Liverpool identify position that requires strengthening, couldn't sign player in recent transfer window due to one key reason - Reports

Liverpool's transfer window under the returning CEO of football Michael Edwards and new Sporting Director Richard Hughes turned out to be rather unexpected. With just one incoming player and another new signing sent back on loan, the Reds had a quiet summer.

According to reports, Liverpool were interested in recruiting a centre-back, preferably a left-footed defender to strengthen their backline. They had lost Joel Matip over the summer after his contract expired. Meanwhile, young prospect Sepp van den Berg was sold to fellow Premier League side Brentford.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports that the Reds were actively looking for a central defender. However, they failed to attract their top targets to the club. The report didn't name any player that they were after this summer though.

One name linked with Liverpool throughout the transfer window was Spain's Euro-winning midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad star chose to stay at his boyhood club, but the Premier League side decided not to sign an alternative. In the final few days of the window, however, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes were able to close a couple of deals.

The signing of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili brought some relief to fans. However, the Georgian custodian would represent the Reds next season at the earliest, as he will spend the season on loan with the La Liga side.

Juventus' forward Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus for a cut-price deal reportedly worth £12.5 million including add-ons. The Italian was entering the final year of his contract and was available on the cheap with manager Thiago Motta reportedly not favouring him.

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Liverpool start the Arne Slot era in style

On the field, however, the Merseyside club are showing no signs of slowing down. New boss Arne Slot, who replaced popular German Jurgen Klopp at the Anfield hotseat, has started with a perfect record.

The Reds have won all three Premier League games they have played so far. They are yet to concede a single goal as well despite failing to sign a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

Slot started his Liverpool journey with a 2-0 win away to newly promoted Ipswich Town. His Anfield debut saw the club beat Brentford by the same scoreline. Their final match before the international break was their most impressive, however.

They vanquished rivals Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of a brace from Luis Diaz and a goal by the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah. Slot's Liverpool will now host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 14. They will also face a real test now with the start of the Champions League, resulting in a match every three days.