Liverpool analysis: How good was Arne Slot’s summer transfer window? Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and more
Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Premier League campaign after Mohamed Salah’s last-gasp penalty winner against Burnley.
While certainly not at their best, the Reds have managed to beat AFC Bournemouth, Arsenal and Newcastle United, as they look to keep their Premier League crown.
With a net spend of £228 million this summer, the Merseysiders have put themselves in a great position to defend their title.
But how does each of Arne Slot’s summer signings rate?
Well, Transfer News Blitz’s Edward Moss has ranked every major new arrival at Anfield.
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Giovanni Leoni: C+
Signed for £26 million from Parma
Giovanni Leoni’s rise to signing for Liverpool is nothing short of remarkable.
The 18-year-old caught the Reds’ eye after an impressive season in the Serie A last term with Parma, in which he made 17 appearances.
AC Milan and Inter Milan were reportedly both keen, but the youngster opted for a move to Anfield.
That being said, it is unclear whether Leoni will play much of a part in Slot’s squad this season.
While full of potential and definitely one for the future, could the Reds have better spent £26 million on a more experienced head at the back?
Jeremie Frimpong: B+
Signed for £30 million from Bayer Leverkusen
Following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Liverpool were left with Conor Bradley as their solitary option at right-back.
In came Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, who, similarly to Alexander-Arnold, is a very attacking-oriented full-back.
The Dutchman is not a like-for-like replacement, but still offers a huge threat down the right.
It has not been an ideal start for the 24-year-old, who has already struggled with a hamstring knock, forcing midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to play as a makeshift right-back.
Frimpong will no doubt show exactly what he can do with a solid run of minutes, and looks to be an absolute steal at just £30 million.
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Milos Kerkez: B
Signed for £40 million from AFC Bournemouth
Full-back Milos Kerkez was another figure brought in to shore up Liverpool’s defence this summer, on what looks to be a bargain deal.
The Hungarian has firmly established himself in the Premier League, having spent two years on the South Coast with Bournemouth.
With Andy Robertson already at the club, the 21-year-old now has the opportunity to learn and develop from one of the best left-backs in recent memory.
Slot has so far preferred Kerkez to the Scotsman, who has started all four of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season.
However, after being hooked on 38 minutes against Burnley while on a yellow card, Kerkez still lacks that important bit of experience to his game, which will come with time.
That being said, the Hungarian international is a great signing, and could well be the Merseysiders' starting left-back for the next decade.
Florian Wirtz: B
Signed for £100 million plus add-ons from Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool broke the bank to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield, beating off the likes of FC Bayern and Manchester City to his signature.
Following a breakthrough campaign in the 2019/20 season, the German international lit up the Bundesliga with Leverkusen.
With 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last term, it is clear to see why the Reds were willing to go all out for the 22-year-old.
Wirtz was also part of Bayer Leverkusen’s invincibles, who won the club’s first Bundesliga title in 2024.
Yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League, the German is seemingly still getting up to speed on Merseyside.
Although given the price Liverpool paid, the midfielder will surely need to produce soon.
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Hugo Ekitike: A+
Signed for £69 million plus add-ons from Eintracht Frankfurt
While I’m still convinced that Liverpool only signed Hugo Ekitike to annoy Newcastle, it certainly looks to have been a masterstroke.
In all seriousness, the Frenchman has been a revelation following his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt.
With two goals and one assist in the Premier League already, Ekitike looks set for a huge maiden campaign with the Reds.
The 22-year-old bagged a huge 34-goal contributions in all competitions for Frankfurt last term, forming a deadly partnership with now Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush.
However, with Alexander Isak now through the door, the question remains of what role Ekitike will play at Anfield.
After an impressive start, you would imagine that Ekitike would not be best pleased sitting on the bench.
Alexander Isak: A
Signed for £130 million from Newcastle United
Speaking of the big man…
Isak finally completed a mega £130 million switch to Liverpool on Deadline Day, after the biggest transfer saga of the summer.
The Reds already looked like a force to be reckoned with, but with the addition of Isak, they look so much scarier.
After joining Newcastle in 2022, the Swede has established himself as one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe.
With 23 Premier League goals last season, the 25-year-old will be expected to find the back of the net on a very regular basis at Anfield.
But could that prove to be an issue?
There is going to be so much pressure on Isak’s shoulders, and if he does not perform, that weight will only get heavier.
On paper, this is a superb signing, and with Isak yet to make his debut, only time will tell if he is worth a British record fee.
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Departures: A
While the incomings have been impressive, Liverpool should also be applauded for their departures.
The Reds spent a huge £415 million on new signings, but were able to generate £228 million in sales.
Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah left for the Bundesliga, joining FC Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen for a combined £100 million.
Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez also departed for big money, signing for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal for £46 million.
Ben Doak and Caoimhin Kelleher joined Premier League sides Bournemouth and Brentford, while Tyler Morton completed a switch to Lyon in Ligue 1 for £15 million.
Liverpool’s most notable departure was, of course, Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
The LaLiga giants shelled out £10 million to secure the 26-year-old’s services for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Harvey Elliott and Kostas Tsimikas both departed on loan for Aston Villa and Roma, respectively.
Overall, it was a hugely successful summer for Liverpool, who will be hoping to get their hands on plenty of silverware this season.
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