Arne Slot hopes Mats Wieffer doesn't try to justify his Premier League too much against Liverpool.
The Netherlands defensive midfielder was briefly linked with a move to Liverpool recently but the 24-year-old has now moved to Brighton. The Reds did not make a late move for the player, though that was claimed a few days ago by De Telegraaf.
Arne Slot, however, has sent a message of congratulations to his former midfielder with the pair having successfully worked together at Feyenoord. He is pleased to see Wieffer moving to the Premier League with Brighton and in the process, the new Reds head coach also confirmed his side wasn't in for the 24-year-old.
"I think it's especially great for him, when you see where he comes from," Slot told ViaPlay (as transcribed by 1908.nl). "That he can make the step to the Premier League two years after he came from Excelsior, that's great for him. It's fantastic for him, but also for Feyenoord, because it's the biggest transfer in the club's history."
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Apparently asked if Liverpool had been in for the player, Slot replied with a smile: "No, I have not spoken to Mats. I think it is very nice to meet him, but I hope he does not want to prove too much to his old coach."
Liverpool.com says: Wieffer is a good player but Liverpool won't be signing anyone based on the fact that they have worked with Slot before. Quite simply, he isn't quite at the level required at Anfield just yet, though a move to Brighton makes sense. If he does well there, perhaps he could get a move to a bigger team in the future.
In terms of signing players from Feyenoord this summer, that might not be the best idea for Liverpool. Slot needs to implement his style on his new squad but sometimes players who follow the manager from one team to another can be more of a hindrance than a help. Having a fresh slate might be the best way to go.
