Have Liverpool Done This Window Right?

Have Liverpool Done This Window Right?

Liverpool’s summer of 2025 has been anything but quiet. In a matter of weeks, the Reds spent heavily, brought in a host of new faces, and said goodbye to some familiar names. Arne Slot has clearly set out his intentions: compete for every trophy. But spending money and improving a squad aren’t always the same thing. The real question is whether Liverpool have genuinely strengthened or just reshuffled pieces while leaving gaps in the squad.

Wirtz and Ekitike: The New Faces Up Front

Perhaps the most talked-about addition is Florian Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee around £100 million. Wirtz is not just another midfielder; he’s versatile, capable of drifting wide, dropping deep, or acting as a link between midfield and attack.

Wirtz is anticipated to fill the hole left by Luis Díaz's departure, which highlighted Liverpool's need for inventiveness. His addition gives Slot more tactical freedom, so it's not just about replacing Díaz. Wirtz may press forward, sit deeper to control the pace, or form various attacking formations with Salah and the new forwards, depending on the opposition.

What a photo. pic.twitter.com/kGVwAp6mJs

— Slotoholic (@Slotoholic) August 26, 2025

Up front, Hugo Ekitike arrives from Eintracht Frankfurt. A young forward with a willingness to prove to the world why he was a forward in demands this summer. Ekitike has the tools to lead the line in Darwin Núñez’s absence, with the Frenchman scoring in his first two Premier League games.

While his technical ability and movement are promising, he’ll need to adjust to the pace and physicality of England’s top flight. His success could determine whether Liverpool can maintain the intensity in attack that fans have come to expect.

Defensive Changes: Filling the Void

Defensively, the window has been significant. Jeremie Frimpong on the right brings pace and attacking intent, a necessity after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure. The left has been bolstered by Milos Kerkez, who offers both defensive reliability and overlapping support.

Both full-backs are expected to contribute offensively, stretching defenses while also maintaining discipline at the back. Slot now has options to rotate these positions without losing the attacking width that has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s style.

Liverpool have strengthed in central defence with the signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma. The Italian defender adds much needed depth for Liverpool and was seen as a major coup by the footballing community to prize a young Italian away from Serie A.

In goal, Giorgi Mamardashvili and free-agent Freddie Woodman give Slot reliable alternatives to Alisson, a consideration that becomes critical during congested schedules with domestic cups and European competition.

Departures That Leave Questions

While Liverpool have invested heavily, the exits have been noticeable. Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich and Darwin Núñez’s to Al-Hilal removes high quality depth. Díaz’s dribbling and ability to stretch defenses, in particular, will be difficult to replace. Núñez offered both a target for long balls and a pressing threat, qualities Liverpool’s new forward line must replicate.

Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid also leaves a leadership and creative gap. His ability to dictate play from the right will be missed. Frimpong now has to step into a role that requires both offensive contribution and defensive understanding, a transition that may take time.

Areas of Concern

Despite heavy spending, some questions remain. Central defence, for instance, has not seen a marquee addition. Interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi still remains but a deal this late in the transfer window seems unlikely, leaving Liverpool potentially vulnerable against strong opposition. Depth here matters because injuries and suspensions are inevitable across a long season.

On the attacking front, Liverpool are still one player short. Wirtz and Ekitike are hugely exciting talents but are not Premier League proven. The Champions have chased Newcastle's Alexander Isak all summer, but again seems very unlikely with Newcastle refusing a sale until they themselves can sign a replacement, which they have failed to do this summer.

Arne Slot's New Liverpool

The new signings give Slot flexibility. Wirtz allows rotations in midfield without sacrificing creativity and Ekitike can operate as a pressing forward or hold-up striker depending on the game. Frimpong and Kerkez provide width, giving Liverpool options in attack while maintaining defensive balance.

Liverpool now have the tools to alter formations as needed. A 4-3-3 can be used to maintain pressing intensity, while a 4-2-3-1 allows more controlled build-up. Success will depend on how quickly the new players adapt, how Slot manages rotations and whether the team can maintain cohesion early in the season.

Ambition with Risks

So, have Liverpool done this window right? The answer is mixed. There are quality additions who fit the style Slot wants to play, but departures leave gaps that Liverpool have failed to fully replace. Central defence remains a concern, although the addition of Leoni does help from a depth perspective. A forward however is desperately needed, with Ekitike being Liverpool's only registered out and out striker.

This window has been ambitious, reflecting both short-term goals and long-term planning. Whether it is successful will depend on results and how well the new signings settle, with Slot looking to retain the Premier League as well as competing for the domestic and European trophies on offer.