Arne Slot could get transfer second chance as former target outlines Liverpool ambition

Bologna's Sam Beukema has thrown into the mix while discussing a potential move to the Premier League, with the center-back opening up about his aspirations of playing at an elite level.

The 25-year-old was nearly signed by during his time at Feyenoord before eventually getting a taste of what Anfield feels like.

Beukema played against Liverpool earlier this month in the Champions League, marking his third encounter with a team managed by Slot. Liverpool manager to sign the Dutch defender back in 2021 following an impressive season at Go Ahead Eagles.

"I wanted to sign him. He had had a very good season at Go Ahead Eagles and we were looking for a central defender," he said, voicing his appreciation for Beukema's abilities.

Slot also humorously suggested that Beukema might have chosen poorly when he moved to Bologna instead of Feyenoord, who went on to clinch the Eredivisie title in 2023. "I think he chose the wrong club, because Feyenoord did a lot better than AZ [Alkmaar]! " Slot joked, "But, in the end, he made a nice transfer to Bologna, where he is also doing well. Beukema is a very good player."

Beukema has been pivotal for Bologna, contributing significantly to the team's impressive fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, their best in almost a decade. Following the footsteps of former teammates Joshua Zirkzee who switched to Manchester United and Riccardo Calafiori now playing regularly at Arsenal, Beukema too seems keen on making the jump to England.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Beukema shared his dreams beyond Serie A, saying, "I also have ambitions and hope one day to be able to play maybe in the Premier League or another big club," while revealing his childhood support for West Ham.

"I once visited Upton Park with my father and I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was similar to that of Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles. But there are so many fantastic teams in England, so if another great club like Liverpool came along I would be happy to go there one day."

Liverpool's defense could see some tweaking next season, especially at centre-back. Fans are eager for updates on Virgil van Dijk's situation, as he's hinted at contract negotiations with his current deal winding down next summer.

Joe Gomez's future is also under the microscope, having clocked a mere 10 minutes in the Premier League this term and only four appearances in total. The English defender was previously linked with a move to Newcastle United, which was part of a bid including Anthony Gordon, but the transfer didn't materialize.