Liverpool’s Transfer Window: A Strategic Balance of Great Sales and Minimal Recruitment

Liverpool’s summer transfer window was one of measured moves and strategic decisions, marked by a significant coup in the acquisition of Federico Chiesa from Juventus. While the deal represents a remarkable bit of business, questions linger about whether the club did enough to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.

Chiesa: A Bargain or a Gamble?

Liverpool’s pursuit of Federico Chiesa was a long time coming. The club had kept tabs on the Italian forward for years, ever since his breakthrough at Fiorentina. When he moved to Juventus in 2020, Liverpool’s hopes of signing him seemed to fade, especially after his standout performances at Euro 2020. However, injuries and changing circumstances at Juventus brought him back within Liverpool’s reach.

New sporting director Richard Hughes played his cards perfectly. With Juventus eager to avoid losing Chiesa on a free transfer in 2025, Liverpool secured his services for a modest initial fee of £10 million, potentially rising to £12.5 million with add-ons. Chiesa’s commitment to joining Liverpool, despite interest from the Saudi Pro League, speaks volumes about the club’s allure and the player’s ambition.

Upon signing, Chiesa spoke of his father’s advice, a former Italy striker, who urged him to “Go! It’s the best choice for your career.” Such enthusiasm bodes well for his integration into Arne Slot’s system, where his versatility and work rate will be key assets.

Minimal Recruitment Amid Major Changes

Despite the excitement around Chiesa, Liverpool’s transfer window was notable for its restraint. The club made only one other significant signing, agreeing on a £29 million deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will join next summer. This leaves Chiesa as the sole addition to a squad that has undergone substantial off-field changes, including the appointment of Arne Slot as head coach and Hughes as sporting director.

The decision to focus on minimal recruitment was deliberate. Slot, known for his ability to improve players, believes that the current squad has the potential to thrive with the right guidance. The club’s strategy this summer was more about consolidation and development from within, rather than a complete overhaul.

Profit from Player Sales

Liverpool’s financial prudence was evident in their player sales. The club raised substantial funds through the departures of fringe players, including Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Bobby Clark, and Harvey Blair. Additionally, they benefited from sell-on clauses for Dominic Solanke, Luis Alberto, and Kamil Grabara, further boosting their coffers.

This approach has left some fans questioning whether Liverpool might regret not reinvesting more of that income into new signings, especially with the ongoing need for a top-class holding midfielder.

Concerns About Squad Depth

The lack of a new No. 6 has been a point of contention among supporters. Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi fell through, leaving a gap in the squad. While Ryan Gravenberch has impressed in a deep-lying role, it remains to be seen if he can consistently fill the void left by the departure of Fabinho.

Defensively, Liverpool decided against signing another centre-back, confident that academy graduate Jarell Quansah could step up. However, the decision not to add more depth could be a gamble if injuries strike.

Liverpool’s transfer window was defined by a cautious approach, balancing great sales with minimal recruitment. While the addition of Chiesa is a major positive, the lack of further reinforcements could be a risk as the season progresses. Slot’s ability to develop the existing squad will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can maintain their momentum in what promises to be a challenging campaign.