Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says the club tried and failed to bring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in this summer.
The Reds are entering a new era under the Dutchman but are yet to make any significant moves in the transfer market.
Jurgen Klopp’s departure has left big shoes to fill for Slot and recruitment would be a good step in the right direction as Liverpool look to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City.
But despite failing to get his man, Slot says he still has a strong squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Ipswich on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “I’ve said many times already that our squad is really strong and it’s not so easy to find players who can help us or improve the squad.
“Zubimendi was one of them to be fair, but he decided not to come.
“We go forward with the ones we have. Endo did well in pre-season. We’re in a good place. Richard is trying to strengthen the squad.
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“Zubimendi decided not to come, we did every effort. If a player decides not to come then it’s obvious he’s not coming.”
With other teams around them making serious moves in the transfer market, many believe that Liverpool have to add before the window slams shut.
But Slot does not agree and says the training pitch is where most of the improvements can come from.
He added: “If you don’t strengthen the team then you become weaker? I don’t understand that.
“You can help the player on the training ground to improve. It’s not always true that the team becomes stronger if you bring in new players.”
Slot has also quashed rumours of Luis Diaz leaving the club.
The Colombian winger has been linked with a move away to either Barcelona or Manchester City but according to the boss, his future is on Merseyside.
He said: “When I walked in there was Sky Sports News on and they spent all day talking about football.
“Is there any player they don’t talk about? His future is with us. I like a lot what I’ve seen in the last 10 days he’s been in, and last season too. I hope he has a big impact this season too.”
