Liverpool chief Richard Hughes gives transfer prediction during Arne Slot's first press conference
07/05/2024 08:08 AM
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has given fans an intriguing transfer window prediction as he begins his tenure.
The Reds are yet to make a signing this summer, leading supporters to fear they could fall behind their rivals in being pipped to potential targets.
But speaking in his first press conference on Friday as the club’s new chief alongside new boss Arne Slot, Hughes has insisted a series of international competitions will likely delay incomings at Anfield.
He said: “When there are major competitions during the summer – a European Championship, Copa America and the Olympics as well – there’s a lot of football being played, naturally the attention is going to be there.
“And I think that after the (Premier League-wide) flurry that there was in June, it will calm down a little bit now.
“That would be my prediction for the month of July.
“And then like always, when August starts and coaches have had more time to work with players, I think then the opinions will be more set at football clubs.
“And then you may see a situation in August, like in previous seasons, is a little bit of hurry to get things done and to make sure that everyone’s squads are in order.
“I don’t think this will be any different, but who knows what will transpire economically? It’s hard to say and speak for other clubs.
“But that was probably the case in June and why situations occurred as they did.
“But I’d see a quiet July and then perhaps a crescendo in August would probably await us all.”
As for Slot, who has succeed Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout, he has remained coy on strengthening his side.
Insisting he has walked into a team packed full of stars, he remarked: “We’ve inherited a good team.
“With the way I look at football, I can see how important it is to work on a daily basis.
“Not all players have the same level they have at their clubs. There is already a really good team.
“Few good signings last year. Normally you see things will improve.”
