Arne Slot First Liverpool Signing Odds: Destination Anfield for Johan Bakayoko?

The Jurgen Klopp era is over as Liverpool turn towards the future under Arne Slot. The UK betting sites sites are already looking ahead, opening a market on who will be the first post-Klopp signing at Anfield.

Slot will not be in control of recruitment at his new club. Michael Edwards has returned, this time as CEO, and he will work closely with sporting director Richard Hughes. 

Slot will no doubt have a say, though, and it will be interesting to see precisely how the task is divvied up.

Who will be first through the door at Liverpool this summer? Let’s start by taking a look at the list drawn up by football betting sites. 

Bakayoko And Summerville Head Up Transfer List

The favourite to be Liverpool’s first signing under Slot is Johan Bakoyoko, who is available at odds of 7/4. The Belgian winger has been linked with the Reds in recent weeks after scoring 14 goals for PSV in 2023/24. Slot, formerly of Feyenoord, will be familiar with his ability.

Crysencio Summerville, a fellow Dutchman who began his career at Feyenoord, is listed at 5/2. Leeds United will be involved in the Championship play-off final this weekend, so much will depend on the outcome of that game. If Leeds win promotion, they will be desperate to keep hold of the exciting forward.

Slot may want to bring one of his Feyenoord charges to Anfield, with Mats Wieffer (3/1) the likeliest candidate. As we mentioned above, though, much will depend on how much say the head coach has on recruitment. 

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Bowen And Toney Among Potential Targets

Jurgen Klopp described Jarrod Bowen (4/1) as his “favourite player” outside of his own in December. The West Ham United forward enjoyed a fantastic season in east London, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. Bowen is seen as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, but he would not come cheap.

Ivan Toney will almost certainly be on the move this summer and you can get a price of 5/1 with betting apps on him joining Liverpool. However, it looks like the Reds are prepared to stick with Darwin Nunez, so this one could be a non-starter.

Elsewhere, Feyenord's Orkun Kokcu (9/2) is said to be interesting Liverpool, although he reportedly has a huge release clause of £128m.

Isak And Gordon Could Be Tough Deals To Get Done

Alexander Isak (11/2) and Anthony Gordon (13/2) have both had outstanding seasons at Newcastle United. 

The Magpies may need to sell one of their star men this summer in order to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, so Liverpool may feel they can prise one of the duo away.

It will still be tough, however, not least as Bruno Guimaraes is expected to be the player most likely to be sacrificed. Isak would cost a huge amount and Gordon looks set to stay put for now.

Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP is not as well known to Premier League audiences, but the 6/1 option is a young centre-back with huge potential.

Varela And Koopmeiners May Emerge As Transfer Targets

Alan Varela is available at 7/1 to be the first new player into the building at Melwood ahead of the 2024/25 campaign with new betting sites. A 22-year-old midfielder, Varela has earned rave reviews for his performances for Porto this season. 

Much depends on whether Edwards, Hughes and Slot consider the centre of the park to be a priority area for strengthening. Even with Thiago Alcantara departing, the Reds look reasonably well stocked in the engine room.

Teun Koopmeiners also plays in that position, albeit in a more attack-minded role. Listed at 8/1, he has helped Atalanta reach the Europa League final this term. 

Neto And Olmo Outsiders In This Market Right Now

Dani Olmo (10/1) and Pedro Neto (16/1) are outsiders in this market, although things can change quickly when it comes to transfers. 

Olmo still has three years to run on his contract with RB Leipzig, who will be loath to lose one of their most important players ahead of next season.

As for Neto, there is no doubting his talent. But the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has endured another injury-disrupted campaign that may put off the likes of Liverpool, at least as far as this summer is concerned.

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.