Slot, who has an impressive 77.78% win record since replacing Jurgen Klopp, is navigating Liverpool through a promising season with the team in contention for multiple trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, and the Carabao Cup.
Despite Zubimendi opting for Arsenal, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have not been deterred. According to reports, Liverpool are now ready to move for De Jong, whose contract situation at Barcelona makes him an attractive option.
With only 18 months left on his deal, Barcelona might accept a fee around 35 million euros to facilitate his departure.
De Jong, who has played 234 matches for Barcelona since his 2019 transfer from Ajax, has seen his role diminish this season under Hansi Flick. Talks for a new contract have stalled, primarily due to his unwillingness to accept a significant pay cut.
This scenario has opened the door for Liverpool, where Hughes is assessing whether De Jong's skills align with Slot's tactical setup.
However, De Jong isn't the only midfielder on Liverpool's radar. The Reds are also eyeing Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller, a 23-year-old German international.
Stiller's contract includes a release clause of 40 million euros, which could see him move to Anfield if Liverpool decide to activate it. His profile fits Liverpool's strategy of nurturing young talents into world-class players.
Jamie Carragher has emphasized the need for Liverpool to make at least three significant signings this summer to keep up their momentum. One area of interest is right-back, where there's speculation about Trent Alexander-Arnold's future.
Liverpool have reportedly shown interest in Chelsea's Malo Gusto, whose personal circumstances might facilitate a transfer.
On another note, the delay in Alexander-Arnold's contract renewal is reportedly holding up announcements for new deals with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, though those contracts are said to be already signed.
Meanwhile, regarding goalkeeper Alisson Becker, James Pearce has provided clarity on his future, which could influence the roles of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Caoimhin Kelleher at Liverpool.
This transfer window could be pivotal for Slot and Liverpool as they look to consolidate their squad for another assault on domestic and European honors.
Mikel Arteta has described Granit Xhaka as "one of the signings of the season" ahead of Arsenal's reunion with their former midfielder when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Xabi Alonso is facing a tactical dilemma at Real Madrid as the club debates how best to shape the future of Turkish prodigy Arda Guler.
Strasbourg's on-loan defender Mamadou Sarr has chosen to represent Senegal at international level despite having represented multiple France youth teams.
Jadon Sancho's struggles deepened on Thursday night as the on-loan Manchester United winger failed to seize his opportunity in Aston Villa's 2-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
