Liverpool transfer target offers clear hint star could leave this summer

Liverpool has now confirmed the appointment of Arne Slot. Attentions will soon turn to transfer business, and the latest link might drop a pretty significant hint over the future of one player already at Anfield.

As well as Slot, the club has assembled a crack team behind the scenes. The Dutchman will take over as 'head coach' rather than manager, with FSG's new CEO of Football Michael Edwards appointing Richard Hughes as sporting director to take the lead on transfer decisions. Julian Ward and David Woodfine have also returned to Liverpool in new guises.

It would be a little ironic, then, if Liverpool's first signing of this new era followed Slot from Feyenoord. But De Telegraaf claims that the Reds' interest in goalkeeper Justin Bijlow predates its pursuit of a new coach.

READ MORE: Liverpool 'appears from nowhere' in $163m transfer race after Arne Slot request

READ MORE: How Arne Slot's first Liverpool squad could look with four new signings and nine exits

Liverpool supposedly had scouts in attendance at four of Feyenoord's Champions League games earlier this season to take a better look a Bijlow. Meanwhile, Arsenal has also shown an interest.

Bijlow is the number one goalkeeper for Feyenoord when fit, but missed close to half of the season with two separate injury problems: a fractured wrist and a calf issue. He is a committed sweeper keeper, and also boasts an authoritative record claiming crosses.

But if he is a transfer target for Liverpool, that gives a clear hint about Caoimhín Kelleher. The Reds would almost certainly not be in the market for a high-level keeper like Bijlow unless it anticipated needing a new number two.

Of course, it could be that Liverpool has considered Bijlow as a precautionary measure in case Kelleher leaves. There's also Adrián to factor in, although the Netherlands international would surely not be attracted by the third-choice role.

Alisson also requires a brief mention, amid whispers of Saudi interest. But all in all, by far the likeliest conclusion is that Bijlow is wanted as the new number two behind the Brazilian.

Kelleher had his best Liverpool season to date, getting record game time as Alisson struggled with some injury woes of his own. He was once again in goal for the League Cup final, playing his part as Jürgen Klopp won his final trophy.

Liverpool.com says: You couldn't blame Kelleher for finally pursuing first-team football elsewhere. Yes, he got plenty of game time this season, but it's not necessarily a sign of things to come.

Alisson will always play in the major competitions when fit. There's no Europa League next season, so that's another avenue shut down, with Kelleher unlikely to be granted the Champions League minutes — and while his senior colleague is somewhat more prone to injuries than your average goalkeeper, the Irishman cannot bank on them.

Slot's first priority should be getting him to stay. But if he is intent on moving on, perhaps a reunion with Bijlow could be the answer, especially as Liverpool has been watching him for some time.