Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received crucial transfer advice from former Reds goalkeeper Brad Friedel as the club faces mounting defensive concerns following a disappointing start to the season.
Defensive Crisis Deepens at Anfield
The Merseyside club, once celebrated for possessing one of football's most formidable defensive partnerships in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, has experienced a dramatic decline this campaign. Liverpool currently languishes in 13th position in the Premier League with a negative goal difference of two ahead of their crucial match against West Ham.
This represents a stark contrast to their previous two seasons, where the club accumulated an impressive combined goal difference of plus 90. Serious questions are now being raised about Slot's defensive strategy after Liverpool suffered three consecutive defeats, each by a three-goal margin.
Friedel's Transfer Recommendations
Speaking to talkSPORT BET, former Liverpool shot-stopper Brad Friedel offered his perspective on potential defensive reinforcements. "Alessandro Bastoni would be my option," Friedel stated. "But if Liverpool can re-enter the race for Guehi, they absolutely should - he'd be perfect because he already knows the Premier League."
The American goalkeeper highlighted the adaptation risks associated with overseas signings, particularly for centre-backs. "Buying from abroad always carries the risk that a player takes months to adapt, especially for centre-backs," he explained. "Guehi is already proven in the league, which is why I'd pull out all the stops for him."
Summer Transfer Saga and Future Opportunities
Slot appeared to share Friedel's assessment during the summer transfer window, when Guehi had agreed to a £35 million deal with the Premier League champions. The transfer reached an advanced stage with the player undergoing his medical before Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish abruptly halted proceedings.
Parish's intervention came as the FA Cup winners struggled to secure a timely replacement for the defender. While this represented a significant setback for Slot at the time, it now presents a potential opportunity for Liverpool to acquire the 25-year-old defender on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also demonstrated interest in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has established himself as one of Europe's leading centre-backs. European reports suggest the Reds are preparing an offer around the £88 million mark for the Italian international.
While a January move hasn't been completely ruled out, a summer transfer appears more probable. Such a substantial investment would represent another significant financial commitment for Liverpool, but one that may prove essential given their current defensive vulnerabilities.
When questioned about potential changes to his starting lineup, Slot responded pragmatically: "Is the question should I change dramatically? If, for example, you want another system with five defenders, that could be an issue. I don't even have five defenders."
The Dutch manager defended his current tactical approach, explaining: "It suits the players best, the system we are playing now. They have played this system probably throughout their whole career and there is hardly any training time for us. So it is almost impossible to change our complete idea about football if we play every two days."
