Liverpool have overlooked a transfer issue they must overcome as big-money deals loom. Once renowned for making correct major transfers, the Reds have seen a worrying trend in recent years.
Record Spending and Mixed Results
Last summer, Liverpool smashed their transfer record twice, committing £116 million on Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and setting a new British standard with a £125 million agreement for Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. They also spent £79 million on Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, contributing to an overall splurge of almost £450 million on new players.
While inflation and rising costs have made bargains harder to find, Liverpool's recent big-money buys have not always justified their fees. Darwin Nunez, who cost almost £80 million, has not matched his outlay despite winning the Premier League. Wirtz has been a qualified success but has yet to come close to justifying his fee, while Isak struggled with injuries. Ekitike suffered an Achilles injury that will sideline him for more than eight months.
Historical Success and Recent Concerns
For the early part of Fenway Sports Group's ownership, Liverpool were either unwilling or unable to engage in big-money spending. That changed in 2018 with the arrivals of Virgil van Dijk (£75 million) and Alisson Becker (£65 million), both still at the club and evidence of success. Among the 14 players Liverpool have committed more than £40 million on are Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho – all Premier League title winners.
However, a slightly worrying trend has emerged. Incoming £60 million centre-back Jeremy Jacquet suffered a season-ending injury before even playing for the club. Last summer's unconvincing transfer business has increased scrutiny on sporting director Richard Hughes and the recruitment team.
Current Transfer Targets
Liverpool's interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande shows they are willing to spend big, but their £86 million offer falls short of Leipzig's £112 million asking price. If Diomande proves out of reach, they will turn to alternatives like Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola.
The Reds are likely to have to spend big regardless of who fills the Mohamed Salah-sized hole in their team. It will be the latest test of an approach that has shown signs of losing its lustre in recent years.
