Liverpool risk being exposed at the back despite assembling a forward line that could become one of Europe’s most feared. The Reds spent on attacking talent this summer, signing Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo on loan and Bradley Barcola for a combined total of £217.5m, with Barcola joining from Paris St-Germain for £123m. That outlay follows a transfer strategy focused on young, high-upside additions, the average age of first-team signings across the past two windows sitting at 22.
The incoming business has not erased clear gaps. Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers, and Curtis Jones moved to Inter Milan for £30m. The club also rejected an £80m bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo because they could not secure a replacement. Senior figures cast the window as more measured than last summer’s £415m spending spree, and Liverpool’s net spend this summer sits just under £200m when earlier January deals such as Jeremy Jacquet are included.
Andoni Iraola’s squad has shown early vulnerability. Liverpool conceded twice in both Premier League games so far, and injuries have thinned defensive options. Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are sidelined long term, and Joe Gomez’s pre-season problem prompted the loan arrival of Araujo from Barcelona, who is viewed as a temporary fix with an option to buy for £47m next summer. Internally, Leoni, 19, and Jacquet, 21, are considered among the best young centre-backs in Europe, and the club is optimistic about prospects such as Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
Goalkeeping and full-back areas also carry questions. Liverpool signed 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans from Genk in a deal that could rise to £30m, an investment aimed at the future as Alisson’s contract expires next summer and Giorgi Mamardashvili has yet to make an impact. Milos Kerkez has started the season underwhelming at left-back, while Jeremie Frimpong has struggled on the right. The club failed to secure Malo Gusto on loan from Chelsea on deadline day. Liverpool are willing to wait for Conor Bradley’s recovery from a knee injury, and Araujo or Dominik Szoboszlai can cover right-back if needed.
Midfield depth, particularly a specialist defensive midfielder, remains a talking point. Iraola said he would be "comfortable" once the window shut, and senior figures believe current options suffice for now. Daniel Sturridge, working as a pundit, observed the side "has needed a defensive midfielder for three years." Liverpool have retained Alexis Mac Allister and extended deals for Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, while Wataru Endo and 19-year-old Trey Nyoni provide additional cover. The club looked at Lamine Camara but had no plan to buy a midfielder this summer.
Barcola could make his debut this Friday at Ipswich, offering early signs of the attacking potential that PSG described as part of the "greatest super sub window ever." The real test arrives on 10 September, when Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign and step into a schedule that will demand squad depth with two games per week. Injuries easing will help, but only sustained minutes and results will show whether this transfer window has delivered a balanced squad or left Anfield short where it matters most.
