The bold £64m Liverpool double transfer deal that could see Reds push for title under Arne Slot

So then, it is settled; Liverpool will take their chances on the Slot machine next season. Insert your coin, pull the handle, hope for the best. Arne, with his glittering Dutch CV and his magnificent dome, has been chosen as the man to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, and as one era comes sobbing to an end, another begins in earnest.

In many respects, Slot’s new venture is that of a high-wire tightrope walker. He must continue Klopp’s good work without simply reverting into tribute act territory. Change will be expected, but not too much or not too rapid, and his identity will need to shine through without inducing such a jarring shock to the system that he triggers unfavourable comparisons between himself and his predecessor. It is all about balance.

One area in which Slot will presumably be encouraged to immediately make his mark, however, is the transfer market. Even if Klopp had stayed on this summer, you suspect that Liverpool would have been weighing up the prospect of a slight rebuild to push them on towards a more sustained Premier League title bid next season. Now, with a new manager at the helm, that feels like an increasing certainty.

Several names have already been linked with the Reds, but there are some that are more intriguing than others. Take, for instance, Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou. The Ivory Coast international has been an important presence in a team who are now just two cup finals away from completing an invincible treble under Xabi Alonso.

What’s more, the 23-year-old is facing an unresolved future in Germany. Despite being under contract until 2026, Leverkusen have reportedly been looking to tie Kossounou down to a new extension - although the player is yet to entertain their negotiations. As such, there are suggestions that he could be on the move this summer, and that he would cost somewhere in the region of £51 million. Manchester United, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are also said to be hovering.

And then there is Kephren Thuram. Liverpool have been touted as admirers of the midfielder for some time now, but may need to act swiftly if they are to sign him during the upcoming transfer window. Reports in Italy claim that Inter Milan are intent on snapping up the player on a free transfer when his current deal with OGC Nice expires next summer. If the Reds are to prevent that happening, they will need to launch a bid of their own in the coming weeks, and could be able to sign 23-year-old for as little as £13 million, if they are so inclined.

For a combined £64 million, then, Liverpool could bring in two players in key positions capable of solidifying and diversifying their strength in depth. Both Kossounou and Thuram are yet to hit their prime but already show huge amounts of potential and pedigree, and both would represent notable coups for the Reds if they were able to lure them to Merseyside.

This is the kind of transfer business that Liverpool should be looking to do under Slot in an effort to boost their title credentials next season. Signing Kossounou and Thuram would be beneficial in the present while also keeping one eye on the future. Surely, it has to be worth a spin.