Liverpool transfers: Arne Slot speaks out on Mats Wieffer €30m Brighton deal

Brighton have secured the signing of Dutch international midfielder Mats Wieffer on a five-year contract for a fee of €30 million, excluding bonuses, according to reports. 

It’s the most expensive transfer in the history of Feyenoord, surpassing the records set by the departures of Luis Sinisterra and Orkun Kökcü, who joined Leeds United and Benfica respectively. 

Those deals are testament to the hard work of new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who developed several Feyenoord talents into multi-million assets for the Rotterdam side, at the same time managing to keep the Eredivisie giants competitive. 

Under Slot’s guidance, Feyenoord reached the final of the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League and won the Eredivisie title as well as this year’s KNVB Pokal (Dutch cup). 

Even more of Slot’s squad have been tipped for summer departures with the likes of Lutsharel Geertruida and David Hancko recently linked with moves to Liverpool. 

Hancko confirmed last week that Liverpool were not currently looking for a player in his position - a left-sided defender - while the trail appears to have gone cold on versatile defender Geertruida too. 

Wieffer linked with 11th-hour Liverpool bid

Wieffer was another one linked with an Anfield arrival, with it reported late last week that the Reds had failed with an 11th-hour bid to tempt the midfielder away from Brighton’s clutches. 

Liverpool are seeking a midfielder to cover the departure of the now-retired Thiago Alcantara and have been linked with several players in the position.

Slot has now spoken out about Wieffer’s Brighton move, wishing him well on his record-breaking move to the south coast, but insisting that Liverpool were NEVER in for his signature. 

Slot: I have not spoken to Wieffer

"I think it's especially great for him, when you see where he comes from,” Slot told ViaPlay. 

“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.

"No, I have not spoken to Mats. I think it will be very nice to meet him, but I hope he does not want to prove too much to his old coach.”

Wieffer, 24, became a mainstay of Slot’s regime after signing from Excelsior in 2022. 

The midfielder played 79 times for Slot, winning the Eredivisie title in 2022/23 and the KNVB Beker. He has established himself in The Netherlands’ national team setup as well but is missing Euro 2024 due to an injury which also curtailed his club season.

Liverpool’s interest predates Slot’s appointment as new head coach and it was reported last summer that the Reds had contacted the Rotterdam side over deals for both Wieffer and Hancko.