The Liverpool boss opted against signing a current Red last summer. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has just had the impact most fans could only dream a new head coach could have: winning the Premier League title in his maiden season at Liverpool.
A point was all the Merseyside outfit needed to rubber stamp their name on the title this year, but instead ran riot and put on a show for the Anfield faithful by hitting Tottenham Hotspur for five in Sunday’s late kick-off.
It’s an achievement that now sees Liverpool draw level on a feat only previously attained by Manchester United by being crowned champions of England 20 times. Alas, to say it’s been nothing short of a dispirited weekend for the Reds is an understatement.
When detailing the story of Slot’s first nine months at the club and how his early triumph came to fruition, The Athletic (James Pearce) revealed he actually passed up on the opportunity to sign a United player prior to his Old Trafford move.
Slot turned down chance to sign Manuel Ugarte
After being rejected by Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay with boyhood club Real Sociedad, amid their No.6 search last summer, Liverpool were approached by Paris Saint-Germain and ‘offered’ Manuel Ugarte.
However, Slot and Sporting Director Richard Hughes had ‘no interest’ in hashing out a deal for the Uruguayan international, and instead shoehorned Ryan Gravenberch into a deeper role, which has since proven hugely successful.
Ugarte eventually went on to sign for United on deadline day in a deal worth up to £50.5 million, with the board initially forking out £42m to reach an agreement with PSG.
The 24-year-old has now made 40 appearances (32 as a starter) in total for the Red Devils, scoring twice and assisting three goals. He has averaged a rating of 6.82 on Sofascore for his top-flight performances throughout the campaign, and most fans would likely admit he hasn’t had the impact they desired when his transfer was finalised – especially given Scott McTominay, who’s gone on to absolutely flourish with Napoli, was offloaded to raise funds for Ugarte’s arrival.
