Arne Slot favourite opens door to Nottingham Forest deal | OneFootball

Arne Slot is no longer the manager of Liverpool.

The Dutchman had two years as the head coach of the Reds and, even though he managed to deliver the Premier League title during his first term in charge of the club, fans weren't best pleased by him before exited.

At the start of the 2025-26 season, Liverpool went on a five-game winning streak but, after that, Slot decided to change things which led to the Reds massively underperforming.

Indeed, the fact that Slot chose against playing to the strengths of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo was a bit of a bold move and, if it worked, he'd have been called a genius but, unfortunately for him, they finished fifth in the Premier League and rather red-faced.

This poor form has led to Liverpool needing several new players added to their ranks with almost every area of Liverpool's squad needing an upgrade.

And now, in this summer of change, one of Slot's favourite players could be about to sign for Nottingham Forest.

Givairo Read has green-lit a move to Nottingham Forest this summer

One of the main positions that Liverpool struggled in last season was their right-back.

Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch which led to Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo all being used as Slot's right-back.

And, while Szoboszlai and Gomez performed rather well, the other two are clearly much better off when used in the centre of the park.

These injuries led to Liverpool being linked with many right-backs during the January transfer window and, even though a move never worked out for any of them, the rumours have remained rife all the way through until now.

One of the players who was rumoured to be of interest to Liverpool was Givairo Read.

The young Dutchman was handed his debut for Feyenoord by Slot and, even though he's never played outside of the Eredivisie, it still feels like he'd be a solid addition.

However, Liverpool's option to sign the 20-year-old may be dwindling away as, according to Fabrizio Romano, the right-back has already green-lit a move to Nottingham Forest this summer.

"Nottingham Forest submitted second offer for Givairo Read as new right back from Feyenoord," he wrote.

"Understand the proposal is worth €20m package with player open for the move, personal terms not an issue.

"Deal underway."

Liverpool need to sign someone who can play as a right-back

Even though Liverpool have several players that they could use at right-back if needed, they could still do with bringing another full-back in.

A lot of the Reds' options in defence are rather injury prone and, even though Gomez has been injury free for a while now, it feels like too much of a risk to trust him to stay fit.

And, since he's one of only four options that Liverpool have at centre-back, he can't really be classed as one of their main options at right-back too.

That's why, someone such as Read would be perfect for them.

He's only 20 years old which means that there is plenty of time for him to fulfil his potential and become one of the best-full-backs in the world.

And, since he's only ever played in the Eredivisie, his asking price isn't going to be massively high which is another reason why Forest's bid of €20 million could genuinely be accepted.

If Hughes ends up joining Al-Hilal and leaves Liverpool with no new defenders before the 2026-27 season fully gets underway, some serious questions need to be asked.

That is, especially with how clear it is that new defenders are needed at Anfield.