Liverpool is preparing to submit an offer for a star earning £400,000 per week, as Arne Slot aims to make a bold statement to his Premier League competitors.

Liverpool is reportedly targeting their next transfer just 24 hours after their 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo secured a memorable win at Anfield, marking Liverpool’s first victory over Real Madrid in 15 years.

Currently, Liverpool sits eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and remains the only team to win all five of their Champions League group stage matches. Under Arne Slot, the team has won 17 out of 19 games, despite limited summer investment.

Liverpool’s only major signings were goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia (who was loaned back for the season) and Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £12.8 million, though Chiesa has yet to make a significant impact. This suggests that funds may be available in January, especially after their unsuccessful pursuit of Martin Zubimendi in the summer. However, significant spending is unlikely.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool is planning a summer bid for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who has long been a target for Manchester United. De Jong could be in the final months of his time at Barcelona, with the club’s financial struggles possibly forcing them to sell. His high wages, reportedly around £400,000-per-week, could be a concern for Liverpool, especially with their priority being securing new contracts for Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Despite recent injury concerns, including three ankle injuries last season, De Jong has returned to action and could become an important figure under Hansi Flick. At 27, he remains a key player for the future, and a move to the Premier League could be on the horizon.