'Here we go': Fabrizio Romano shares who 'powerful' free-agent player is now joining, after links to Liverpool
Today at 03:30 AM
Liverpool had an unusually quiet transfer window this summer despite Arne Slot having holes in the squad that needed filling in.
The departures of Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip meant a central midfielder and centre-back were viewed by many fans as key areas in the team that needed fixing, yet as we know, only two signings were made in Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, with the former heading out on loan to Valencia.
Although Liverpool sit top of the Premier League, there’s still a sense around the fanbase that the Reds might have missed out on a trick or two in not fleshing out the squad with more options ahead of what will be a busy season.
And one rumoured target is now set to snub Liverpool after becoming a free agent.
Oumar Solet set to join Udinese despite Liverpool interest
According to Fabrizio Romano, former RB Salzburg defender Oumar Solet has agreed to join Udinese after becoming a free agent this summer, with Liverpool set to miss out on the French centre-back.
Romano posted: “Udinese have completed deal to sign Omar Solet after he left Salzburg as free agent. Understand all documents are in place as official statement will be released this week, if all goes to plan. Here we go and story confirmed.”
Noted by Total Football Analysis as a ‘powerful’ centre-back, Solet was linked with Liverpool this summer with Salzburg valuing the 24-year-old at £13m, with the defender viewed as an ideal option for the Reds given the departure for Matip.
However, it’s Udinese who have lucked out in the race to sign Solet, with the defender now set to join the Serie A side after an unusual summer for the former Olympique Lyonnais defensive talent.
Liverpool could regret not fleshing out their squad when the opportunity was there
Slot has traditionally worked with smaller squads with the Dutch coach finding immense success at Feyenoord working with as few players as possible en-route to an Eredivisie title and a UEFA Europa Conference League final.
However, given how intense the Premier League is and how many competitions Liverpool are taking part in this season, some depth in key positions would be important for Slot and the Reds, who are now one injury away from a potential disaster.
Indeed, Liverpool took a big risk in making just one signing for this season in Chiesa, and with targets like Solet getting picked up, there could be some regrets in the months to come on not making as many transfers as they could have when the opportunity was there.
