As Arne Slot’s appointment nears, so the transfer rumors begin to swirl for Liverpool. Just in recent days, we’ve seen a plethora of names linked with a move to Anfield.

They do of course share a similar theme. Most have worked with Slot previously, or the link could be as simple as having a Dutch persuasion, as is the case with Frenkie de Jong.

The Barcelona midfielder hasn’t been too heavily touted for a move to Merseyside in the past. When Manchester United seemed to be going hell for leather for him in 2022, there was a passing mention of Liverpool, but it never seemed likely.

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With Slot set to take the reins at Anfield this summer though, the incoming Liverpool boss has been urged to try and bring De Jong with him. Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, former Feyenoord defender Kaj Ramsteijn has suggested the time is right for the 26-year-old to leave Barcelona, and he believes Liverpool could be the ideal destination.

“Arne Slot to Liverpool, take Frenkie De Jong with you,” he said. “I would think that would be a nice club for him.

"I think Frenkie is so good that I really want to see him play for trophies. Of course he became champion last year, but if Real Madrid sign Kylian Mbappé next summer…

“Then they will become champions by a mile in the next five seasons. Especially given the financial situation of FC Barcelona. And the Premier League seems really fantastic to me. He can play anywhere. He gets the ball, turns away and creates a surplus.”

Should Slot be interested in De Jong, then he would certainly get support for his signing from his new captain at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk has spoken in glowing terms about the former Ajax star in the past, and his opinion would no doubt carry plenty of weight at Liverpool.

Asked who the best player he has ever played with at international level is in 2022, Van Dijk commented (via the Mirror): "For the national team, I’d say Frenkie de Jong, who is really good."

Liverpool.com says: High praise indeed from Van Dijk, and that’s saying a lot given how strong the Netherlands side is. It will be interesting to see whether Slot does indeed take on the advice to sign De Jong this summer.

Liverpool’s midfield has shown a marked improvement this season, but recent weeks have proven it might not be the finished article yet. The Reds could certainly still do with a new number six, and De Jong is capable of playing there.

Whether he fits the bill in that role for Liverpool, or Slot has his eyes on another option, remains to be seen. In any case, De Jong was reluctant to leave Barcelona when United was after him, and Liverpool shouldn’t get itself embroiled in another transfer saga if he plans on staying put.