Liverpool news: Slot explains Bajcetic plan as free agent option emerges

Arne Slot makes his first trip to Old Trafford on Sunday to finish off a busy week at Liverpool.

The Reds finally secured their first summer signing on Tuesday by purchasing Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, although he'll spend this season back on loan with the La Liga side. Thursday then saw Liverpool welcome Federico Chiesa from Juventus, who's been signed for a bargain £10million up front, plus £2.5m in potential add-ons.

Chiesa, 26, is eligible to make his debut against Manchester United, as Slot's side aim to make it three wins from three in the Premier League. But even as we enter September and the international break looms, there are still some mumblings about transfers.

Here's a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

Slot explains Bajcetic loan plan

Arne Slots wants Stefan Bajcetic to get plenty of games under his belt while on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, insisting that it's vital for his long-term future at Liverpool. Bajcetic, 19, has linked up with ex-Reds coach Pep Lijnders in Austria after being tipped to sign for Barcelona late in the window.

That would've kept him in Europe's top five leagues, but as Slot explained, regular football is more important. "I hope it will be a big year for him because he's a very talented player because he's been out for 15 months and I think he could become a very important player for us, only if he gets playing time now," the Liverpool boss explained.

"If you are that young and you've been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time. He could have playing time over here, but we've got six or seven very good midfielders, so his playing time here will always be more limited than we expect him to play at Salzburg."

Rabiot transfer option emerges

Liverpool have two more weeks to add free agents to their Premier League squad, with Adrien Rabiot still available. The France international, a starter at Euro 2024, was released by Juventus in June after failing to agree terms for a new contract.

Rabiot, 29, has since been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid but continues to search for a new club. The Premier League allow teams to sign free agents after transfer deadline day, so long as they're registered in their squad by September 14.

Salah explains new celebration

Mohamed Salah has revealed that UFC star Israel Adesanya is the inspiration behind his new celebration. With two goals to his name this season, the 32-year-old has been able to showcase the bow and arrow celebration which he saw Nigerian-New Zealand fighter Adesanya use after a victory.

"I was watching the UFC, [Alex] Pereira against Israel, Adesanya" Salah told Men In Blazers. "Adesanya, when he won the second fight against Pereira, he celebrated like that. Pereira I think beat him in the first one. So I liked the celebration, that’s why I did it. I am a UFC fan."