Liverpool’s Summer Transfer Window: Progress or Missed Opportunity?

As the dust settles on Liverpool’s summer transfer window, it’s time to examine the impact of the moves made under the stewardship of Richard Hughes, the club’s new sporting director. With anticipation running high and specific areas of concern within the squad, this window was expected to shape Liverpool’s fortunes for the upcoming season. But has it?

Key Priorities: Strengthening the Defence

Heading into the summer, it was clear that Liverpool needed to address their defensive vulnerabilities. Last season, the Reds struggled to keep pace with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, primarily due to a defence that lacked solidity and consistency. This issue wasn’t confined to the back four but extended to the defensive setup across the pitch.

Many believed that Liverpool required a new centre-back, a commanding number six, and possibly a fresh face at left-back, particularly with speculation surrounding the future of Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. The hope was for targeted reinforcements, but the expectation was for a relatively subdued transfer window unless a significant sale or a strategic shift demanded more aggressive action.

Reality Check: The Moves Liverpool Actually Made

As the window closed, Liverpool’s actual business diverged from initial expectations. Despite the widely acknowledged need for defensive reinforcements, the club did not secure a new centre-back or a dedicated number six. Instead, the Reds focused on acquiring a goalkeeper and a forward—choices that might have seemed perplexing had they been predicted earlier in the summer.

One of the more surprising moves was the purchase of a goalkeeper identified as a future successor to Alisson Becker. This proactive decision can be seen as smart planning, given the importance of securing long-term stability between the posts. The new goalkeeper, signed for a modest £25 million, has posted impressive numbers over the past year, making this deal one of value and foresight.

Equally intriguing was the acquisition of Federico Chiesa for just £10 million. Chiesa’s arrival adds depth to the attacking lineup and offers Mohamed Salah some much-needed respite. For years, Liverpool have relied heavily on Salah, and Chiesa’s presence will allow the Egyptian star to maintain peak performance without the relentless demands that have characterized his time at Anfield.

Near Misses and What Could Have Been

Beyond the confirmed signings, there were several near misses that could have significantly altered Liverpool’s transfer narrative. The most notable was Martín Zubimendi, a midfielder who appeared to be the perfect fit for Liverpool’s needs. Despite intense interest, Zubimendi ultimately chose to stay with his hometown club, Real Sociedad, preferring the comforts of San Sebastián over a move to Merseyside.

Zubimendi’s profile matched what Liverpool needed—a balanced midfielder capable of operating as a number six in a possession-based system. While not on the same level as Rodri, Zubimendi was arguably the best option available in a challenging market for defensive midfielders. His rejection leaves a lingering sense of what might have been, as his addition could have solidified Liverpool’s midfield for years to come.

Another close call was Anthony Gordon, who was heavily linked with Liverpool but didn’t make the move. Additionally, Liverpool were reportedly interested in centre-back Leny Yoro, but his eventual price tag, which Manchester United agreed to pay, was deemed too steep. These missed opportunities highlight the delicate balance of risk and reward that characterizes the transfer market.

Tactical Adaptations and Shifting Needs

As the window progressed, it became clear that Liverpool’s tactical approach under new manager Arne Slot would influence their transfer strategy. Slot’s preference for a 4-3-3 system, which occasionally morphs into a 4-2-3-1 depending on match scenarios, necessitates a number six who can operate effectively on his own. This tactical shift reduced the pool of suitable candidates, with some previously linked players no longer fitting the bill.

The transfer market is unpredictable, often requiring clubs to adapt their plans on the fly. Liverpool’s dealings this summer reflect this reality, with the club showing a willingness to pivot based on evolving tactical needs and market conditions. While this flexibility is commendable, it also underscores the challenges of addressing all areas of concern within a single window.

The Fine Line Between Hope and Pragmatism

I’ll be honest, I always look forward to transfer windows with a mix of hope and anticipation. Transfers give me great scope for analytical content, and they hugely help grow the channels like Anfield Index. But with that said, I never want transfers just for the sake of transfers. There’s a fine line between strengthening the squad and making changes that simply satisfy the buzz around new signings.

Contrary to what a well-known Liverpool patch journalist might claim, I don’t think Liverpool fans want the club to be run like Chelsea or Manchester United. That journalist was surely just gaslighting the fan base on transfer deadline day to see how much pi** he could boil. Liverpool fans, by and large, appreciate a well-thought-out approach, even if it doesn’t always involve splashing the cash every window.

Assessing Liverpool’s Summer Business

When evaluating Liverpool’s summer transfer activity, it’s essential to consider the broader context. Richard Hughes’ signings, while limited in number, represent good value and smart planning for the future. The acquisitions of a highly-rated goalkeeper and a versatile forward like Chiesa provide depth and long-term stability, which are crucial for a club looking to compete on multiple fronts.

Moreover, Liverpool’s ability to raise over £60 million from player sales, particularly from those unlikely to start regularly, is a testament to the club’s efficiency in the market. This success in player trading has allowed Liverpool to post a net profit of over £40 million—a significant achievement given the quality of players brought in.

However, the lack of defensive reinforcements remains a concern. While Liverpool’s squad may be marginally stronger than before the window opened, the failure to secure a centre-back or a number six could prove costly as the season progresses. The club has avoided making any glaring mistakes, but the question lingers: have they done enough to truly challenge for the Premier League title?

Looking Ahead: The Importance of Future Windows

As the season unfolds, the true impact of Liverpool’s summer business will become clear. For now, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. The signings made by Hughes have not weakened the squad, and there’s potential for growth in the coming months. However, the lack of defensive additions may leave the team vulnerable in key areas.

The most critical takeaway from this window is that Liverpool have not made any disastrous moves. In the transfer market, avoiding mistakes is often as important as making the right signings. A poor signing can set a club back years, as demonstrated by Chelsea’s ill-fated re-signing of Romelu Lukaku, a transfer that took three years to resolve.

Liverpool’s current squad is capable of competing for the Premier League title, but the margin for error is slim. Future windows will be crucial in determining whether the club can maintain its status among the elite or whether the lack of defensive reinforcements will come back to haunt them.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Liverpool’s transfer strategy will continue to be a topic of intense scrutiny. The pressure is on Hughes and the recruitment team to ensure that the next window delivers the reinforcements needed to take the club to the next level.