Liverpool FC’s sporting director Richard Hughes gave his fans an interesting prediction for the transfer window at the beginning of his term in office.
The Reds have yet to sign a player this summer, which has fans worried that they could be left behind by their rivals and fail to find potential new players.
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But speaking at his first press conference as club boss on Friday alongside new boss Arne Slot, Hughes stressed that a number of international competitions are likely to delay new signings at Anfield.
He said: “When there are big competitions in the summer – a European Championship, the Copa America and also the Olympic Games – there is a lot of football played, of course the attention is there.
“And I think that after the turmoil (across the Premier League) that prevailed in June, things will now calm down a bit.
“That would be my prediction for the month of July.
“And then, as always, when August starts and the coaches have had more time to work with the players, I think the opinions at the football clubs will be more solidified.
“And then there may be a situation in August where, as in previous seasons, there is a bit of a rush to get things done and make sure all the teams are OK.
“I don’t think it will be any different here, but who knows what will happen economically? It’s hard to say for other clubs.
“But that was probably the case in June and that is why such situations arose.
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“But I expect things to calm down in July and then probably see a crescendo in August.”
As for Slot, who has succeeded Jürgen Klopp as coach at Anfield, he is still cautious about strengthening his team.
He stressed that he had joined a team full of stars and noted: “We inherited a good team.”
“With my perspective on football, I realise how important it is to work on it every day.
“Not all players are at the same level as their clubs. There is a really good team there.”
“Last year there were very few good signings. Usually you see that things are going to improve.”