Arne Slot could get Liverpool transfer audition after Euro 2024 ban and father's rant

Arne Slot might well have been left a little frustrated had he tuned in to watch Belgium’s latest game at Euro 2024.

With Liverpool being linked with a move for Johan Bakayoko, Slot may well have made some time to watch the latest group encounter at the tournament to get another look at the PSV Eindhoven star. He would have been left disappointed though, with the winger left on the bench against Romania.

Instead, Dodi Lukebakio was preferred on the right-hand side, with Leandro Trossard replacing him just before the hour mark as Bakayoko was left watching on. He could well get his chance to impress not only Belgium manager Domenico Todesco on Wednesday, but also Slot.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Leny Yoro 'agreement', Nico Williams update, Kenan Yildiz claim

READ MORE: When Liverpool could complete Nico Williams transfer as Arne Slot gives 'green light'

Belgium cruised to a 2-0 win over Romania, leaving Group E delicately balanced with all four sides on three points after two games. A draw against Ukraine in the final outing should be enough for Belgium to go through to the knockout stages, although they will be aiming to win the group.

They’ll be without Lukebakio for that game on Wednesday though, with the Sevilla winger having picked up his second booking against Romania, leading to a one-game suspension.

Trossard might be expected to replace him, having started the opening game against Slovakia and replaced Lukebakio on Saturday. His father though might have made things a bit awkward for him.

Peter Trossard has hit out at Todesco after his son received criticism for his performance in Belgium’s opening defeat to Slovakia. The Arsenal star was also slammed after spurning two opportunities to set up his teammates during Saturday’s win over Romania.

“I don’t think Tedesco is a good trainer for Belgium,” Trossard snr told Belgian outlet De Morgen (via Goal). “Although he doesn’t have the stubbornness of Roberto Martínez. Leandro gets criticized, but he was moved from one position to another. That way you don’t get a line in your game.”

Whether Trossard snr’s comments will have an effect on Tedesco’s thinking remains to be seen, although the door would certainly seem to be open now for Bakayoko. The 21-year-old played just over 30 minutes against Slovakia, but could be set for a longer run-out against Ukraine, giving Slot a chance to take a closer look ahead of a potential transfer this summer.

Liverpool.com says: Hopefully Bakayoko gets his chance on Wednesday. Liverpool does need to be thinking about a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, so there will no doubt be plenty of fans hoping to get a look at one of the potential options.