Arne Slot can finally sign a player he tried to get from Feyenoord in 2021.
The Dutchman has been making waves since stepping in at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp's successor for the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Liverpool currently sitting atop the English top flight, six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand. And while the 46-year-old didn't do much on the business front last summer, it is reported that he is considering strengthening his squad in the January window.
This is because, according to the Bologna daily Il Resto del Carlino, an offer for 26-year-old Sam Beukema has been rejected. Since joining Serie A last season, the centre-back has attracted the attention of a number of clubs.
However, Slot has had his compatriot on his radar since taking charge of Feyenoord four years ago, having previously admitted he wanted to take him to the Eredivisie giants. He previously said: “I wanted to sign him. He had had a really good season at Go Ahead Eagles and we were looking for a centre-back.”
Beukema had a great breakthrough season with the Go Ahead Eagles in the same year that Slot joined Feyenoord, but ultimately decided to move to AZ Alkmaar. After spending two years with the Dutch team, Beukema moved to Bologna in 2023 – a team with which he continues to impress.
Speaking about his decision to snub Feyenoord and move to AZ, Beukema told Inews: “I could immediately see that he [Slot] was a top trainer. But I chose AZ Alkmaar, not because of him, but because of the situation at the time. Feyenoord had a difficult season before Slot arrived and Alkmaar was much more stable.
“I was captain of Go Ahead Eagles and I told him I expected my teammates to go all in and it seemed a bit [Feyenoord] Players back then didn't give it their all. I said: 'Mr. Slot, I don't know if I can play with these types of players, will this change?' He said, 'Don't worry about that.' I was more relaxed, he made it very clear what he expected from his team.”
And while his focus is currently squarely on Bologna, Beukema has previously noted that he has ambitions to play in the Premier League at some point, with Liverpool highlighted as a potential suitor. He said: “Right now all I'm thinking about is Bologna.
“I also have ambitions and I hope that one day maybe I can play in the Premier League or for another big club. I used to support West Ham. I was once at Upton Park with my father. I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was comparable to Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles.
“But of course there are so many great teams in England, so if a nice club like Liverpool comes along, I would love to go there one day.” It is reported that Bologna are not keen on letting their key players leave mid-season, so a potential move for Beukema could be postponed until the summer.
However, Liverpool are said to still be keeping tabs on the centre-back, who currently has a market value of around £18.5 million (€22 million) according to Transfermarkt. Given that the likes of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate have suffered from fitness issues of late and that Virgil van Dijk is out of contract this summer, it is no surprise that the Reds are looking to strengthen the heart of their defense.
Comments