Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club’s heavy investment in young talent will pay off in the coming years, despite a difficult start to the season.
The Reds spent nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new signings last summer, raising hopes of retaining the Premier League title.
But many struggled in the opening months, with only Hugo Ekitike showing flashes of promise.
Record signing Alexander Isak, who joined from Newcastle for £125 million, has been sidelined with a broken leg and is expected to miss most of the campaign.
Slot highlighted the recent impact of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, who have impressed during Liverpool’s 13-game unbeaten run.
“If you look at the age of the signings, they will be better next season and the season after,” Slot said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth.
He noted that Wirtz had struggled for goals and assists early on but is now creating more chances.
“He could almost double it with the chances he’s having or giving to his teammates,” Slot added.
Title Hopes Gone, Focus on Champions League
Liverpool’s hopes of retaining the Premier League crown have faded, with a 14-point gap to leaders Arsenal.
The team now aims to secure Champions League qualification, sitting fourth in the table but only six points ahead of Brighton in 12th.
The Reds boosted their European campaign with a 3-0 win at Marseille on Wednesday, taking a major step toward the Champions League last 16.
Slot does not expect new signings before the end of the January transfer window.
“That’s what I expect, yes,” he said. “But as I always say, if there’s an opportunity in the market or we think we can strengthen, this club will try to do so. At this moment in time I expect it to stay mainly the same.”
