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Liverpool’s Pre-Season Plans and Transfer News: Insights from Dave Hendrick

Liverpool’s evolving future under new management continues to be a topic of passionate debate and detailed analysis, none more insightful than on the Anfield Index’s “The Daily Red” podcast. In the March 31st edition, Dave Hendrick delivered a typically no-nonsense breakdown of the club’s latest transfer rumours, pre-season plans, and player updates. With Arne Slot set to take Liverpool into a new era, Hendrick’s assessment provides a grounded view of what lies ahead for the Reds.

Asia Tour Confirmed: Commercial Power and Squad Implications

Liverpool’s return to Asia is now official. “The Reds have announced a preseason tour to Asia,” confirmed Hendrick, highlighting the commercial motive behind the club’s decision. “It will be our first summer visit to Japan… we’re going to play games in Hong Kong and Japan.”

This development may have subtle implications for the squad, particularly Wataru Endo. “You would hope that means that Endo will at least stick around till then,” Hendrick added, while also acknowledging the possibility of the Japanese midfielder departing “if he’s looking for more playing time.”

Photo: IMAGO

The commercial reality was clear: “It’s a commercial trip for certain… the Asian market is a huge one… it should be quite the money spinner for the club.”

Transfer Talk: Free Agents and Strategic Moves

Hendrick ran through an exhaustive list of potential free agents and possible incomings. “Jonathan David does make a ton of sense… if Jota was leaving and Darwin was leaving, you go and buy one big money striker… and then sign David as the backup,” he explained.

Leroy Sané also emerged as a potential target. “I wouldn’t be against this… as a left winger, if we sold Diaz… it could just free up a lot of money to buy the number nine we want.” However, he flagged concerns over finances, noting Sané “is on mega money at Bayern.”

Photo: IMAGO

Several other players were categorically dismissed as unsuitable. “Jonathan Tah… a firm no,” said Hendrick, while also rejecting Angel Gomes and Thomas Partey with equally firm “hard pass” declarations.

For potential full-back additions, he commented that Ola Aina “would be a really good squad player,” but noted, “he’s not starter quality for a club like ours.” Similarly, Tyreek Mitchell “could make sense as a backup” only if both current left-backs were moved on.

Player Sales and Potential Exits

When it comes to outgoings, Hendrick was blunt. “Luis Diaz… would absolutely be open to a sale, in fact would be very much in favour of a sale this summer.”

He further acknowledged that Newcastle United “are interested in Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott,” and that defenders like Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah have also attracted interest.

Hendrick was unequivocal about Liverpool’s top free agents: “The three best players on the free agent market are our three – Virgil, Mo and Trent – and it’s not even close.”

Squad Depth and Legacy Concerns

In typical fashion, Hendrick pulled no punches when discussing existing players’ durability and fitness. On Connor Bradley: “He’s missed more games through injury than he’s played in the last two years – that’s not ideal at all.”

Even club legends were not spared criticism. “Andy Robertson believes he has been scapegoated but will prove them wrong – this is gibberish, he’s been poor for three years.”

Reflecting on the team’s structure during the Gerrard era, Hendrick lamented the missed opportunity: “It’s criminal that the club didn’t put around him the team he deserved.”

Final Thoughts from the Podcast

Dave also teased potential links between Ben Doak and Everton as a “door” to discuss Jarred Branthwaite. He also mentioned that FSG were “in talks to buy Malaga,” describing it as “a big club with a good fan base and a good stadium and really good academy.”

As always, The Daily Red delivered sharp insight wrapped in cutting realism. Liverpool’s upcoming pre-season and transfer decisions are poised to shape Arne Slot’s first campaign, and voices like Hendrick’s ensure fans remain both informed and engaged.