Liverpool has made significant moves in the transfer market this summer, highlighted by the acquisition of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering £123 million. This signing marks one of the most expensive deals of the summer, as Liverpool looks to rebuild and strengthen their squad following a disappointing previous season.
Throughout the summer, manager Andoni Iraola expressed confidence that he would feel more at ease once the transfer window closed, providing clarity on his squad. Now that the window has officially shut, questions remain regarding the depth and quality of the team. Liverpool's senior management had indicated early on that this summer's transfer activity would not mirror the previous year, when the club spent a record £415 million under former manager Arne Slot, acquiring high-profile players such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Last year, Liverpool also generated substantial income, totaling £188 million from player sales, including key figures like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. This summer's net spend, however, is slightly below £200 million, with the club investing £217.5 million in new signings while also losing several senior players. Notably, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate departed for free, and Curtis Jones was sold to Inter Milan for £30 million. Liverpool also turned down an £80 million bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, as they were unable to secure a suitable replacement in time.
Despite the high-profile signing of Barcola, concerns linger regarding the squad's defensive capabilities and the absence of a dedicated defensive midfielder. The team's performance in their first two Premier League matches has raised alarms, as they conceded twice in each game, indicating vulnerabilities in defense. The club's backline has been further weakened by injuries to key players such as Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, which prompted the loan signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.
Araujo, a seasoned defender, serves as a temporary solution, but Liverpool has the option to make the deal permanent for £47 million next summer, coinciding with the expiration of Virgil van Dijk's contract. While Liverpool boasts promising young talents like Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, the overall depth at the back remains a concern, especially with the demanding fixture schedule ahead.
In addition to Barcola, Liverpool has also secured the services of 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk, a deal that could rise to £30 million. Brughmans, a product of the Genk academy, is viewed as a long-term prospect, especially with Alisson's contract expiring next summer. The team is also evaluating the performance of their current defenders, including Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, who have yet to find their form this season.
In midfield, while Iraola has suggested that personnel is not the primary issue, former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has pointed out the team's long-standing need for a defensive midfielder since Fabinho's departure in 2023. Although the club has retained key midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, the lack of a dedicated number six remains a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming Champions League campaign starting on September 10, the pressure is on Iraola to ensure that the squad can compete effectively across all competitions. With the club's recent struggles and the demanding schedule ahead, it remains to be seen whether the current squad can rise to the challenge and deliver the results that fans expect.
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