It’s a race against the clock for Arne Slot to be in a position where he can hand out a debut to a Liverpool signing against Ipswich Town.
After successful preparations in pre-season, the Dutchman will charge of the Reds for the first time in a competitive fixture as they travel to Portman Road for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against the Premier League newboys.
But as things stand, there isn’t a summer signing for supporters of the Merseyside outfit to get excited about seeing in action for the first time. And in truth, it seems highly unlikely the situation will change before the trip to East Anglia.
However, if, for example, Liverpool can agree a deal with Sporting CP for central defender Goncalo Inacio he would have a chance – albeit a very slim one – of making his debut against the Tractor Boys if one condition is met.
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Deadline for potential debut
As per the Premier League regulations, the Reds would have to register any new signing(s), by 12pm on Friday, August 16 to have them available for selection against Kieran McKenna’s side.
A statement reads: “Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).”
As mentioned above, the fact that no deal for a potential incoming appears imminent at the moment indicates – barring a major surprise – Slot will choose from the pool of players that featured in last weekend’s final pre-season outings.
This is despite links emerging from Portugal that Liverpool are planning to make an offer for Inacio as this deal could potentially be resolved later in the transfer window rather than ahead of the Premier League opener against Ipswich.
