Fresh from clinching their record-equalling 19th English league crown, Liverpool have wasted no time in reshaping Arne Slot’s squad for what they hope will be a new era of Premier League dominance.
The club has secured fresh contracts for key figures like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah while committing a massive £260 million to new signings — and the spending spree may not be over yet.
From Germany, two of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, have landed at Anfield, promising creativity and a sharper cutting edge in attack. Jeremie Frimpong has also joined, stepping into the huge role of replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez arrives from Bournemouth as the heir apparent to Andy Robertson on the left flank.
More defensive cover is expected soon, with deals for Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi and 18-year-old Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma reportedly close. But the biggest headline could be the pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, in a move that would smash the British transfer record at over £115 million.
Liverpool’s aggressive approach marks a sharp turn from last season, when they were among the league’s lowest spenders. The spending power this summer has been boosted by smart sales, with the exits of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton bringing in around £200 million.
It’s a bold gamble — dismantling a title-winning squad to build something even stronger is a rare move in English football. Since 2007, only Manchester City in 2019 have been both champions and the biggest spenders in the same summer window.
Years of commercial growth and careful ownership now allow Liverpool to compete financially with Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-backed might. But the plan comes with questions, especially with the possibility of £69 million signing Ekitike playing second fiddle to Isak.
The ultimate aim is clear — back-to-back league titles, something Liverpool haven’t achieved since 1984. Doing so would not only cement Slot’s name in club history but also see Liverpool overtake Manchester United as the most successful English club.
Slot’s pre-season has shown flashes of what’s to come — more firepower, more chances, but also a need for balance. The Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace on penalties, after twice surrendering the lead, was a reminder that the formula isn’t perfected yet.
Beyond trophies, the team has an emotional mission. This season will be played in memory of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away last month at just 28 alongside his brother in a car accident in northern Spain. Liverpool will honour him all year, wearing “Forever 20” — his retired shirt number — on their jerseys.
