These moves come after Liverpool missed out on Marc Guehi, who instead joined Manchester City, and with Ibrahima Konate, currently one of only two fit senior centre-halves alongside Van Dijk, entering the final six months of his contract.
A Club-Wide Philosophy
Slot reiterated that Liverpool's planning extends beyond just the defence, applying to every position on the pitch. The club's philosophy revolves around avoiding panic decisions and instead focusing on long-term stability and growth.
"Everything done over here is never from panic, it's always a long-term idea and or something that has been thought about for a long time and not only by one person," Slot stated. "You are talking about Virgil, but I can say this for every position. This club is not only thinking short-term future, but also the mid to long-term future."
Slot concluded by expressing confidence in Liverpool's trajectory, noting that the club's future, both immediate and distant, is in a strong position thanks to this strategic approach.
